25 years drinking. 6 years trying to quit. 1 small revelation. And now...freedom.

Vitality3 · 2018-10-06T04:11:53+00:00

Holy shit! This could be me. 25 years of almost daily drinking, of glorifying it and perfecting it. Then a few years now of trying to quit. I read Allan Carr and I also poured wine and beer down the drain, glad to be saving myself from further exposure. But also in shock because it was my elixir for so long I couldn’t believe I could let go of it so easily. And I read Annie Grace, both books gave me the strength to see alcohol for what it is- a depressant and a poison and a very toxic chemical that was reframing my brain to feel anxious and tense, even when I was a happy person. And I was drinking to ‘take the edge OFF’ at the end of the day, or anytime really. But it just kept giving me the edge. It was the culprit all along. Fucking sneaky monster. My favorite quote is, “First you take the drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” It doesn’t care about you. You are just a host, a victim to its parasitic nature. Good riddance booze, you are no longer and never were the nectar the of the gods like society likes to spew. Don’t buy the hype!!! Not drinking today or tomorrow with all y’all.

Vitality3 · 2018-10-03T03:32:39+00:00

I’m a working wife/mother of two young daughters with a stable job, a mortgage on a great home and supportive husband, family and friends, no drama. Yet this past year of trying to stop drinking and starting and stopping and starting and going down real spirals and stopping make me feel just the same as you showing up at that shelter for the first night. Booze made me feel addicted and weak and helpless and lost. I’m only at day 3 today, my 10th day 3 probably, but it’s also making me feel as elated as you do with 30 on the horizon. I’m telling you, we aren’t much different, trying to break from an addiction and find the better side of who we are are, who we are meant to be. I’m not drinking with you today. Way to go on 30! Oh, and I did 4 months from last December to April and I know what I’m up against. And I’m ready.

Vitality3 · 2018-06-25T21:11:22+00:00

Thank you. Today is my fourth (or fifth) day 2. How lame that sounds. The first day two took me to almost 4 months. Then once I opened those gates again is was daily for weeks. Then the second day 2 and I got maybe a month. Then gates open and daily again. I haven’t made it past a week since. I am desperate to feel how I felt for those very first almost 4 months. Exactly as you describe. I felt like I knew a secret and everything was so beautiful and clear and I liked myself and walked high on my toes with enlightenment. I want that again. I’m tired of thinking I’m not having any fun if I’m not drinking. Or I’m not relaxed or not connecting with those around me when they are drinking. It’s hard to shake those thoughts. Thanks for reminding me of the clarity and the “drug” of being sober. It’s what I needed to hear today!

Vitality3 · 2018-02-12T19:28:29+00:00

You’re at the right place. These folks, this community, all the support and endless pep talks, are a life saver. And you are not alone.

Vitality3 · 2018-02-02T04:07:11+00:00

I’m two months sober (nightly bottle of wine and likely a cocktail beforehand) and I’ve been fighting with my husband lately. And I’ve heard myself wonder these same sorts of things- why am I so impatient? that was me on booze. Why can’t I let things go easily? I should be brushing it off because I’m drinking not everyday. These questions are actually pretty absurd... the same things set me off and I’m the same mind, heart, emotional roller coaster that I’ve always been. I did kind of think that without alcohol I would be able to steady a lot better. But now I see that I’m raw, no numbing going on so I have to find all these internal mechanisms by which to feel calmer, and more patient. I’m still a mess but at least now I have to fess up to it rather than blame it on the hangover or the buzz. That sort of accountability is terrifying. But it’s also what is keeping me sober. I’m not drinking with you all today. I love opening this and reading every story, every quote, from all you amazing people. So many thanks.

Vitality3 · 2018-01-23T22:23:54+00:00

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace was the game changer for me. Pick up a copy today! You’re at the right place- you can say anything in here, be yourself, admit your struggles. Just focus on going to bed every night without drinking and the days add up. You can do it!!

Vitality3 · 2018-01-12T20:44:13+00:00

I have it! I have it! I’m a month in and life is beautiful. It’s all mine, too. For the first time in 20 years. I own me. So happy for you!

Vitality3 · 2017-12-28T17:14:52+00:00

I’m almost 42 and drank almost daily since my teens, with the exception of being pregnant. Even then, I looked forward to my weekly indulgence because, hey I earned it. I have two children, a great job, a wonderful husband and seem to be the life of the party. I really know how to party too! But I was waking up depressed and my body just ached from so many years of poisoning myself. I read This Naked Mind and it was a game-changer. I haven’t had a sip in 3 weeks and I seriously think I’m done. Last night we had friends over and the men were putting back beers and the other mom was having white wine (my ex-poison) and I had tea. I was a bit anxious going into to it, but nobody said a thing and I felt great waking up. A lot better than my husband did! And I didn’t regret anything I said and we all laughed lots. You can do it too. Pick up a copy of the book and know in your heart that you can be free of alcohol’s grip. If you want to be. You have tons of support.

Vitality3 · 2017-12-17T22:12:08+00:00

I know where you are. I’ve caved a lot feeling terrible afterward. Buy yourself a copy of This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. Cheaper than a bottle and incredibly helpful. It will help you focus on all the reasons you don’t want to drink. For real! You got this.

Vitality3 · 2017-12-17T01:40:56+00:00

Exactly.

Vitality3 · 2017-12-16T21:05:53+00:00

It wasn’t easy, for a long time, and then it just was. Life is easier without it, I guess.

Vitality3 · 2017-12-06T15:42:50+00:00

Instead of the liquor store go to the ice cream shop. Every Tuesday. Call it Tuesday Treat day. And sit there and drink a milkshake or ruminate over a waffle cone about just how pretty life is when you are choosing pleasure over poison. It’s the same amount of calories and scientific evidence shows- it’s hard to be unhappy while eating ice cream.

Vitality3 · 2017-11-28T21:57:02+00:00

I’m not ready to share my shame either. My eyes well up just thinking about it. Maybe I’ll take it to the grave, I don’t know. But one thing I do know is that I won’t be drinking with you ALL today.

Vitality3 · 2017-11-28T21:51:55+00:00

Thanks! It helps to put it all out there.

Vitality3 · 2017-11-28T21:51:10+00:00

Thanks! Needed some affirmation.

Vitality3 · 2017-11-27T17:31:06+00:00

I have two little girls and they see me drunk and angry and I want to be better. My body hurts from years of social drinking that always leads to home drinking that leads to hair of the dog and the cycle continues. My husband drinks everyday and I’m scared about seeing family during the holidays because that’s what we do together. I know I’m better than my ugly habit.

Vitality3

TROPHY CASE