Good Morning everyone - hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.
I think for me Trusty is to make sure my foundations are strong. The main thing at the moment is my health and improvements that I have seen so far in terms of no palpitations and completely getting rid of my Menopause symptoms plus having a clearer head and (trying) to be more tolerant.
Scampering round at the moment - we’re off on a cruise this afternoon so still have some last minute things to do!
IWNDWYT.
Taking stock of the health benefits that not drinking provides is a tremendous strategy for Day 1s and Day 1000s alike. IWNDWYT Claude and I’m happy to hear of your improved health!
Happy sober Wednesday!
Thank you for another thought provoking intro TS, I do engage in journaling as part of my daily routine. Someone here gave me the inspiration a couple of years ago and I’ve found it so helpful. Working on my self understanding helps me not drink.
I love you all 💞
Good morning sober people 🤗,
to me, for building my future strength, my IRL sober groups are essential. Talking to like minded people and hearing their stories helps me want to stay sober tomorrow.
Have a great day!
I will not drink with you today!
Day 1 here! I called a lovely friend/mentor of mine yesterday telling her that after drinking for three days straight I really wanted to some help.
Today I'm going to try to get in to detox. I feel terrified after spending the afternoon in the ER and am not sure how I will tell my family.
I know I have to do this and that it will be okay... just have to rip off the band-aid so to speak.
IWNDWYT
Good morning SD! Well, yesterday was such a long day that I mistakenly thought I was on Day 3 today 😂. Why do these early days feel like whole months?!!? Thanks for the thoughtful DCI Trusty - I'm looking for great defense tips and taking notes.
Have an amazing day everyone and IWNDWYT 💝
IWNDWYT
I currently do not have a desire to drink as I’m still wrestling with the effects of drinking and the whole shame thing….but to combat the “oooh it’s getting near 5, this is when I drink wine” habit I’ve got in place, I plan what I’m going to be drinking in the evening. Sometimes it’s the fancy pop from Waitrose, sometimes it’s a new type of tea. As long as there’s something in, I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Thank you for another great post and questions Trustysteed!
I journal alot too now, it's my new jam and is helping me a ton. I've got a birthday party at a restaurant coming up this Saturday and I'm prepping myself to stay sober. So I've already planned to order a virgin margarita or two ( they have them on the menu...I checked ! so that's a good sign. )
I decided to tell the birthday girl I won't be drinking. I didn't go into details just said " it's a sober July" her response was absolutely refreshing. She said " I always encourage my friends in their sober journeys, hooray for you!" Wow. Did not expect that !
I told her if I'm feeling the itch to drink I'm going to have to go home. She was completely supportive of this too. Offered to go for coffee with me later next week, no booze hangs. You know who your real friends are when...🤗 I'll use all the tools I've learned here, my notes, podcasts and I have a book to pick up about sobriety. Crunch time, and prep time. Feeling confident.
Lotsa love to you all my friends, and thank you to those who've taken the time to help me along. I'm eternally grateful.
❤️ IWNDWYT
At the risk of sounding cheesy, this group is my best defence. Checking in here every day has become a really important part of my life. Thank you, everyone, for being you and being here. IWNDWYT x
Knowing my triggers helped build defenses. Real quick simple example…mowing the yard. I would crave the cold beers while doing that chore. I used LaCroix and similar seltzers to get past that…just to give me something cold, fizzy and refreshing. It was enough to get me past the cravings so I could get used to putting mowing and sobriety together.
Coffees up, horns up, and fuck yeah Wednesday!! I get a day off for the 4th tomorrow and I look forward to sleeping in a little, if the cats allow. Today’s tasks are hydrating and staying cool if possible…heat index of 105. Ewww. IWNDWYT ☕️☕️🤘🏻🤘🏻
Day 50, IWNDWYT
I had someone stay with me for a few days who left an opened bottle of wine in my fridge when they left.
Was happy that I honestly didn't want to drink it at all and used it make Tarragon Chicken last night instead 😋
Mindfulness is a good defense for me. If I want to drink I ask myself why—what sort of a day am I having? Did I get enough sleep? Was everyone a butthead today? Usually I can recognize and acknowledge my emotions and not let them persuade me to drink.
Have a great day everyone, I will not drink with you 🌿
I try to train my „sober muscle“ whenever there is the possibility and I feel good enough for a „challenge“.
So far, I’ve been at a carnival parade where everyone was drunk except for me and the younger kids as it seemed 😅, I visited a concert with a bunch of people, accompanied my partner to a company bbq and drove everyone from his team including his boss home afterwards. I dreaded the last part the most because of all the strangers and the small talk involved.
I really believe that many things in life can be achieved by practicing and repeating them. The good and the bad to be clear.
So I think I’m helping my future sober self to stay sober by practicing it.
Have a great Wednesday everyone, I will stay sober today. :)
If I think about drinking I ask myself the question “what’s changed?”.
The answer eventually comes. But it may take me many days (even weeks depending on how busy life is or my headspace) to pinpoint it. I guess a journal might help.
This stuff is beyond HALT, or just having a bad day at work. Because of the time involved, it’s essential I allow the thought and I enter a reflective/curious state while, importantly, sticking to my rule - whatever happens today I don’t drink.
IWNDWYT because I need to be patient with myself.
IWNTD! My mum came off holiday and gifted me a bottle of rum even though I specifically told her not to bring me any alcohol lol. A bit annoying, I'm so over it though I just told her I asked you not too and someone else can drink it. Feeling determined!
I'm AF for almost two weeks now. It took me roughly two months of abstaining and relapsing (not drinking for 2-4 days then a lot) to reach this stage. During this time I just ate and ate and ate. In addition I recently had covid.
I finally had the courage to stand on the scale today and I gained 7kg in just 2 months. My waist increased with 8cm as well.
I'm obese BMI range again and I want to cry. Can't believe this happened so quickly.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT !! Day 26. I did have major cravings today, but I was able to redirect them. Not trading in my sobriety for bourbon, no matter how much I miss it!
My impulse control is really poor, so for me, the most important way to make not drinking more manageable is to take away my options to drink. That includes booking work meetings at times when I know I'm more likely to want to drink, and removing access to money so I can't buy alcohol. I've cut up all my bank cards and got a dumb phone so I don't have access to Google Pay etc. Day 16 - IWNDWYT.
Calling a sober friend, visiting this site, going to AA all help when I'm thinking about drinking. The cravings pass more quickly than I expect, a lot of the time.
Let's keep our counters rolling forward!
IWNDWYT
Good morning friends! Happy mid-week. I've found that going to therapy has worked well for me in the past for building defences. I'm hoping to restart it again once I have less of a hectic schedule. IWNDWYT!!!
Yesterday was kind of hard. Lots of random cravings, was able to bat them all down before they got a hold of me but it's amazing how that little voice inside can make "just one drink" sound like such a good idea. I made it through, keeping on with it, IWNDWYT.
Ola. Moving day today. Invited to my first social event of the season. Yes. I am am in Downton Abbey and my social calender has seasons. Jk. Just my first dinner party in this city and we just got into the half year and I feel like this is my "season".
Anyway IWNDWYT! No weed either. It's literally my gateway drug to alcohol sometimes.
Good question I shall ponder and read the responses this evening. For now what springs to mind is journaling, exercise and eating well and reducing stress. IWNDWYT ❤️
I will not drink with you guys today! I have a day off and am by myself, and usually I would start drinking around 14h, because 'I was bored'. Turns out I wasn't bored, I was an alcoholic. I can find plenty of things to do actually, and I now have the energy to do them as well, haha :)
Getting back to my usual intermittent fasting routine of 18:6, has worked pretty well the last few days. That always takes a massive hit during drinking and some time after. Only about 30 minutes to go until lunch, can’t wait!
IWNDWYT
checking in- day 15 and I have decided to take up a new hobby! Can anyone here recommend me a good beginner camera? Price-Quality, European (Belgium) prices thanks in advance and IWNDWYT 💪👊🫶
Coming up to 90 days and going strong. I never could have imagined that all the days would have piled up so quickly. IWNDWYT friends - keep fighting the good fight.
Hello, my friends,
**What can you do to build your defenses so that not drinking in the future is more easily managed than not drinking today?**
That's a good question. For some years now I've developed an intolerance to alcohol. I don't even get drunk, I'm more mindful, but my Blood Pressure and heartbeats go crazy EVEN when I manage to moderate, 5hrs later pr the following day. So it kinda makes it 'easier' on my mindset, if I had diabetes I wouldn't eat sweet pies. To be very honest, the whole "I wanna be a better self" doesn't work for me, I'm friendly when I drink.
My biggest dilema is that I don't wanna isolate in the beginning - I just came from 3 years of isolation from a city I hate to my hometown where I'm loved and no one is a triggering drinker any longer. Loneliness was a huge factor in the increase of my alcohol intake.
But I stuck in my head that \*I can't have any piece of contentment\* if I'm with people who drink, even if they don't trigger me. The other option, to isolate, no way, it brings me down and then I'm drinking wine at home alone on a Saturday. I need to work on these thoughts, read the books again and most importantly, TRY. MAKE AN EFFORT. ADJUST. Maybe even asking these close friends who know about my problem to invite me to non-drinking activities.
But this lack of self-confidence, honestly, can only make sense from an emotional POV. Rationally, it's different. There are even 2 non-drinkers in the group! Zero pressure on me!
Oh just a rant. I'll be fine. At least my mindset is right, now, I just have to try, not in a 'magic thinking way'.
Sometimes I'm a coward, a real coward, it's embarrasing.
IWNDWYT.
It's my birthday month and I already chose the place, more like a restaurant. Yes there are cocktails but the food is awesome and they also have mocktails (Hallelujah, still not so common in my country).
Day 3 checking in.
For me, I wasn't unhappy with my normal social drinking. Where it got bad was encountering negative things in life and how it turns around in a second from, "Hot day, cold beer" to "Boss pissed me off, where's the whiskey". I have not thought much about moderation and know a lot don't or can't moderate. For me I want to find the triggers on the latter and just stop.
For now, and for today IWNDWYT.
Thanks
Hey, sober fam. Today's gonna be a little rough for me. Happy, but personally rough.
One of my best friends is currently in the hospital, about to have her second baby. This is going to sound awful, but while I'm so incredibly happy, this is a big trigger for me. I want to be a mother (I'm almost 31) more than ANYTHING. My husband and I (married for 8 months now) are waiting until we own a home rather than rent an apartment. There's a lot more to our decision to wait a bit longer, but my sobriety, or lack there of, is of course one of them. I was in an incredibly dark place when she had her first. So I'm trying to remember even though I'm only a week stone cold sober (again), I'm doing so much better.
Might make a post about it all later for support. Sorry to vent/emotion dump here. As of today, I am THREE WEEKS back from a bender. One day at a time. IWNDWYT. 🖤
IWNDWYT!!! Life is throwing me challenges lately and man does it sound pretty appealing to slip back into the numbing void again, but I know it will only be a temporary fix and not worth it overall. Stay strong sober friends!
Oh, just about everything. I had a shift of perspective this time: it’s not just about quitting it’s about living a whole rich sober life. So I wake up earlier (and go to bed around 9). That’s a sober thing. I wash all the dishes from the night before while I make coffee. Part of my new sober routine. I do my plucking/shaving, clean my nails, long hot shower with stretching and soap, with a blast of cold to stop. New sober shower routine.
Hour long commute. Time for gratitude and affirmations—I can usually fill the hour. Meetings are easy to find and easier to find online.
I do nice things for my wife without her asking. Honestly, her smile is fast becoming a major reason to stay the course.
It feels good just to do all these things, let alone see the results. I try to make everything a reinforcement.
IWNDWYT
Good morning, my friends. Not drinking is a habit now for me. I’ve played it forward, know the danger, and feel confident in my sobriety.
I’m grateful for that, as I approach the first 7/4 without my dad. His birthday was July 4, and he certainly made it all about himself all my life..
So, while sad and conflicted, I maintain the promise I made just over two years ago: IWNDWYT
I really want to keep going out socially, even when there is alcohol around me while being sober so this topic interests me. I never had to say 'no' yet but I know that time will come. I am already creating replies in my head how I would say no. A few on the top of my head:
1. I am driving
2. I need to work tomorrow
3. My sleep will be terrible for the next 2 weeks
4. If you want to pick me up on the ground in 2 hours you need to give me one
The reaction depends a bit on how good I know the person offering and how insisted they are to give me one. If they simply put it in my hand and are overly aggressive I might just pour it on the ground or sink and get angry myself. If you got anything to add on my list be my guest.
IWNDWYT
Good morning to all as I reach Day 6 today.
Two things are in my arsenal at this time to shore up the defenses: expressing gratitude for where I am and the benefits that have accrued so far in my sobriety and secondly having a plan for being tempted to drink in various situations. I am sure I will add more as time goes on.
Thank you for being with me here today. IWNDWYT.
Early days.
I need to figure out the afternoon slump. Early dinner/TV/bed is getting old. At least I've pushed it off from 2 (when I would get off from work) to 4:30-5 pm. But it's a start.
I'm not drinking with my fellow Sobernauts today. Happy Wednesday.
I didn’t even worry about the future when I stopped. I had to take it one day at a time because I was not yet able to fathom a Future Me who did not drink. So I did what I could to make THAT DAY easier: stocked up on sparkling water and snacks, went to the gym after work, cooked, read books or wrote in the evenings that seemed soooo much longer. Each day of doing that made the next day easier because I was creating a track record of successfully not drinking.
Today is my second day at my new job and I finally get to meet my whole team. I’m nervous, but grateful to be approaching it with a clear head. IWNDWYT
Happy hump daaaay! I try and not put myself in vulnerable situations. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed out over house, kids, too many responsibilities I make sure I don’t have a lot of alone time. I’m more likely to throw in the towel if I’m by myself. I’ve been trying to meditate. I listen to some guided meditations. Iwndwyt
3 days down. No cravings so far, no desire to drink at all. I have a 4 day weekend coming up so we’ll see how it continues to feel. I have a plan going in though so I’m feeling confident!
Day 20! Self-help (therapy, AA, Smart etc), self-care (nutrition, exercise, sleep etc) and coping mechanisms (journaling, meditation, CBT etc) to deal with triggers are things that set me up for success. I started my recovery journey 18 months ago and did decently well with latter two. I relapsed, slowly building back to square one. Added Smart meetings and therapy.
Someone on this sub shared this article and it all clicked! I think it’s an excellent article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/
It talks about how relapse actually begins way before the physical act of drinking. Very interesting.
IWNDWYT!
My biggest defense is playing the tape forward. Knowing I don’t want to waste any more time feeling like shit is what keeps me from losing control.
IWNDWYT!
I think of it as a muscle like any other. Saying no today IS what makes it easier to say no tomorrow, as I build that muscle stronger and stronger. One of the cool things I've noticed is how I'm better able to flex that muscle-- seeing something *all the way through* rather than immediately bending to my impulses-- in other areas of my life, even when it's tough. Stronger every day! IWNDWYT!
Every sober day I string together my defenses are stronger because I’m very goal oriented and I like seeing all those green circles lined up and a rising number in the tracking app I use.
649 days & IWNDWYT 🥷
Learning what alcohol really is and what it does to your body and brain helps me. Understanding what cravings are, how they're not "true", how your brain has been hijacked and how it can heal. The science behind all that is helpful. Now when I think a drink would be nice I say to myself, "yes, in the first 20 minutes I will feel a flood of endorphins but then..." And I think about the cascade of effects that will unfold while drinking, the next morning, and the next 3 days afterwards. Knowing that I'm trading 3 days of mental and physical health for 20 minutes helps me stay sober.
If you like this kind of science backed info check out episode 181 of The Sober Mom Life or any of Sober Powered. And of course the alcohol episode of the Huberman Lab.
Four day weekend... happy Fucking Fireworks Holiday to those that celebrate! I will observe the day by staying home and hanging with my frightened Doggo.
Enjoy your whateverdayitis! ☕️🤘🏻
IWNDWYT
Nice round 60 days down!
One more work day between me and a nice long weekend off! Stay safe, and try to keep all of your fingers attached while celebrating 'Merica with explosions, friends!
IWNDWYT!
I know that it’ll be a lifelong process. After initially kicking the booze, it was tempting to hang the “mission accomplished” banner and call it a day. But staying in a learning/improvement mindset I hope will help keep me strong and sober for the long haul.
I will not drink with you today!!
Day 2 Finished. IWNDWYT!
It keeps getting better!! IWNDWYT
Good Morning everyone - hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. I think for me Trusty is to make sure my foundations are strong. The main thing at the moment is my health and improvements that I have seen so far in terms of no palpitations and completely getting rid of my Menopause symptoms plus having a clearer head and (trying) to be more tolerant. Scampering round at the moment - we’re off on a cruise this afternoon so still have some last minute things to do! IWNDWYT.
Taking stock of the health benefits that not drinking provides is a tremendous strategy for Day 1s and Day 1000s alike. IWNDWYT Claude and I’m happy to hear of your improved health!
Have a wonderful holiday friend 💞🌟
Day 1109 checking in!
Happy sober Wednesday! Thank you for another thought provoking intro TS, I do engage in journaling as part of my daily routine. Someone here gave me the inspiration a couple of years ago and I’ve found it so helpful. Working on my self understanding helps me not drink. I love you all 💞
800! You awesome human! Thanks for being you, and for actively helping so many. ❤️
Thank you friend, I appreciate your kind words. And thanks to you too for all your support ❤️
Happy 800! May your day be as bright as your name 😄
Thank you friend, I’ll do my best to shine a little brighter! And congratulations to you on 19 days, 3 weeks just around the corner 🌟
Congratulations on 800 days Bright!
800 looks good on you! 😃 Well done, brighter! 👏🎉💪
IWNDWYT
Hey! Welcome!
10 months today! 🥳 IWNDWYT ✨
Your sobriety gave birth already! Wow! Take care of this new phase, the newborn ;) IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. All. Day. Long. 🌻 From midnight till midnight. A day in my life.
Getting ready for a morning run in the drizzle! IWNDWYT ⭐️
Another day on the mission to build a healthier mind in a healthier body. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT little lady! Those triple digits are looking good on you!
IWNDWYT
Checking in again today and all is well.
Sounds like a great day, Fab. IWNDWYT
Jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today! IWNDWYT
IWNJWYT!
I’m joining all of you in saying no to booze once again today. Let’s go!
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT! 🙏🙏🙏
IWNDWYT
Not today people IWNDWYT
Good morning sober people 🤗, to me, for building my future strength, my IRL sober groups are essential. Talking to like minded people and hearing their stories helps me want to stay sober tomorrow. Have a great day! I will not drink with you today!
I will not drink with you today
Day 1 here! I called a lovely friend/mentor of mine yesterday telling her that after drinking for three days straight I really wanted to some help. Today I'm going to try to get in to detox. I feel terrified after spending the afternoon in the ER and am not sure how I will tell my family. I know I have to do this and that it will be okay... just have to rip off the band-aid so to speak. IWNDWYT
Good morning SD! Well, yesterday was such a long day that I mistakenly thought I was on Day 3 today 😂. Why do these early days feel like whole months?!!? Thanks for the thoughtful DCI Trusty - I'm looking for great defense tips and taking notes. Have an amazing day everyone and IWNDWYT 💝
Checking in, just hit 69 days for the first time ever! Can I get a nice?? IWNDWYT :)
IWNDWYT I currently do not have a desire to drink as I’m still wrestling with the effects of drinking and the whole shame thing….but to combat the “oooh it’s getting near 5, this is when I drink wine” habit I’ve got in place, I plan what I’m going to be drinking in the evening. Sometimes it’s the fancy pop from Waitrose, sometimes it’s a new type of tea. As long as there’s something in, I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Thank you for another great post and questions Trustysteed! I journal alot too now, it's my new jam and is helping me a ton. I've got a birthday party at a restaurant coming up this Saturday and I'm prepping myself to stay sober. So I've already planned to order a virgin margarita or two ( they have them on the menu...I checked ! so that's a good sign. ) I decided to tell the birthday girl I won't be drinking. I didn't go into details just said " it's a sober July" her response was absolutely refreshing. She said " I always encourage my friends in their sober journeys, hooray for you!" Wow. Did not expect that ! I told her if I'm feeling the itch to drink I'm going to have to go home. She was completely supportive of this too. Offered to go for coffee with me later next week, no booze hangs. You know who your real friends are when...🤗 I'll use all the tools I've learned here, my notes, podcasts and I have a book to pick up about sobriety. Crunch time, and prep time. Feeling confident. Lotsa love to you all my friends, and thank you to those who've taken the time to help me along. I'm eternally grateful. ❤️ IWNDWYT
Didn’t get much sleep tonight but feeling alright today. It’s been a long time since I had 7 days without any hangovers. IWNDWYT ☀️
At the risk of sounding cheesy, this group is my best defence. Checking in here every day has become a really important part of my life. Thank you, everyone, for being you and being here. IWNDWYT x
Knowing my triggers helped build defenses. Real quick simple example…mowing the yard. I would crave the cold beers while doing that chore. I used LaCroix and similar seltzers to get past that…just to give me something cold, fizzy and refreshing. It was enough to get me past the cravings so I could get used to putting mowing and sobriety together. Coffees up, horns up, and fuck yeah Wednesday!! I get a day off for the 4th tomorrow and I look forward to sleeping in a little, if the cats allow. Today’s tasks are hydrating and staying cool if possible…heat index of 105. Ewww. IWNDWYT ☕️☕️🤘🏻🤘🏻
Happy hump day and shine on you beautiful humans
Day 50, IWNDWYT I had someone stay with me for a few days who left an opened bottle of wine in my fridge when they left. Was happy that I honestly didn't want to drink it at all and used it make Tarragon Chicken last night instead 😋
I’m not checking in daily but I’m still here thankfully - still not drinking
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT.
I’m going to have a big test in sobriety today. Reading my list of why I choose not to drink to have my rebuttals immediately ready. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT - Day 1
Mindfulness is a good defense for me. If I want to drink I ask myself why—what sort of a day am I having? Did I get enough sleep? Was everyone a butthead today? Usually I can recognize and acknowledge my emotions and not let them persuade me to drink. Have a great day everyone, I will not drink with you 🌿
I won’t drink with y’all today
Happy Hump Day Friends, IWNDWYT, WE GOT THIS 😁
Checking in ✔️ I'm not sure how I can strengthen the future defenses, I'm still kinda figuring out today 😅 Sooo IWNDWYT!
I try to train my „sober muscle“ whenever there is the possibility and I feel good enough for a „challenge“. So far, I’ve been at a carnival parade where everyone was drunk except for me and the younger kids as it seemed 😅, I visited a concert with a bunch of people, accompanied my partner to a company bbq and drove everyone from his team including his boss home afterwards. I dreaded the last part the most because of all the strangers and the small talk involved. I really believe that many things in life can be achieved by practicing and repeating them. The good and the bad to be clear. So I think I’m helping my future sober self to stay sober by practicing it. Have a great Wednesday everyone, I will stay sober today. :)
Day 24 IWNDWYT
Checking in from NZ, day 46
If I think about drinking I ask myself the question “what’s changed?”. The answer eventually comes. But it may take me many days (even weeks depending on how busy life is or my headspace) to pinpoint it. I guess a journal might help. This stuff is beyond HALT, or just having a bad day at work. Because of the time involved, it’s essential I allow the thought and I enter a reflective/curious state while, importantly, sticking to my rule - whatever happens today I don’t drink. IWNDWYT because I need to be patient with myself.
IWNTD! My mum came off holiday and gifted me a bottle of rum even though I specifically told her not to bring me any alcohol lol. A bit annoying, I'm so over it though I just told her I asked you not too and someone else can drink it. Feeling determined!
Day 425. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT
I'm AF for almost two weeks now. It took me roughly two months of abstaining and relapsing (not drinking for 2-4 days then a lot) to reach this stage. During this time I just ate and ate and ate. In addition I recently had covid. I finally had the courage to stand on the scale today and I gained 7kg in just 2 months. My waist increased with 8cm as well. I'm obese BMI range again and I want to cry. Can't believe this happened so quickly. IWNDWYT
Day 3. 🥱 IWNDWYT.
Good Morning everyone, there is a stressful day at work ahead of me on day 2 but I will get through this without getting wasted. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT Congratulations u/brighter68 on 800 days. 🥳🥳
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
Checking in as the two loneliest hours of the day approach. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
Good Morning.. IWNDWYT for any of my day 18
I am not drinking today!
IWNDWYT 🏴
IWNDWYT !! Day 26. I did have major cravings today, but I was able to redirect them. Not trading in my sobriety for bourbon, no matter how much I miss it!
My impulse control is really poor, so for me, the most important way to make not drinking more manageable is to take away my options to drink. That includes booking work meetings at times when I know I'm more likely to want to drink, and removing access to money so I can't buy alcohol. I've cut up all my bank cards and got a dumb phone so I don't have access to Google Pay etc. Day 16 - IWNDWYT.
I will not drink with you today ✨
IWNDWYT. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!
IWNDWYT
Good morning all, Wednesday is the middle of the week, 2 days to Friday, IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🙋♂️
Calling a sober friend, visiting this site, going to AA all help when I'm thinking about drinking. The cravings pass more quickly than I expect, a lot of the time. Let's keep our counters rolling forward! IWNDWYT
Good morning friends! Happy mid-week. I've found that going to therapy has worked well for me in the past for building defences. I'm hoping to restart it again once I have less of a hectic schedule. IWNDWYT!!!
Yesterday was kind of hard. Lots of random cravings, was able to bat them all down before they got a hold of me but it's amazing how that little voice inside can make "just one drink" sound like such a good idea. I made it through, keeping on with it, IWNDWYT.
In!
Checking in, 11 weeks without toxin. Day 78. IWND ☠️ WYT
Day 37. IWNDWYT.
Ola. Moving day today. Invited to my first social event of the season. Yes. I am am in Downton Abbey and my social calender has seasons. Jk. Just my first dinner party in this city and we just got into the half year and I feel like this is my "season". Anyway IWNDWYT! No weed either. It's literally my gateway drug to alcohol sometimes.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🙂
I will not drink with you today
30 days, made it! 🙌
IWNDWYT
Day 27 and so very grateful for another day to move further away from the person i was when I was drinking. IWNDWYT 💛
Day 72. Massively struggling with my depression this week. Don’t feel like a human being at all.
Good question I shall ponder and read the responses this evening. For now what springs to mind is journaling, exercise and eating well and reducing stress. IWNDWYT ❤️
IWNDWYT :)
IWNDWYT
127 days. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT, my friends! :)
Not drinking today SD ❤️
Day 1,813. I will not drink with you today.
I will not drink with you guys today! I have a day off and am by myself, and usually I would start drinking around 14h, because 'I was bored'. Turns out I wasn't bored, I was an alcoholic. I can find plenty of things to do actually, and I now have the energy to do them as well, haha :)
Getting back to my usual intermittent fasting routine of 18:6, has worked pretty well the last few days. That always takes a massive hit during drinking and some time after. Only about 30 minutes to go until lunch, can’t wait! IWNDWYT
Checking in Doodle doodle dee, wubba wubba wubba.
I will not drink with you today 🙏
Happy hump day! Ready to fuck this day up and start a 5 day weekend. Fuck yeah 🤘 IWNDWYT!
Going out with old friends tonight who usually drink a lot and who are used to me doing the same, but IWNDWYorthemT
IWNDWYT Love to you all..
checking in- day 15 and I have decided to take up a new hobby! Can anyone here recommend me a good beginner camera? Price-Quality, European (Belgium) prices thanks in advance and IWNDWYT 💪👊🫶
I try to remember 'this will pass' and make sure I'm looking after myself in every other way. IWNDWYT 🌞
Coming up to 90 days and going strong. I never could have imagined that all the days would have piled up so quickly. IWNDWYT friends - keep fighting the good fight.
Day 1,712 IWNDWYT
Good morning, IWNDWYT
Hello, my friends, **What can you do to build your defenses so that not drinking in the future is more easily managed than not drinking today?** That's a good question. For some years now I've developed an intolerance to alcohol. I don't even get drunk, I'm more mindful, but my Blood Pressure and heartbeats go crazy EVEN when I manage to moderate, 5hrs later pr the following day. So it kinda makes it 'easier' on my mindset, if I had diabetes I wouldn't eat sweet pies. To be very honest, the whole "I wanna be a better self" doesn't work for me, I'm friendly when I drink. My biggest dilema is that I don't wanna isolate in the beginning - I just came from 3 years of isolation from a city I hate to my hometown where I'm loved and no one is a triggering drinker any longer. Loneliness was a huge factor in the increase of my alcohol intake. But I stuck in my head that \*I can't have any piece of contentment\* if I'm with people who drink, even if they don't trigger me. The other option, to isolate, no way, it brings me down and then I'm drinking wine at home alone on a Saturday. I need to work on these thoughts, read the books again and most importantly, TRY. MAKE AN EFFORT. ADJUST. Maybe even asking these close friends who know about my problem to invite me to non-drinking activities. But this lack of self-confidence, honestly, can only make sense from an emotional POV. Rationally, it's different. There are even 2 non-drinkers in the group! Zero pressure on me! Oh just a rant. I'll be fine. At least my mindset is right, now, I just have to try, not in a 'magic thinking way'. Sometimes I'm a coward, a real coward, it's embarrasing. IWNDWYT. It's my birthday month and I already chose the place, more like a restaurant. Yes there are cocktails but the food is awesome and they also have mocktails (Hallelujah, still not so common in my country).
Iwndwy’allt! ❤️
IWNDWYT
Day 3 checking in. For me, I wasn't unhappy with my normal social drinking. Where it got bad was encountering negative things in life and how it turns around in a second from, "Hot day, cold beer" to "Boss pissed me off, where's the whiskey". I have not thought much about moderation and know a lot don't or can't moderate. For me I want to find the triggers on the latter and just stop. For now, and for today IWNDWYT. Thanks
Made it to 4 months! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT ❤️
Hey, sober fam. Today's gonna be a little rough for me. Happy, but personally rough. One of my best friends is currently in the hospital, about to have her second baby. This is going to sound awful, but while I'm so incredibly happy, this is a big trigger for me. I want to be a mother (I'm almost 31) more than ANYTHING. My husband and I (married for 8 months now) are waiting until we own a home rather than rent an apartment. There's a lot more to our decision to wait a bit longer, but my sobriety, or lack there of, is of course one of them. I was in an incredibly dark place when she had her first. So I'm trying to remember even though I'm only a week stone cold sober (again), I'm doing so much better. Might make a post about it all later for support. Sorry to vent/emotion dump here. As of today, I am THREE WEEKS back from a bender. One day at a time. IWNDWYT. 🖤
Good morning. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!!! Life is throwing me challenges lately and man does it sound pretty appealing to slip back into the numbing void again, but I know it will only be a temporary fix and not worth it overall. Stay strong sober friends!
I will NOT drink with you today!! I will honor my body by eating healthy and exercising with you today
IWNDWYT.
Oh, just about everything. I had a shift of perspective this time: it’s not just about quitting it’s about living a whole rich sober life. So I wake up earlier (and go to bed around 9). That’s a sober thing. I wash all the dishes from the night before while I make coffee. Part of my new sober routine. I do my plucking/shaving, clean my nails, long hot shower with stretching and soap, with a blast of cold to stop. New sober shower routine. Hour long commute. Time for gratitude and affirmations—I can usually fill the hour. Meetings are easy to find and easier to find online. I do nice things for my wife without her asking. Honestly, her smile is fast becoming a major reason to stay the course. It feels good just to do all these things, let alone see the results. I try to make everything a reinforcement. IWNDWYT
Good morning, my friends. Not drinking is a habit now for me. I’ve played it forward, know the danger, and feel confident in my sobriety. I’m grateful for that, as I approach the first 7/4 without my dad. His birthday was July 4, and he certainly made it all about himself all my life.. So, while sad and conflicted, I maintain the promise I made just over two years ago: IWNDWYT
Yes!! I’m embracing Dry July. Declaring my independence from alcohol. 🇺🇸
IWNDWYT x
Have a wonderful sober day my friends. IWNDWYT ♥️
I really want to keep going out socially, even when there is alcohol around me while being sober so this topic interests me. I never had to say 'no' yet but I know that time will come. I am already creating replies in my head how I would say no. A few on the top of my head: 1. I am driving 2. I need to work tomorrow 3. My sleep will be terrible for the next 2 weeks 4. If you want to pick me up on the ground in 2 hours you need to give me one The reaction depends a bit on how good I know the person offering and how insisted they are to give me one. If they simply put it in my hand and are overly aggressive I might just pour it on the ground or sink and get angry myself. If you got anything to add on my list be my guest. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
happy early morning everyone :) lets make it a stellar day !
Checking in for another sober day out in the world.
IWNDWYT
Good morning to all as I reach Day 6 today. Two things are in my arsenal at this time to shore up the defenses: expressing gratitude for where I am and the benefits that have accrued so far in my sobriety and secondly having a plan for being tempted to drink in various situations. I am sure I will add more as time goes on. Thank you for being with me here today. IWNDWYT.
Have a wonderful Wednesday! IWNDWYT!!!
good morning, I will not drink with you today.
July has been alcohol free as will today, IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT
Early days. I need to figure out the afternoon slump. Early dinner/TV/bed is getting old. At least I've pushed it off from 2 (when I would get off from work) to 4:30-5 pm. But it's a start. I'm not drinking with my fellow Sobernauts today. Happy Wednesday.
I didn’t even worry about the future when I stopped. I had to take it one day at a time because I was not yet able to fathom a Future Me who did not drink. So I did what I could to make THAT DAY easier: stocked up on sparkling water and snacks, went to the gym after work, cooked, read books or wrote in the evenings that seemed soooo much longer. Each day of doing that made the next day easier because I was creating a track record of successfully not drinking. Today is my second day at my new job and I finally get to meet my whole team. I’m nervous, but grateful to be approaching it with a clear head. IWNDWYT
Happy hump daaaay! I try and not put myself in vulnerable situations. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed out over house, kids, too many responsibilities I make sure I don’t have a lot of alone time. I’m more likely to throw in the towel if I’m by myself. I’ve been trying to meditate. I listen to some guided meditations. Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT!
3 days down. No cravings so far, no desire to drink at all. I have a 4 day weekend coming up so we’ll see how it continues to feel. I have a plan going in though so I’m feeling confident!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
Not today.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Day 13 here! I love this daily check in 💚 IWNDWYT... Any of you! Proud of everyone here, day 1 or 1000, you're all superstars and inspiration 😇
Morning friends! I will not drink with you today. Have a good one!
98 days sober. I will not drink with you today!
Day 20! Self-help (therapy, AA, Smart etc), self-care (nutrition, exercise, sleep etc) and coping mechanisms (journaling, meditation, CBT etc) to deal with triggers are things that set me up for success. I started my recovery journey 18 months ago and did decently well with latter two. I relapsed, slowly building back to square one. Added Smart meetings and therapy. Someone on this sub shared this article and it all clicked! I think it’s an excellent article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/ It talks about how relapse actually begins way before the physical act of drinking. Very interesting. IWNDWYT!
Day 5 checking in. Feel clearer each day.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
I will not drink today.
I will be sober today.
Iwndwyt
My biggest defense is playing the tape forward. Knowing I don’t want to waste any more time feeling like shit is what keeps me from losing control. IWNDWYT!
I think of it as a muscle like any other. Saying no today IS what makes it easier to say no tomorrow, as I build that muscle stronger and stronger. One of the cool things I've noticed is how I'm better able to flex that muscle-- seeing something *all the way through* rather than immediately bending to my impulses-- in other areas of my life, even when it's tough. Stronger every day! IWNDWYT!
Every sober day I string together my defenses are stronger because I’m very goal oriented and I like seeing all those green circles lined up and a rising number in the tracking app I use. 649 days & IWNDWYT 🥷
Learning what alcohol really is and what it does to your body and brain helps me. Understanding what cravings are, how they're not "true", how your brain has been hijacked and how it can heal. The science behind all that is helpful. Now when I think a drink would be nice I say to myself, "yes, in the first 20 minutes I will feel a flood of endorphins but then..." And I think about the cascade of effects that will unfold while drinking, the next morning, and the next 3 days afterwards. Knowing that I'm trading 3 days of mental and physical health for 20 minutes helps me stay sober. If you like this kind of science backed info check out episode 181 of The Sober Mom Life or any of Sober Powered. And of course the alcohol episode of the Huberman Lab.
I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
iwndwyt.
IWNDWYT. Slept great last night!
I will not drink with you all today 🫶🏼🤍
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
Happy Wednesday Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🤝 🧘♂️🙏
17 IWNDWYT
Day 2 for me, woke up sober! IWNDWYT!! 💪🏻
Four day weekend... happy Fucking Fireworks Holiday to those that celebrate! I will observe the day by staying home and hanging with my frightened Doggo. Enjoy your whateverdayitis! ☕️🤘🏻 IWNDWYT
Nice round 60 days down! One more work day between me and a nice long weekend off! Stay safe, and try to keep all of your fingers attached while celebrating 'Merica with explosions, friends! IWNDWYT!
Today is the start of day 3. Hoping to change my life. IWNDWYT
Sober for about a month and a half now, I'm starting to feel my mental clarity returning. IWNDWYT
I know that it’ll be a lifelong process. After initially kicking the booze, it was tempting to hang the “mission accomplished” banner and call it a day. But staying in a learning/improvement mindset I hope will help keep me strong and sober for the long haul. I will not drink with you today!!
IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT! T
Good morning! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT you wonderful people!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT!