Heading into the evening of Day 3, and at the moment it is all about finding alternatives. It is my youngest daughter’s birthday today: that would usually mean champagne at some point (oddly, on a child’s birthday) but it’s just been sparkling water. I had also been dreading the outdoor tree top activity (!) we had planned with her friends, but when it came to it, I really enjoyed it. I was scared at first when I had to jump off a high platform, but I put faith in the harness, closed my eyes, and fell forward.
Alternative to the witching hour wine? A tonic and grenadine, or a ginger ale with lime, and I will make myself make this at 6pm.
Wine with dinner? Back to the sparkling water, but in a nice glass, not just a water glass.
Slowly drinking wine, then realising I’ve drunk three-quarters of a bottle, while my husband and I chat over the cooking? Instead, I’m trying to keep the supper preparation simple. Sure, there may be less wind-down time with my husband, and more Sunday evening television may be watched, but at the moment this is what I need to do.
I wouldn’t have attempted that tree top walk without the harness and safety clips, and you were never allowed to move on without always being attached by both clips. Likewise, I can’t move forward on this sober path without knowing that I have a safety plan in place, a series of alternatives to replace my old, destructive patterns. It’s not magic! I can’t fly yet!
A Dappled Path 
Sounds like great ideas
lisa
Thanks, Lisa. I’m trying some new ideas this time. Annie x
I love the analogy! Safety harness and clips all the way! X
I definitely need the safety harness. Annie x
Good going Annie! Glad you are back and ‘in it.’ What a blessing that someone sent you Belle’s stuff. Your last post re your kids = spot on. They DO know and they are so, so much more at peace when you are at peace (read: not battling the bottle, not struggling thru drunken evenings and hungover mornings). Keep it all up, and good for you.
Hugs,
SR
Thank you so much. You’re doing really well – I’ve just had a look at your blog. Annie x
Hey you. Those ropes challenge courses are fun and scary. I’ve done a few in my day and wouldn’t DREAM of doing them drunk, hungover, or even tipsy. No way.
Clip in and fly!
And I was dreading the tree top thing. My old, hungover self would have hated it. But I loved it. Annie x
Great ideas. Will take a few of those suggestions for myself as I finish another day 1.
I’m here for you. Annie x
Hang in there! You are finding your way!
Thanks so much, Pamela. Annie x
That’s what I need to do – find fun sober activities. Try new things. Thanks for the reminder. X