In yesterday’s post, I said I wasn’t going to count days. I’ve changed my mind about that. Although the day counting can be scary, I think it does help me gain a sense of momentum, and may also be helpful (or unhelpful) to other people reading about sobriety.
So, here I am again, on Day 3. I’m leaving last weekend behind, and moving forward. I know what to do; but I need to do it and to keep doing it.
Drinking last weekend added nothing – NOTHING – to my experience of the celebrations. Rather, it made me feel guilty and, quite frankly, it felt stupid. It didn’t even taste nice. I guess alcoholic drinks don’t really taste nice, we just get used to the buzz and then make ourselves believe it tastes nice.
One of my sober buddies has directed me back to Mrs D’s website Living Sober. Amongst other excellent things, it has a section entitled Sober Toolbox, and that’s what I’ve been looking at this morning. I have some good sober tools (AF drinks, bath, books, tv) but I still need more. I was also reading about sober treats on the same site, as I get weary or lazy about treats, and that’s when I tend to cave. So I’m going to be more vigilant on the treat front. All ideas gratefully received.
One of the comments I read this morning described someone needing shots of whiskey to keep her buzz going late in the evening. Seeking the alcohol buzz is one of the things I hate most about my drinking: it’s so futile, so transitory, so…well, empty. I need to find a natural buzz, or maybe be happy with no buzz!
A Dappled Path 
Annie, its so cool you are back into it all again so soon. I think that is awesome. you know, oooovvvveeerrralll, you have had a lot less to drink in the last 365 days than the previous 365 days. credit where credit due. keep going my friend.
Lisa
( now sober AND single ! ouch ) lol
I’m also trying to build my tool kit and need some extras in there too. At the moment my Tool Kit includes:-
Tea and a piece of cake at wine o’clock. I’m going to try and sit down properly and enjoy the moment.
Listening to Mindfulness Meditations
Pick up and complete a Sewing Project
Drink cranberry juice and other cordials
Eat Dinner
Watch Catch Up TV
I like to have significant little reminders in the house and garden. A little plant or ornament of some sort. Or flowers. And on the day tens I do something or buy something special. I climbed one of my favourite hills on day 50. And then framed the selfie we took at the top. It is currently opposite my bed as a reminder of the sense if achievement 🙂
I love this idea, I’m going to do something every 10 days and have something that reminds me of it visible. I think I’ll sit down tonight and plan something for next weds, day 10 🙂 x
I love to say “Don’t count the days, make the days count” I was told by someone with a lot of good sobriety that our disease doesn’t want us to celebrate milestones in our sobriety.
Hi Annie, my username on Living Sober is @scared. I love the community there, never a bad word is said, it’s always so supportive. I’m re-reading Mrs D’s book at the moment too. When I first attempted this sobriety thing I grew complacent. I stopped posting on LS, didn’t read sobriety books, stopped listening to the Bubble Hour etc. this time I’m taking a different approach and immersing myself in sobriety. Keep your head up high, you are doing great!!!!! Xx
Your natural buzz is the awesome feeling you have being alcohol free! And the wonderful sense of doing something great for you! I know you can do this, and I’m going to keep telling you that! 😄
Mary. 💗💗💗
Dear Annie,
I like counting days now. It really helps me for some reason.
Celebrations are so tricky. For so long, alcohol and celebrating seem to be one and the same.
I am discovering they are so different.
I wish you a good day!
Wendy
Good Job, Annie. I admire your strength and have been following you for a while now. On Day 1 myself and finally decided to start my own blog after quietly reading everyone else’s for a while 🙂
Missing that buzz. The desire for that feeling chases me around everyday. I think I captured it again today during a zumba class which stayed with me most of the day. Just an idea for you. It is very energetic and a happy time.