I'm staying strong on this Saturday night; all is going well. I've been telling myself that desperation for spirits is a waste of positive spirit, and I DO believe that. Yesterday was full of positive energy because everything at work went well, then I went out with friends to go biking... can't drink and bike - yay! Tonight I decided to sit down here with my virtual supporters :) I have not told anyone I've quit, not even my husband. I just don't drink, and no questions asked, so that's working for me so far. Hubby is drinking beer and watching football right now, and I'm sitting here on my computer building up my resolve. Thanks, Duane, I am feeling better; and yes Mag, we're the newbies and I think we're doing alright! 4 days sober for me, but I know I'll lose track real soon, which is fine. Thanks!

Not telling anyone? Are you sure that's the way to go??? To each their own, of course ... just not sure how easy it would have been for me without the support of my family and friends. Whatever is working for you is A-OK with me though ... stay strong!

I didn't tell anyone to start. I wasn't ready to talk about it, I was still figuring it out. I just knew I could not drink. My husband drinks, and it was easier for me not to tell him in the beginning. I could not chance him trying to tell me I was ok and could have just one. Nothing could get in the way of me finally stopping. It was a few weeks before I stated telling people.

Hey sea Q....great going! If you must go to these events-be sure to plan an exit strategy in the future. I never would have gone at the point of sobriety you are at, but since you choose too, I would say have a plan if you feel triggered to leave ASAP. I usually blame it on one of my kids needing me ;) not really a lie....

As far as not telling anyone, why are you choosing this route? Curious...

It's working for me, it's been over a week and I'm still very committed. I guess the reason for not telling anyone is that I disdain drama, and people would make a big deal over it, whereas if I quietly just don't drink,honestly it just slides by without comment. I prefer it that way. I can get support from the rehab group, and very importantly, from all of you.

It's working for me, it's been over a week and I'm still very committed. I guess the reason for not telling anyone is that I disdain drama, and people would make a big deal over it, whereas if I quietly just don't drink,honestly it just slides by without comment. I prefer it that way. I can get support from the rehab group, and very importantly, from all of you.

Just don't not tell anyone out of fear of judgement. I found that people are pretty happy about it if they care for you-who wants someone they love hurting themselves with booze, really?

So, if in the future,you need some support one on one-reach out. You know yourself best, and sometimes a more subtle indoctrination into non-drinking is fine. Just don't stick to it if you are feeling really alone.

way to go seaq. it really does get better. like karmic... said those that care for you usually will be ok with it. the others don't count. you are doing grrrreat. what works for you is what it is, it works for you. stay committed to feeling better and better. once your bod is detoxed you will be surprised how much more better you will feel. the brain clears up, i think it does. mine is old and dented.
well anywho i sure am proud of your job well done. keep up the lovin yourself and stay slober, i mean sober.
dc

Wow, it hasn't even been two weeks? I swear if someone asked, I'd say I haven't had a drink in a month...it feels that long. Wonder why? Oh well. I wish I could say I'm feeling better, but I've had a cold, and now a headache for 2 days. But I still feel good that I haven't been drinking, and that's the main thing. I even had a couple of close calls, but I didn't do it. This still isn't the longest I've ever stayed off alcohol, so I really have to keep at it, which I'm committed to doing.

COngrats! You inspire me!

way to go seaq. i am sorry you have a cold etc. tiz the season. i too had quit for a couple years, many moons ago, and went back to it. i think my problem was that i always looked down the tunnel of life, that i would at some point in the future be able to drink " once in a while.
i see now that this is for life, i know without a doubt i can not go back down that road ever again, no matter what. we cannot go back down that road. i really don't miss it at all. now for the smoking. that is my next quest. i need to make sure i am secure enough to take that on too.
you are doing fine, keep up the great job. member keep hydrated, get rest as best you can, and remember there are a bunch of folks right next to ya to give you a virtual hand..and even some virtual hugs.
way to go .
dc

Sometimes we must battle our inner demons by ourselves and by doing so makes us stronger. For others support from many is the way to go. No right or wrong way to go here. I didn't tell anyone in the beginning also, mainly because I didn't know if I could pull it off and didn't want to look like a fool. Later I only told the people who knew I had a problem. I didn't and don't feel any need to tell others as frankly it is none of there business and nothing good could come of it. You are doing great seaQ. Just keep doing what you are doing.

OK SeaQ.... My turn. Been sober, then fell off the train again. I am glad you did it, now it is my turn.

I needed to hear that the things that get to me and make me insecure will get easier to deal with after my head gets clearer. I am also very very hard on myself. Wish I knew why I was so hard on myself.

I've ducked behind a cloud many times in the past and started drinking again; I think one problem was that I was Too Hard on myself. This time I didn't dump all the alcohol while telling myself what a loser I am, this time I left the inventory stocked so I can offer it to visitors, and I tell myself I'm strong enough to handle it; and I have. In the past, I made a dramatic announcement that this time I'm really quitting, which made a spectacle of myself. This time I just quit, and I'm letting my actions speak for themselves. I depend on this group for support, and I also have a rehab program nearby. There was a time not long ago that at the end of a long day, there was NO way I could focus my bleary drunken eyes on a computer screen. There are so many good things about being sober, and staying focused on the positive attributes of it is what helps me the most. Tomorrow will be a sunny warm indiann summer day, and I will wake up feeling bright, not groggy with a hang-over, head-ache, and guilt ridden spirit. I love that!

i'm with you there sister. i is nice to wake up feeling good. and just think of the money we save! i think we are so hard on ourselves because we realize how awful we have been for sooooo long. we set ourselves up for failure. well forget the guilt and shame and blame, we can't change the past, but we can work for a better future. together, virtual hand in hand,, ever held hands with a monkey? or did you get the foot? lol
keep up the great job. one day at a time, one hour, one minute, one second, whatever it takes.
we rock.