The feelings and emotions of life want to make me drink. The problem is drinking will not solve the problem it will just make things worse. Call somebody and chat. Don’t isolate. You will feel better soon

Do you want to elaborate? On the issues?

1-2

Five years is amazing!! When my mind pulls me toward unhealthy thoughts or actions, I find it’s when I am not engaging in life enough. That rut feeling starts to sink in and my mind begins to go to work without me, trying to recreate old habits that ‘entertained’ me in the past. A walk, weeding the garden, cooking a great meal or just sitting at the beach with a good book are little ways I derail that train before it runs away. I have been talking yoga classes and I meditate. These have been building up my mental strength. Self maintenance: nobody can do it for us. Don’t forget how far you have come and remind yourself that you can keep traveling forward:)

Thank you both. I went to an online group last night, and just listened and most were just starting out on their journey. It reminded me that I don't want to be there again. I appreciate both of you and yeah, I probably beginning to isolate myself and not engaging with life. I think it's been going on for about 6 mo when I had a relationship end. I was busy with work and ignored everything else self-care, the house etc. Now with summer, I work less during these months. I have had to confront some of those feelings, and I have started to make changes like getting the house clean, trying to work in the yard, get back to exercising and I feel slightly overwhelmed, maybe lonely but knowing getting involved with anyone would be a bad idea. As the house gets clean, the yard gets done --- I feel maybe a fear of engaging more. I enjoy Tonglen meditation, and that might be another good step. Maybe some outdoor activities. Thank you both.

It sounds like you are still grieving over the ending of the relationship. Whatever the reason was, make piece with it so you can let it go and move on. Acknowledge your feelings, and forgive it and watch it float away....

When that happened to me, a close friend said to me, "The best way to get rid of old memories is to replace them with new ones" and that was exactly what I did. I found someone else and had 24 good years with her.

I really believe in the power of meditation. Every time I practice it, the universe seems to respond and I end up having a great day. I am told that just the desire to have a conversation with God is a prayer in itself. It get's me excited to connect with my Higher Power.

Keep doing what your doing and focus on doing the things that make you happy. If you are happy with the house being slightly messy then that's ok.. Whatever makes you happy.

God Bless

I hope you shake the thoughts. 51/4 years is good time. Keep adding the days.

knowing that you were aware of the temptation and reached out is a good sign. often times I find I just need to talk through these periods and I'll work it out. for me it's either an AA or Refuge Recovery meeting because none of my close friends could relate or understand since they're not addicts. appreciate your comment that you never want to start over again on day one again. so true! man, that's motivation right there! thanks much for your share, we can all relate to what you say. wishing you strength and understanding!

Thank you for all the supportive replies. Though I didn't reply until now, I was reading them and they helped. I am still having a difficult time with thoughts of drinking, but I have continued to work in the yard because it makes me happy. I also have started to volunteer to eat up some of that spare time and meet new people and give to the community. I have taken some small road trips with friends, a movie here or there. I hope these feelings will pass. I have had thoughts like this come up before, but maybe I was more prepared for it. It's just been a long time since I have had them. I so appreciate all of your thoughtfulness and encouragement. Thank you!

Forgot to correct my sobriety date and time: 4 years and 6 months. It was December 30 2014 and still counting.

Ha...4 years ans 7.5 months. I am not good at math...obviously.

I’m a year sober and I understand where you are coming from. I’ve been having the urge to drink lately too but I know it’s because I have a lot going on and my depression and anxiety have kicked into full gear. I don’t smoke or drink so I just feel like while the rest of the world has their coping methods I have to rely on meditation and sites like these to keep my sober and going. Ultimately have a drink won’t help and probably will make you feel worse having to start over so I applaud you for reaching out before you decided to drink. Good for you. I hope you overcome your urge soon.

Night crow, how are you doing?