Keep busy. That's the way to do it. You are on the right track.

When I first got sober I took up a few new hobbies including witchcraft, exercise, yoga and getting back into oil painting and that helped a lot to give me something to do with all of that newfound free time freed up by drinking.

Now I write novels also and that gives me something to do with those endless evening hours when I would normally be drinking. It's good to have something distracting and absorbing to do with all of that time.

You're on the right track. Sending encouragement in your ongoing sobriety.

Congrats on day five Rich. Like you, I spent most of the day yesterday preparing my home and lawn for the approaching Midwestern winter. Gorgeous day here for November and even washed the car one last time in the drive. (A first for November.) Very sore too, but satisfying to know that all the work is finally done!

Sober in Michigan

Tonight I have to fold laundry! Then tomorrow evening I want to spend some time clean up our basement so I can start fixing some of the outdoor furniture that needs repair.

I also have some "art" projects I want to try to do this winter as well.

Rich

Rich while these are great tasks to keep your mind off drinking, how are you working on trying to solve the behaviors that led to drinking? All the art and yard work in the world won't change your character or behaviors.

Find a program, any, and work towards change. It's the only true way to beat alcoholism. "Not drinking" isn't enough.

Glad to see you posting here.

The behavior that leads to drinking is dinner. Then I end up on the couch and watch TV and keep drinking. If I have activities planned after dinner I won't sit on the couch in front of the TV and be thinking I want a glass of wine.

Rich

The change I need is a change in my routine.

Glad to hear you're staying busy and doing well. That works for me as well, but when my husband & daughter are at work in the evenings and I'm the only one home, it's harder to find the initiative to keep myself busy. My new approach is to focus on how much more productive I am when I'm sober. Baby steps; I'm getting there.

Rich,

I hope a change in routine, and dinner are the cause of your drinking and you never drink again (if you don't want to.)

We will be here if you need more than just a change of routine. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.