"YES it is SO worth it, YES it gets easier and YES we thought it was impossible as well - its not 😊" A thread for those embracing an alcohol free existence.

[Drybird2020]

Thanks to @Ravenswick for the quote in the title 😊. We are back for thread 5, and if you are just joining us, or thinking about it, you might want to have a read through its predecessors, which are full of useful tips, sound advice, stories and cautionary tales. You will absolutely, definitely find much that resonates, and talking regularly on here is a great way to stay sane and keep yourself accountable.

Thread 1
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3781133-Anyone-else-stopping-completely-in-2020

Thread 2
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3810419-Still-stopped-in-2020-a-thread-for-anyone-abstaining-from-alcohol

Thread 3 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3910349-Staying-Stopped-Alcohol-Free-permanently

Thread 4
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3965594-Forever-Free-a-life-without-booze-2020-onwards

The only "rules" are that you are committing to an alcohol free life, and that you have stopped drinking before you begin to post.

If you've been here for a while, you know what to do. Keep doing it! 😊

Hope you are feeling okay @BunniesBunniesBunnies x

Hi all, Thanks so much for all your kind words. I’m really sorry I disappeared, it was not intentional!!! Had last crazy day at work and then a long car journey with the children.

Unfortunately I still feel much the same. It’s nothing too horrendous but I’m just feeling a bit lost at the moment. Still, yesterday marked 200 days for me of which I am proud.

I desperately need to get running again, please give me a massive kick up the ass!!! I know it will really really help me. (Currently lying in bed wearing running kit!).

Also I wanted to say WELCOME HOME @Hangingover!!! You did it you fucking bastard, yayyy!!!🤩🤩🤩👍👍👍

@Sneachta your post made me laugh! I do remember you, welcome back, and it’s nice to have a kindred spirit here, even if it means we’re both a bit fucked🤣

Just checking in to say I had a very refreshing 10k along the seafront!!!🤩🤩🤩🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Well done bunnies. I mean that in a genuine and non patronising way!

Thanks so much everyone I love that you get what a big deal that was. Well done on 200 bunnies you buggering wotsit.

you buggering wotsit

Well done on the run bunnies surprised you didn't get blown into the sea. Its blowin a hoolie here.

Fantastic work haggis . Definitely the hardest bit just now. How you feeling?

I am working all day tomorrow with two new courses so no time to be thinking about anything but getting organised.

I sometimes feel like a toddler. I remember someone somewhere saying when toddlers are grumpy and out of sorts throw them in a bath. That's me at the moment in my new swish bathroom. "Feeling out of sorts - bathtime!!!"
Tis grand.

I think being in early sobriety and trying to avoid situations involving alcohol has to be one of the only good things about a national lockdown.

Totally can also see the benefits of being sober in lockdown @hangingover. Plus I have gotten a lot stronger and fitter over the last 6 months which I’m pleased about.

Hahaha @Breathmiller I am also like a toddler... in so many ways. I get hangry, have tantrums, love bland food, lack impulse control... the list goes on😂

throws bunnies in the bath

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Congratulations, @Hangingover on your safe arrival in the UK and your 5 months sober milestone. Bloody brilliant!

Well done on your 10K, @BunniesBunniesBunnies and glad you're feeling better.

I'm thinking of getting a Lumi light, @Drybird2020. I can feel the slow downward drag into winter already and I hate it. Today is the first time in ages I've thought I'd like to drink red wine and block it all out. It's probably been made worse by today's news. Hope you're all doing ok and not struggling with today's news.

Off to throw myself in the bath!

I’ve done it! A Saturday night sober and five nights in a row...so chuffed. Am gunning for the seven nights

I even had a fire pit and thought about a glass of red wine but thought Hot chocolate might be better...

That's brilliant, @Haggisfish. And you're right - hot chocolate is WAY better

Well done @haggishfish! You can do this. Hot chocolate and a fire pit sounds like a partnership in heaven.

I'm away for my first swim in a fortnight. I have been feeling pretty crap so hoping it will give me a boost of endorphins. I think we can all do with some of those right now.

I am 10 months sober today! I have to admit the past few weeks have tested my resolve but the overwhelming benefits of sobriety have managed to win out and thank goodness for that. My drink of choice for the past couple of nights have been ginger beer and lime. Wasn't really a fan before but am enjoying that fieryness of an evening.

Sending love and strength to you all.

doffs caps to @ulysses** 10 months is incredible!

What helpful and positive things can we all do during lockdown to stop us being tempted? I'm going to set my pole dancing pole up and get back on it apply for lots of job.

Well done @Ulysses! How was your swim? I love swimming too and am sad that gyms will shut now😭😭😭 Though I can still swim in the sea!!!

@Hangingover I’m up for compiling a list of helpful things to do during lockdown!

I add to your list:

• Applying for lots of jobs
• Pole dancing (I’ve always wanted to learn this😂😂😂)
• running or swimming every day to stay sane!

Congratulations on 10 months @Ulysses! Hope you got your endorphin high from your swim. Are you swimming in a pool or open water? I can't remember the last time I swam.

• Applying for lots of jobs
• Pole dancing
• running or swimming every day to stay sane!
• Reading a good book.

Thanks guys! If you were to say to me a year ago that I'd go 10 months without drinking (disclaimer, I did have one back in February) I'd honestly think that I'd be bereft and something terrible must have triggered it. That I'd hit rock bottom or had a health crisis or caused an accident or something truly awful but personal to me. Who'd have predicted this ongoing nightmare.

Anyway, swimming is very much done in a heated pool although I love the idea of doing it outdoors. Am near a couple of places that do paddle boarding, kayaking, etc Maybe next summer. Am in Scotland and keeping my fingers crossed that gyms will remain open, even though further restrictions seem inevitable .

Adding to the list,
Applying for lots of jobs

• Pole dancing
• running or swimming every day to stay sane!
• Reading a good book
• Walk at lunchtime in the woods next to me, maybe even a run if it ever dries out

Well done Ulysses! I’m on day six and soooo chuffed with myself. I have actually played monopoly with dc which I wouldn’t do while glugging wine...I intend to do more crafty things and sewing. And running. One thing I started last lockdown was having a personal training session with Dh over zoom. It’s been ace-it’s really funny doing it together and we have got fitter.

Wow, some great milestones, well done @Hangingover, @BunniesBunniesBunnies and @Ulysses.

Congrats @BunniesBunniesBunnies and @Ulysses and @Haggisfish, sense of achievement on here today despite external doom and gloom, love it!

Adding to the list:
Applying for lots of jobs

• Pole dancing
• running or swimming every day to stay sane!
• Reading a good book
• Walk at lunchtime in the woods next to me, maybe even a run if it ever dries out

- choosing and cooking really delicious and healthy food for smashing dinners every night - spending extra time with dogs/horses/cats/rabbits/all other furry friends of your choice

I like this list
Adding:
Yoga
Learning to bake - I run baking sessions at school and I suck at it 😂😂
Using some of the spare time to properly clean my house- boring but needs to be done.

Nice one on the run @BunniesBunniesBunnies, congrats @Ulysses and @Haggisfish!

Love to all x