Hello all, checking in. I’ve finally caught up with the thread - I always seem to be a few weeks behind, but I do love reading your experiences and progress - there’s such a lot of wisdom in this group. Congratulations to those who have passed milestones. And commiserations to those who’ve been struggling. Keep getting up and dusting yourself down, and plodding on.
I’m ok, although I’m very annoyed that I’ve actually gained weight in the three months I’ve been alcohol free. I did overdo the sweet stuff in the first couple of months, but my diet’s been mostly great since January, and obviously I’m not consuming the wine calories. I did have a weak moment when walking past the supermarket in late afternoon last week; before I even had time to talk myself out of it, my feet took me in there and to the dangerous section, and I walked out clutching…
… two tubs of ice cream. 
Could have been considerably worse, and I’m grateful that the irresistible craving was for ice cream not wine. It did make me think about how that took my by surprise, though, and I’ve also been having the odd fleeting thought about ‘well what’s the point in all this effort to change and be better if I’m still _’ insert from following options: fat and not losing weight, tired all the time and lacking in energy, not seeing dramatic improvements in my concentration and executive function, no fun, not miraculously the person I hoped I’d be.
I also watched the Annie Grace 5 day thing this week, that someone mentioned upthread. There were a few useful techniques - I liked the ladder thinking, for instance - but essentially I found it to be one (very) long advert for The Path. Which is fine; it was free, and she’s a very savvy businesswoman, after all, but it does grate on me a bit as it wasn’t very subtle.
So, I’m ok… not great, not the wonderful, amazing, joyful, functional bundle of achievement that Annie Grace gives the impression we can be… just the same old me, but sober. I’m mostly kidding - I really value the free content she provides, and found The Alcohol Experiment really useful. I’m just gently mocking myself and my expectations, really. It’s me all over to plunge headlong into a major change, expect dramatic results, and then give up when I don’t rapidly get them. In this case, actually, I haven’t done that: I’ve stuck to my guns and stayed alcohol free even when that’s been hard, I’ve made huge strides in learning to be kinder to myself, and more patient, I’ve made some slow but steady improvements to other aspects of my health, and I’m seeing gradual but perceptible improvements to my health (mental, emotional and physical).
Also, I applied for a master’s. 
I spent so long writing the personal statement etc that my the time I submitted the application, I was thinking that I’m mad to even consider doing it, and that I wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure of studying on top of my job. I’ll see if I get offered a place first, and then think seriously about whether to take the plunge. Who am I kidding… if I get offered a place I’ll think fuck it, and grab it with both hands! 🙄