200 days alcohol free- anyone wish to join?

[FeelingLessTired]

Several years ago, under another user name I did a 100 day alcohol free challenge and alot of people joined me on MN. It was before covid, so a long time ago!

I really appreciated the support and lasted 120 days in the end. ironically enough DH joined me IRL and he just continued on and has been teetotal since then.

I was reading Annie Grace back then (I think) and her recommendation was that if you slip, to then challenge yourself for double the time- hence I now wish to start and achieve a 200 day challenge.

I'd love some company if anyone wishes to join me!

I have a funeral today and plan to drink J20 with tonic water. The deceased was a good friend of DH's and although he was in his early 70s drinking definitely played a part in his extreme fragility over the past few years. He's been really ill for a good ten years I think.

I have set out a spread sheet with my alcohol-free savings. In the last week i have definitely reduced and have saved just shy of £50 already (since the beginning of April) as we have had a fair few dinners and lunches out. I look at what I would have drunk (sauvignon blanc here and there) and when i have not had it I add that cost to my spreadsheet. That does help to inspire me because COL is biting us hard right now.

@Goandygo so glad you've had a good holiday and have stayed sober. 77 days! Wow! I can't believe how quickly it's racking up!

@Sonnet I love how you worded it as 'artificially relaxing' - I'll have to remember that one. I'm really into everything being natural - food, skincare, the lot. Even my nail varnish is a natural one! However when it came to wine I just ignored what it was (because let's face it I was addicted) but I will have to remember that phrase if/when I get tempted.

As I type this I have just got an Apple Watch notification letting me know that I've hit my sleep goal 10 nights over the last fortnight - I've never had that notification before and I hadn't even been being mindful of my sleep!

Well done on 51/58 days @Sonnet! I'm interested what my number is actually so off to have a look. 58/62 so we must have initially tried to quit at a really similar time!

39 days for me today - nice round number tomorrow!

Omg I love Artificially Relaxing.
I think I'll struggle today......though.....I've taken my meds so I can't 🥴

@Goandygo I meant to ask you how your shoulder was in my last message, sorry! How is it? Sorry you're feeling tempted today - is there any reason why do you think?

Hi All! Sat to message a couple of times today but yea been a busy one so didn’t get time to post till now.

well I managed day one anyway! I kept busy, took my DC out on her bike then by the time we got back we watched tv together then it was bedtime. It wasn’t too bad. I’m trying not to think too far ahead, just take each day as it comes.

@paintcolourchartI love the idea of having rewards at different stages. The crystals resonate with me too. My mum passed away a few years ago and I’m always on the lookout for wee things that help keep her close, she loved Murano glass but it’s expensive! That would be a lovely reward and would keep me motivated to have.

@SonnetI can relate to all of that! Life is so busy I feel like I’m living on my nerves and that first glass gives me a momentary relief. Problem is I don’t stop at that and I’ll keep going till they’re only the smallest bit of the bottle left. I think I leave it so I can kid myself I’m not drinking a whole bottle. I treated myself to a smoothie maker, have been wanting one for a while and I’m looking forward to making some frozen ones with the kids. I also got some lovely chocolate earlier so ill
enjoy that later!

Hope you’re all having a good day, sun is shining here at the min so I have taken the kids to the park. They’re already bickering though and usually that’s when I’ll plan where to stop on the way home for a bottle but not today! 😬

@Carlin a smoothie maker is on my list too! I haven't bought myself that yet but I have treated myself to other things. Let us know what you make with it! Sorry to hear about your mum passing. I'd not heard of Murat glass before but I've just looked ot up and it's beautiful. Keep going! You are at the hardest bit. For me day 4 and another few days after then that are the hardest (although I usually don't make it that far until now) but then it's much much easier. So just hang on in there and then it'll be much easier!

I found myself having a little sing along and dance to the radio while making my lunch earlier, like the old me would have done 🥰

Currently sitting outside with my expensive mushroom drink and my bare feet in the grass on a break before I get back to it for a good stint before picking DS up at 5pm. Getting on well with my paper - much better than if I'd had wine last night and do not feel the need to 'reward' myself afterwards either. Going to stop at the library on the way to nursery pick up for a book I want o read that I hope they'll have, and I look forward to curling up bed with it and a herbal (probably lemon balm 😅) tea later.

Hope everyone is doing ok ♥️

Oh another small win for me today! My friend popped in at short notice earlier and I didn't have to panic rush around tidying up beforehand! Normally my house is not 'drop by' ready, because I didn't feel like I had enough time to keep on top of it, but it seems I do now!!

@paintcolourchartThanks, it was sudden and I was pregnant with my second so it was a really horrible time, we were very close so I’m still struggling!

Loving the small wins and well done on the paper! I returning to study in September and it’s another reason I want to abstain as I know i won’t get through it if I’m spending each day in a fug! Love the image of dancing in the kitchen and bare feet in the grass. It’s the little things!

@Carlin I have just finished a 2 year university course. It was very stressful and my drinking increased. I saw it as a way to unwind and relax, but really I wasn't actually relaxing and I was just making it harder for myself by not being 100% the day after wine. Now I'm on the next (and hopefully final!) part of studying and I am now abstaining, I realise that on the evenings when I am neither working or drinking, I am actually relaxing. I'm no longer groggy the day after, even if I didn't realise it at the time looking back I definitely was sluggish. If you can abstain now then by the time you start in September it'll be your 'new normal' and you won't have to have the daily battle with yourself anymore. Going back to uni when you're no longer in your early 20s is strangely liberating btw, so enjoy!

Oh absolutely with the little things - I am definitely learning to appreciate them more!

@paintcolourchartCongratulations! I’m starting a one year teaching course, I’ll be doing it alongside my job and I’ve heard it’s intense so I know I’m going to have to be super organised to keep on top of it all.
the kids have numerous after school clubs and DH works away a lot so I know it going to be a massive juggle!

Congratulations again, I’m sure you feel an enormous sense of achievement 👏🏻 you definitely deserve a reward to mark the occasion . 🙌🏻

@Carlin well done on Day 1 - and, yes, don't think too far ahead.
@paintcolourchart shoulder still sore, but I'm managing the pain.
I think I felt like I'd be drinking because I'm excited to go home. Before it was all I did on holiday - wine for breakfast etc so just something I did.
Last hotel, last night and I'm having a 0% lager in hotel.
I'll catch up properly later but I've definitely got this.
As have you lovely lot ❤️💯

Thanks @Carlin it was a huge slog but will hopefully be worth it in the end once it got the next bit out of the way. My DH works away sometimes too (usually only a few nights at a time) and when that came around I had to take the pedal off a bit and give myself some breathing space. There's only so much you can do in a day! Good luck though, I'm sure you'll smash it!

I have to say I've fancied a drink a little today. I even had fleeting 'well it's been over a month, one night would be ok' thoughts. I have batted them away quickly though and they haven't become mental gymnastics (yet!). Maybe it's the weather?? It's been a bit dull here lately and today is the warmest day for a while. I'm waiting for DS to fall asleep atm and then I'm going to take my laptop outside with a San pelligrino which should hopefully satisfy me! DH is away tonight so there's no way I'll drink even if it doesn't.

@Goandygo hope you have a brilliant last night! @FeelingLessTired Hope you're having a great time away as well!

Wow I defo can’t keep u so apologies if I’ve missed someone…
@Carlin i was so happy to see your post! The first few days are so hard, lots of people cannot stick to it - no blame - if you’re ready upyoull do it because you’re basically so fed up of doing the old stuff. So well done and you’re already nearly through day 2…
@paintcolourchart glad your papers going well. I was a late attender of uni - at 30 and I loved it! And well done for sticking at your paper with the good weather tempting you. I also was never a fan of sparkling water but I live off the stuff now - have every flavor going….
@Goandygo glad you are enjoying your trip and in awe of you doing it sober. Nearly 80 days now which is totally epic!
@Sonnet i love the thought of sitting in the garden and breathing - I rarely take the time to do this despite me spending thousand of hours and a tone of money to get it nice - it’s criminal really…. I’m British but have lived in Canada for 15 years. All family still in Uk so I don’t think that helps with the drinking!

anyhow I’m packing up ready to leave on my trip tomorrow! Won’t be posting but won’t be drinking either (I hope). If. Feel desperate I’ll come on for so,e inspiration ….

@88expertprocastinator enjoy your hols. Yes, pop on if you need any inspiration - it worked for me.
@paintcolourchart well done for resisting the urge. I know @FeelingLessTired has had a few, and like you, has overcome them. I've had thoughts but no seed has been planted. That's my danger zone - it's a deep down feeling that I know I'm going to drink. That's what always happened before.
I was thinking earlier that not only did I often drink wine for breakfast on holiday, I also drank on a hangover. Last holiday I had to pop to the pharmacy for heartburn tablets. 30 euro. Took 2 then carried on drinking. Madness.
I would also drink when home ( to carry on the holiday).
Today I go home to an empty house ( fine). I'll pop to work for a few hours then my own bed.
I did my holiday without wine - I'm proud of myself.
Keep going, folks - it's so worth it ❤️💯

Morning /afternoon/evening all. Hope everyone is doing well. I’m not sure what part of the world everyone is in so covering all bases!

Ive just woke early (6am) with a jump, after only managing to get to sleep around 1.30am. I’m feeling really queasy and keep thinking I’m going to be sick. Is this part of it? 🤷🏻‍♀️ I don’t remember feeling like this before when I hadn’t drank for a couple of days but to be honest it’s been a very long time since I’ve done that.

@paintcolourchartYes the weather is lovely here at the minute too and the notion did pop into my head that a glass of something would be lovely but I headed for a walk and stayed busy outside and that helped. It gives the weather to be even nicer today so I’m going to pack up and take the kids away for the day again, if I’m out of the house I won’t be tempted.🤞🏻
@88expertprocastinatorEnjoy your holidays! @GoandygoCongrats on staying AF over your holiday! The luxury hotel and orange juice on the balcony sounds like heaven and made even more so with the feeling of clean contentment. That’s a feeling I will aspire to have some day.

Hope everyone has a great day 😊

Last night for the first time I did feel like I was missing out. I knew I wouldn't drink because I was solo parenting and I never drink while solo parenting, but DH phoned from his work trip away. He'd been out for dinner with a colleague, they'd had a beer, a bottle of wine each and then he had a whisky when he got back to the hotel (which is fine - he's not like me and can stop when he starts if he wants to). I did feel a pang of jealousy and then I had to remind myself that if that were me I'd have probably stopped at a bar or two on the way back to the hotel, and probably wanted more back at the hotel too. Actually thinking about it, once time I had a solo trip away one of the bar staff ended up walking me back to the hotel. Mortifying. Anyway he said that they were talking about arranging a meal with the wives as well (very male dominated work) and I just had visions of everyone else having a few drinks and me having to order a sparkling water like a child because I can't trust myself. Then I thought about never having a 'wine night' with DH again and for the first time I felt like I might be missing out by staying sober. Which I know is ridiculous, and I just have to work through it and abstain. I clearly can't moderate, I've proved that to myself before. Day 40 for me today!

Also I did think back to my crystals, and how annoyed I would be if I could no longer add to my row of stars, and how stupid I would feel having a jar full of stars to get me to 200 days but not using them.

Ramblings, apologies!

Well done @Goandygo !! We are proud of you too!!

@paintcolourchart woohoo - day 40! Also ignore the thoughts…. It’s natural to romanticize alcohol and feel sad that we will miss out. I think of it like this - yes everyone is out having a great time and a drink, but most people can do that once a week then not drink. I’d be basically partying every night, so I’m not like most ppl. And you’re right -you cannot waste those crystals!

another first here! Normally always especially hungover the day I leave for holiday as we would stay up late and drink to start our holiday early. This morning - I’m tired but not hungover and excited to fet on the road …

@Carlin it's not normal for me to feel sick, but we're all different. Or you might be coming down with something ?
Great idea to keep busy. I also found it challenging on sunny days, but I'm ok now. I have af sparkling wine or af kopparberg in a wine glass with ice. And ice lollies 🤣
@paintcolourchart well done on day 40 - that's absolutely brilliant 💯❤️
I've had the Bar Staff incident too. Except I walked into a closed veranda door. Not that long ago either.
I'm home now.
My friend said he's so impressed with me, proud of me, and he also said that he hadn't drank as much because I wasn't. But also, when he did drink he felt comfortable with it because I was happy with my af.
He also said he believes it's time for me to reevaluate my dysfunctional relationship with alcohol, and I couldn't agree more.
Told you he was honest 🤣

Oh, one more thing....
Do you know it was lovely on the aeroplane not drinking. Normally I'd drink at the airport then wait somewhat impatiently for the service to start.
Then I'd want more but I'd never press the button. I'd just sit wanting more.

sorry for posting and running. Jumping into the car to head home after a day out with the kids and craving a VERY large glass. I’ve nearly talked myself into stopping for a bottle on the way home. DH is taking kids out for a few hours when we get back so have the house and garden to myself 😩

@Carlin it's really difficult isn't it.
I know how you feel ( everyone on here does) - let us know how you've got on.

@Carlin no worries - I sort of did the same earlier. I haven't caught up properly yet but hopped on for a rant 😅 Play it forward - think how bloody amazing you'll feel tomorrow having abstained tonight. I know it's so easy to think 'fuck it', I have many times and had two occasions in my first week where I almost caved, but I didn't and by the end of my second week it became so much easier! Fast forward to now and it's almost been 6 weeks. I do sort of fancy a glass tonight again but I don't have that compulsive urge that I was having in the early days that took over my whole evening and made me grumpy, it's just a small thought creeping in that I can bat away. Once you're over this really difficult initial stage you'll be counting in weeks too. You've got this!! We're all here cheering you on. What sort of thing do you enjoy doing? Could you go for a walk or read a book outside with a dry drink? There's a few of us on here who really rate sparkling waters (I know I know, I can't believe I'm even suggesting it tbh). Somehow it just seem to hit that 'taste' you're seeking - it might be worth a try tonight? Needs to be really cold though!!

I’m doing good and over the worst I think. I kept saying I’ll pop out and get a bottle when the kids go, then they went and I thought I’ll pop out when I get the laundry sorted, then I sat in the garden for a bit and now I’m going to take a shower. By the time I do that the kids will be back and it will be sorting them for bed.

I love sparkling water and lime cordial. It has a nice sharpness but I know I’m going to need alternatives to make it feel ‘special’!

I listen to audiobooks a lot. To be honest I don’t find I have much time to do anything I enjoy, most of my time is keeping on top of housework and running after my DC, I work in a school setting so have summers off with them but work the same hours as them when they go back to school then spend the rest of the afternoon/evening doing after school club runs, homework and dinner. Before kids I loved walks in the countryside, reading and watching box sets! Pretty dull really!

@Carlin that's not dull ! I'm.pretty similar.
You're over the worst, well done. See how you get on now - I had hundreds of day 1s, hundreds.
You're having a go and that's the important bit.

@Carlin theyre not for everyone, but I and a few others have the cbd drinks - a nice relaxing feel and it makes me feel like I’m treating myself well still.

made it to our first holiday accommodation and been on the beach, in the quite cold sea and dinner at a local pub playing local music. I enjoyed a sparkling Perrier and a gingerbread sponge with ice cream - life is very good today…