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.

Hi all,

Went for another morning swim today and it's just occurred to me how alcohol was making my life harder - I was dragging myself through the days/life whereas now I'm pushing myself through. I've had such a productive two weeks and I'm finding that I'm just getting on with things rather than forcing myself to. Rather liberating really. ATM life is a bit relentless until I finish my qualification but I'm actually enjoying just going with it and throwing myself in. The pool isn't open Tuesday and Thursday mornings here but I've scheduled in an early morning walk with a friend on these days - none of these things would be doable if I was drinking 3-4 nights a week. I have naturally fallen into this pattern as a natural consequence of abstaining and I'm loving the new life this has given me (I just can't stop the cheese, sorry!!).

Very disappointed and shocked to read about the lack of support from family/friends to some of you. That's awful. I have mentioned it to a few people and they have been nothing but supportive, so I'm sorry some of you aren't having that experience too. Good job we are here isn't it!

@Carlin we have all had false starts on here - every single one of us I think! I first read the unexpected joy of being sober two years ago, and it took all that time of on off for it to just click one day and become clear. The first 1-2 weeks was the hardest but after then it's harder to see yourself go back to the wine. You've got this, and we are all here while you try and navigate it.

Love this post. 😍

I echo everyone else. The key is I think , to
keep trying. I am struggling and triggered right now on holiday. It’s all very white knuckled. I should have planned better as I know my mother and sister are trigger points for me. We need some space today I think and I’ll try and relax. I’m having some lovely smoothies though!

hugs to you all. Xx

@StillFeelingTired hope you're doing OK. It can't be easy when you're triggered. You have overcome this a few times though ( which btw I really admire as I don't think I've been tested yet) ; whatever the outcome you're doing your best.

I'm still going strong. Found myself yesterday worrying about a holiday in 10 weeks time and having a supportive but somewhat heated discussion with dh ( he's still saying just have a couple !!).
I must remember it's still one day at a time. I'm going back to basics.
Keep trying, folks - it's not easy. Life throws alsorts at us, we just need different coping strategies. It's hard though when it's been your coping strategy for so long.

@Goandygo I'm quite surprised your DH suggested just a couple - it's not that simple is it. I guess if you don't have that relationship with alcohol it's hard to understand. I'm pretty sure my DH has said that to me before but now he knows I can't!

A song called Drunk Me popped up on my Spotify the other day, it's generally a love song rather about booze but it starts off saying:

'Some people don't know when to quit, and that's why they quit,
Some people got to hit the bottom to see they got a problem, they can't handle it.
That's why I, started cleaning up my life'

It made me stop in my tracks a bit actually.
Of course everyone's rock bottom is different, it's not always drinking in the morning, losing your job or waking up somewhere you don't know, but for me I think it was the hurt ankle night. I remember just feeling exasperated that I'd let something like that happen again and almost became a bit bored of it?

Rambling again, and being cheesy again (quoting song lyrics, whatever next 😅) so I'll stop now!

@StillFeelingTired how was the rest of your day? Sorry you're feeling triggered atm. Did you manage to find some space and relax? Ride the wave and it'll pass x

Right I actually coming off my phone now but just wanted to post this first 😅

@paintcolourchart love the lyrics ❤️
I think he thinks that I won't be me. I won't enjoy myself without drinking, I won't relax. And maybe he's partially correct because my nights out out are certainly going to look different. I'm happy with that as I was a disgrace before when drunk. An embarrassing disgrace. So I'm happy to leave it behind.
I tried to explain addiction. My sister smokes like a chimney, my other sister eats sugar all day, he likes a bet on the horses. It's not easy giving anything up. Each to their own.
He did say I've done really well and he's very proud of me. He's not a bad sort really 🤣
I'm just going to stop discussing it with people.

Just to add, I actually think I am strong enough to just have a couple. But I don't want a couple. I don't want any.
I want to get to 200 days and beyond and I don't want the Wine Witch to win.
I feel great. The weight's still coming off, my skin is lovely and I want to win 💪

Sorry @Goandygo I didn't mean to insinuate your DH isn't lovely! It's so nice he's saying he's very proud of you. You'd be able to knock me over with a feather if my DH ever said that to me 😂 yes nights out will look different but that's not a bad thing. I'm finding i'm more relaxed without it, even at the big drinking and dancing event a few weeks ago.

Amazing that you feel strong enough to just have a couple (I don't!!) but it's great that you just don't want it. So pleased to hear how great you are feeling - the only way is up! (Ok ok I'll stop with the song lyrics now 😅)

I've also been using the Sobriety Counter app (free). My health started off at something like 7% and it quickly builds in the early days then slows down a bit (as expected). Been waiting for it to tick over to 60% and I'm very nearly there! I'm not sure how scientific it is but it's nice to see 😂 it breaks down all the health benefits too which is nice to know. Attaching screenshots in case anyone is interested in downloading.

Right actually going off to do some work now, will check in later.

Morning, tribe, how are we all doing?
I'm waning a bit. It's a strange feeling. Whilst I don't want to run out and buy wine, I'm thinking about it ( wine) a lot.
I think it's a combination of dh being away for the weekend ( I'm on my own, and this is when I'd drink), I've been thinking / stressing about the holiday ( in 10 bloody weeks !!! ) and my tablets are coming to an end ( I couldn't drink on them if I even wanted to ).
Feels good to get that down actually. Now I can tackle each point.
And I don't even want to drink 🥴

Morning @Goandygo - going good here thank you. Finally 3lbs down which I am thrilled about and I get a new star today too 😅

Sorry to hear you're waning a bit - I recall that being quite normal when you approach 100 days according to the Clare Pooley book - there was a name for it but I can't recall it. I just did a quick search but couldn't find it but I did come across this (screenshot attached) which will hopefully support you.

What do you have planned for when DH is away? Is there anything in particular that you like to do/eat/ that he doesn't really like?

@paintcolourchart thank you so much for that. I have friends who are years af and they say they never even think about it.
I remember trying to give up before and people would say, do 100 days you'll see...etc...etc.
It was difficult to hear that because some days I couldn't manage 100 minutes. Look at me now - 83 days. And, I actually had to look at my diary for that. So, it's true, you do forget.
I'll be ok when dh is away : granddaughters and a hike Sunday morning that I'm really looking forward to.
Congratulations 🎊 on the 3lb weight loss - and your new star. You're doing brilliantly ❤️.
I've lost 12lb in 12 weeks - that's with eating all the chocolate 🤣
For my holiday I'm aiming for another 7lbs off, which will be the lightest I've been for years.
Thank you again not just for taking the time to find all that, but for your support ( I know you're very busy).
❤️💯

@Goandygo I am finally now starting to see that it's possible to live life without thinking about it! I can't say that I never do now because I post on here almost daily and do my app/crystal tracks, but I don't have that impossible craving anymore. I haven't for a while and honestly I'm still shocked about it! I'm the same as you in that I have to check my app for the correct number of days now. How is your weekend without DH going? 7lbs is totally doable in the next 10 weeks - you've got this and you'll look and feel amazing! 🔥

Day 50 for me today! My sobriety tracker finally ticked over to 60% and I'm finally below the next stone bracket weight-wise. I can't believe how much my life has changed over the past two months just from cutting the booze and forming better habits/looking after myself. Yesterday I went to take my foundation off before bed and then realised I wasn't even wearing any! And today I wore a top that I haven't been able to wear in two years. I did briefly successfully lose some weight just before I bought it and then it piled back on quickly during the last two years of study. I feel like I've just gained a whole new wardrobe! Still a way to go weight wise but I stood on the scales again this morning (I don't normally do it two days in a row) and I've lost 9lbs since my course finished in April, half of that has been in the last week! I honestly can't believe how a few 'little' changes ended up changing everything. Weirdly life is more stressful atm because my final exams etc are looming (which have been years coming) but it's just so much easier to manage now. Sorry I'm rambling again but honestly I'm just shocked.

How's everyone else doing? Hope everyone is having a peaceful Saturday evening!

Love your happy positive post @paintcolourchart . 😊 hanging on here. Enjoying the holiday but also looking forward to getting home and back to normal. Thought I might dedicate some of my not-drinking money to my appearance. No weight loss to report but I am keen to get some makeup lessons for example. I’m still doing my make the way I did in my 20s. I just have more cash now!

best wishes to you all. X

@Goandygo 83 days is incredible - they’re going by so quickly now! And the weight loss is fab - it takes a while but just keeps dropping off every week. I’m amazed at the change in my body.
@paintcolourchart woohoo - day 50 is worth a huge celebration. The weigh loss is also very impressive- I found when I quit and lost so much weight I looked older - kidding myself that it’s settling in now but my skin is definitely better!an old photo poppped up today from last year and I looked puffy and bloated and not great.
@Goandygo ride it out if you can - you’ll be so happy and next time the cravings hit, you know you can handle them! You’ve done the hard work. Just focus on today ….
@StillFeelingTired treat yourself! I really haven’t at all - need a whole new wardrobe but waiting til October for that - I may splurge!

still here and I still easy again now I’m back in my regular routine! Fed up with having temporary teeth stuck on and looking forward to eating some normal salads - I seem to be surviving mainly on sugar free chocolate puddings and Greek yoghurt! Feels very unhealthy!

glad you’re all still here and rocking it!

@88expertprocastinator thank you. Ride it out is indeed excellent advice. It's not so much that I even want to drink, it's just getting used to a different normal. I'm taking it one day at a time - and I'm not fretting about the holiday anymore !
@paintcolourchart 51 days - wow, it's gone so fast ! You're doing brilliantly and yes, your positivity is great. Gave me a kick up the butt, anyway.
@FeelingLessTired yes, hang on in there - you're doing so well in a trying situation. I do admire your 💪.

I was on a downer yesterday. I'd had a lovely day but I think sometimes it just seems a bit unreal. I've never come this far before, so I'm also going to give myself some credit. Mood swings are normal.
I definitely don't want to drink - yesterday I reminded myself of the smoking, daft texting, waking up through the night needing diet coke, spending all next day eating rubbish but unable to feel satisfied - not good.

Afternoon all, how are we all on this beautiful sunny day ? Makes a change for a bank holiday.
All good here. We're eating out today with our eldest granddaughter. I've just poured an af strawberry kopparberg on ice to have whilst I'm getting ready. Allowed myself a little smile as I remembered sometimes drinking a full bottle of wine before going out. No wonder I got so drunk when out.
Looking forward to an evening of tennis and some treats. And af drinks.
Have a lovely day tribe.

@Goandygo you nailed it - mood swings are normal! We are just not drowning it all out with booze. Takes a while I suppose to adjust to the new normal. Enjoy your day - it sounds perfect!

still here still not drinking.

Sorry hope I'm not being too insufferable 😂 scared I'll come crashing down at some point but hoping not and enjoying it while it lasts!

@StillFeelingTired when do you get home from your holiday? I love the idea of dedicating some of your not drinking money to your appearance 🥰

Thanks @88expertprocastinator - I'm only just starting to lose weight as of last week, but I've been doing MFP and been in an extra deficit as well because of swimming. Until then when I was 'just' AF, I didn't lose anything! I did look like I had though. I'm definitely not in danger of losing so much weight that I look older I'm still 2 stone overweight 😂 glad your skin is looking better. I'm quite aghast at the change. I really did look awful 50 days ago. Ohhh I love a new autumn wardrobe!

Thank you @Goandygo - your evening sounds lovely!

It's not bank hol here but even if it were I would have still spent the day working 😂 got an evening planned to hopefully finish off the first draft of my paper, which I'm weirdly looking forward to! No wine 'reward' afterwards for me (thankfully!). Instead I have borrowed a book from the library and will get started on that when I climb into bed late tonight (but sober, having had a productive evening) before 💤. Jaqueline Wilson is releasing an adult sequel of The Illustrated Mum so I'm planning to re-read the first one. Will be interesting reading it in my 30s but also not too taxing!

I went to a wellness event yesterday and photos went up online today - for the first time in a long time I didn't wince when I saw my photo 😂

Keep going everyone!

@paintcolourchart it's weird the feeling that it's going to come crashing down. I've had the best day today and reflected earlier how a 'good' day before always involved drinking. I'm quite confident it's not going to come crashing down and actually, if it does, I'll just have to learn from it.
My tablets are coming to an end. That would give me the green light, but I know deep down I don't want to go back to how I was.
Drinking wasn't even that good. I just thought I needed it. I don't.
Yes, it's a new normal to get used to. But I do prefer it.

Hi all. Just a quick one from me. I am posting from my phone and find it awkward and cumbersome!

back on Friday. Looking forward to getting home and seeing the cats!

love your posts @paintcolourchart … definitely not insufferable! 😂 so positive and happy. I understand about the fear of crashing though.

hope everyone is well. I’m hit and miss and will report my days when I get back. But I bought myself a silly encouragement present yesterday. A little silver and opal cat pendant. Just a ‘it’s okay to treat yourself’ thing.

planning to return to daily swimming when I get back. I can no longer walk well due to fibro but gentle swimming hopefully will help with the muscle pain. Telling myself also it’s okay to let my body heal.

beat to all. Xx

@Goandygo I really, really hope it doesn't all come crashing down. It almost feels too good to be true?? I just can't believe the complete change in my routine and I can't believe I've been AF for nearly 8 weeks now. I've even changed my type of crystal 😂 it's no longer amethyst which means 'not drunken' it's now something else which is related to my course (I know I know 😅). I just don't think I can do the whole drinking thing again, I really don't. Yes, coming off your tablets will be a struggle because I suppose the option hasn't been there before, but technically it will be once your off them. You've done so well coming this far though and as the saying goes - you haven't come this far to only come this far'. You'll have experienced so many positives to being dry so hopefully this will help you, and remember we are all here!

@StillFeelingTired it is absolutely not silly! But then I have ~24 crystal stars in my drawer waiting to be hung, so I may not be the benchmark 😂😂 I love the little cat! I hope swimming helps with the muscle pain. I find it helps with so much more than just my physical health as well.

Hope everyone is doing ok? @Carlinhow are you?

@paintcolourchart thanks, and well done on nearly 8 weeks. You're doing so well, too.
I don't think it will come crashing down yer know. Like you said, too many positives and like you, I just can't see myself drinking again. And as for getting drunk, falling - no, never.
My granddaughter asked me why I wasn't drinking wine at our meal. I told her nana doesn't drink anymore because I want to be healthy and be in her life for as long as possible. We had a little cuddle ❤️
@FeelingLessTired I love your pendant. It's not silly, it's a great way to encourage yourself because you can look at it and remind yourself how fabulously you're doing.