The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Off To Find The Summer Sun and Sobriety!

[Mouseface]

Hello, I'm Mouse :)

Welcome to the Bus, take a seat and enjoy the ride. We're a Bus full of drinkers, non-drinkers, those who are trying to give up for life, those who are giving up for a few hours because that's all that they can manage (which is fine!) or quitting just for today......

We don't wear Judgey Pants (they're far too last year darhling ) but we have hugs a plenty and tough love when it's needed. Which isn't often!

So, what have you got to lose? If you're reading this, you're thinking that you are no longer happy with the way you drink, which tells me that this is the Bus for you. :)

If you'd like to see where we've been so far and what we've been up to, take a peek HERE

And if you want to knnow why we're here in the first place, take a look at THIS THREAD RIGHT HERE :)

See you soon x

(Pervy both clips on You Tube. x)

(Oh, and it's Bradley!! )

Evening babes

I like this from pink: but suddenly she reversed it 'I am unhappy and my life is a mess because I drink too much'

That makes a lot of sense to me. I'm sober today but I'm dealing with all the emotions I've blotted out with alcohol over the years,I really need this bus to stay strong. i didn't think that I was ever unhappy,I also thought that I didn't drink much. I drank far too much all of the time and sometimes I get really sad and low- that's ok but a new experience for me to really feel it,in real life,as it happens.

I've been out with friends to a beautiful bar and I've had a great time. I spent some of my time gazing at glasses of champagne but stuck to the soft stuff. I don't feel clever or amazed that I resisted any more, like I did when I first got sober. I don't know how to express how I feel? A little sad that I can't drink but calm about it. Does that feeling have a word???

Massive well done to the babes who have managed 1 day or even 1 less drink this week. Getting /staying sober is HARD.

Evening, tis me, Mouse

So.............. here I am, checking in to find 2 of my Babes pissed and posting.

Two things...

1. • YOU ARE BEING HONEST
2. • YOU ARE POSTING ABOUT BEING HONEST!!! :)

Now THAT is a huge step for you Purps and a step in the right direction for you Silver!

I mean that in the most non patronising twatishish way possible. I really do. To rock up and say, 'yeah, I'm here and pissed but fuck it, it's me, it's how I am tonight' or whatever shows great courage in my book.

You could have easily lied. You could have posted that you'd had a dry day/night and how good you felt about it.............

You could've posted that you'd had one or two and finally found it in you to stop at that................

BUT - you didn't, you came on here and said you were drinking and pissed.

So, in the morning, there will be food of your choice, paracetamol, water by the bucket load, tea, coffee and sympathy so that you know that no matter what, this Bus is for us ALL.

The cyclical drinkers are the ones who need to be the most honest and you guys admitting to drinking is great, it really is :)

I know that sounds a bit shit but words are not my strong point at this time of night after a long day which I shall post about tomorrow.

For now, stay safe, have some water BEFORE BED, don't fall over anything going for that mid night wee, and know that no-one is judging you for the fact that you've found the courage to be honest

Night Babes, love to you ALL xxx

Mouse, how's your holiday going? Thanks for the lovely 'shout out'. Yep, on the 'sauce' but more controlled than of late. I know that I need to have my wits about me if I'm going to trail three children round London. Pleased I can rein it in a bit. And, yes, you are right. Normally, if I've been drinking, I find it hard to post anything (failure complex). Something in Pervy's post made me want to find something to make her smile. You should see my manicure/pedicure! Class! xxxxx

Morning babes!

Guggs - acceptance? Or resignation? Not sure but I do know the feeling you refer to.

I try and look at it that some people are allergic to aspirin. They can't use it for its benefits (pain relief) as the negative effects will outweigh the positives for them. That is me and booze I guess. But it's not the same for most of my friends......still hard though.

Green you did make me laugh - I hadn't gone out drinking but the bus was a bit 'tumbleweed' last night wasn't it? We must have all been swishing our hair in front of the mirror and practising 'chins up, tums in' for the next time Baby issues the order

Day 5 for me today and I won't be drinking today. Off to the beach with friends. I'm going to look like the resident beached whale in my cossie ( no change there) but hey I could be hungover too, there is always a worse case scenario!

Love to all sorry not to name check this morning, I hope to be back later (but I guess I said that yesterday!) to see how you all are doing,

Love Pink X

Morning - maybe everyone e was watching the launch f CBB last night?
Well done to all - good luck to those on day 1 today.
Well I have one more week holiday to go and then back to work :(
Out for a walk this morning and then looking forward to the weekend :)
See you all later L x

Morning babes, Day 5 for me, sleep shit at the moment but know that it will improve, so today I will not drink!

(With apologies to Amy Carmichael for the dreadful plagiarism)

IN ACCEPTANCE LIES PEACE

She said ?I will forget the painful places
The empty spaces
They shall be filled again
Oh voices moaning deep within me cease
But alcohol did not help me then:
Not in forgetting lieth peace.

She said, "I will crowd action upon action,
The strife of faction
Shall stir me and sustain;
O tears that drown my spirit, cease."
But alcohol did not help me then:
Not in busyness lieth peace.

She said, "I will withdraw and be quiet,
Why meddle in life's riot?
Shut my door to pain.
And stay away till all my hurtings cease."
But alcohol did not help me then
Not in aloneness lieth peace.

She said, "I will submit; I am defeated.
Drink hath depleted
My life of its rich gain.
O futile cravings, why will ye not cease?"
But alcohol did not help me then:
Not in submission lieth peace.

She said, "I will accept the cause of sorrow
On the Bus tomorrow
I will to all explain."
Then did the turmoil deep within her cease.
Bright days unroll without a drink;
For in Acceptance lieth peace.

Venus Love, love that x

I think a lot of babes on the bus will relate to what you've said there isindesidecar. I'm now back on Day 2 but still feel annoyed at myself for drinking on Wednesday. I wish I could break the cycle, so I just need to try again! Don't give yourself a hard time, what's done is done, so just have a fresh start today

Morning,tis me, Mouse

IsinDe - oh what a sad post from you. You sound so utterly lost and alone but I can feel a tiny spark when I read your words too.... What terrifies you more, dropping drinking or dying from it? You're the only one who can control your life. It's all up to you and maybe that's a part of your fear?

I have no wise words but I will always be here to listen. I hope you know how much you're loved, both here and in rl. I hope you find your light soon, your strength and your fight. And I hope that you take today as carefully as you can, look after yourself. I'm going to hold your hand for your Day 1 if that's okay?

Well done to EVERYONE who's on day whatever, it's always better than day zero but again, we're all on this Bus together, no matter what.

I need to go, love to you all, Purps - enjoy London :)

Xxx

Isinde - Big big big hugs to you.

Indie Just. Holding. Both. of. Your. Hands. In. Mine.

Oh inside I wish I could give you a hug, it's such a battle isn't it, a constant fight draining your spirit and taking up headspace that leave you baffled and exhausted, I used to keep thinking "I'm smart and educated, how can this happen to me" making bad decisions and talking to idiots at parties that my path would never cross without booze, infact going yo partys i wont never dare go near!! Sundays wasted when I should have been out with my kids, friendships ruined cos I no longer wanted people to see my ageing bloated body so I refuse invitations and drink at home instead, your sadness and air of defeat have really touched me. I'm only on day 12 but whilst life is a little mundane maybe even a bit jaded, It's better then the knawing, sick waves of regret that have left me lost in a sea of white wine and despair. I send you every ounce of affection this cyber world will allow and tomorrow will be better, I promise x x x

Lovely lovely words Babyxxxx

Indie, the middle of the night always seems like the loneliest time in the world, know that you are loved and loving xx
Baby, beautifully put, I identified with every word xx

OK, we know that if we engage her, she will win. Unless you have nothing to do with her, she will win. Sometimes, if you are very lucky you can make it more of an even fight. If you feel strong enough you might even be able to make it a tie, where you don't fight for very long and just don't have that bit too much exposure to her, because you are able to walk away. She is evil, she lives in your head and in the bottom of your stomach. She knows when you are vulnerable, tired, ill, lonely and done in, but to make it even more of an uneven fight, she can get you when you're up, happy and celebrating. For all of us babes here on the bus, she is the great leveller. We all have her (and her evil friends) in common. Inde you just put it in words so well. I think I can (can I?) speak for all of us as we nod while reading your words and know exactly that feeling. The one that is too big to swallow.

So, what to do? Maybe accept that we are powerless (isn't that part of AA?) and come up with strategies for living with the enemy? That is what I have decided I must do. I can't win against her and I will struggle and wrestle with her for the rest of my life. I will try not to fight her every night, but will remain safe inside myself for at least three or four nights. That will take every ounce of strength and self-respect that I have.
But, it doesn't mean that we should allow it to colour every single other part of our lives. Babes you are all wives, mothers, girlfriends, daughters and sisters and friends of people who love you and know your worth. Gentle, kind, sympathetic, bolshy, practical and wonderful women who play a pivotal part in the lives of your families and friends. Remember that. Make sure you remember that.

guggen another very profound post, "feeling feelings" is very tough especially when it's "hurt" I think your doing brilliantly, your posts are always so calm and controlled and very wise. I think giving up booze is like being on a diet, at first the results are incredulous, everyone comments on your new amazing figure, after a while everyone gets used to your new body, even you do so a jam doughnut provides the "thrill" you crave, then it takes chocolate cake to hit the spot, before you know it your heavier than ever before and people don't notice you anymore at all. The jam doughnut being the first glass, the cake being the bottle, don't look back guggen keep on keeping on!! green would say. As for me HEADS UP, BOOBS OUT AND TUMS IN xxxx

ladame god your good!! Great great post x x x

Isindes I felt every word of your post. We've all been there, standing on the edge of the abyss, trying to find the strength to resist but in the end knowing you are going to cave in and have that first sip. I hope I have the courage to come on here and 'fess up like you did if I ever succumb to the wine bitch. Today is my day 5 and the dreaded weekend is here. I'm going to find it very hard, no doubt, so I thought I'd check in with my new buddies to get some support. Your post put my worries into perspective :(. I hope you are feeling better. Dust yourself off and get back up even stronger. Listen to the wise words of all the wonderful Babes on here and check in every day.

(((((Big hugs to all and wishing everyone strength for the weekend)))) xx

Sylvana, today is my Day 5 as well, let's try and get through the dreaded weekend together.

That would be lovely obrigada

I luffs you all xxx

What a clever bus- thank you for helping me. I'm going to think of that poem as venus' even if it isn't really.

isinde [massive hugs] [some more hugs] [and another squeeze]

I am a very strong stroppy stubborn woman- yes. alcoholics/ heavy drinkers tend to be bright people whose minds work overtime,all of the time.We like to do things to extreme.

I was also able to admit this morning that I am helpless with this addiction- that's the first step,as I'm sure you know.

I know that I'm not a shining example of being in aa, but something I haven't said on the bus is how often my lovely,lovely sponsor has come round and let me cry on her shoulder. I really need that rl support or I will drink, no question about that. I'm just thinking,lovely isinde that you travel a lot but there are meetings everywhere you go,including airports,so why give aa another go? or SMART or some councelling.

I hope you don't pick up tonight because you are at the point where drinking is crap,not fun any more. You soooo deserve better. x

P.s- I suspect that this bus is crowded with bloody stroppy,strong,stubborn women. Hoorah!