The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Wading Through Winter Blues Without The Booze!

[Mouseface]

I'm Mouse, nice to meet YOU.

This is a thread for those who want to give up drink completely, or are maybe thinking about doing controlled drinking, or cutting down slowly, it's all up to you. And of course all addictions, so if you are taking drugs of any kind, prescription or otherwise, you're very welcome here too!

You know your limits, you know what is required, it's all in YOUR hands.

Whatever your goal, you'll find unconditional support here. Always. :)

There will be talk of drinking quite often and those who fall off the Bus will post about it, so if that is going to jeopardise your chances of complete sobriety, then maybe the DRY threads would suit you better, as they are complete abstainers, but EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE :)

There are two sayings that we rather like here -

1. • The Vulnerable Need Our Support, Not Our Judgement
2. • Alcohol Fosters Inertia

For those of you who'd like some history, here is the very first thread and the reason that we're all here now. FIRST EVER THREAD

And the most recent so you can work your way back through time IS JUST HERE

The Bus may be 'mythical', but the support is real, it is honest and it will help you to achieve what it is that YOU seek, as long as you are honest with us, but mostly, YOURSELF

Mouse xxx

I'm useless at nc, but really send love to everyone of you day 3, hubby called to say he fancied a drink tonight but I said, not for me!!! Read everyone's messages as I find you all really supportive, this weekend will be hard I'm meeting up with my boozy brother. Fingers and legs crossed.xx

babe god I can so relate to all that. I hate the way I look so I drink to make me feel better.....its insane!

Dont feel depressed about your looks or shape, beautiful brave babes. We are all more gorgeous than we know. And be assured, that inside and out, I see only our stunning beauty and strength.

Your doing great dogwalks just break it down to one day at a time, every days a victory!! why it's lovely to see you, hugs to all xx

I've just wlked into the dinig room which we hardly use except for the purpose of a Sunday lunch or dumping junk... and seen that Mum's flowers were dead and so wilted. I actually drew breath because I was instantly taken back to that night.....

I took the vase out, threw the flowers and replaced with beautiful, fresh and better quality daffs for her. Then I cried. I miss her so much. 59 is no age. Yes, she smoked so much and would never stop but her heart was so big, she gave so much and it was her only 'vice'.

It's not fair. It's just not bloody fair.

I'm in bed already hiding from the ww. You are all beautiful ladies inside and out, I've only been here since Monday and feel so supported, hope soon I can be strong for others.??

mouse I don't know what to say, huge hug xxx

dogwalksWe all know you feel so we really really do "get it" and we all had the same amazing support. I'm struggling myself at the moment and the kinship on this bus has been a godsend, your doing so well and I'm on day 3 too so we can do it together xx

Hello all,

Im fantastic you! Well done for getting back on the sober track, here have some

Rural keep us posted on the lambs, must be a lovely (albeit busy and possibly stressful) time.

Mouse it's really not fair , she was so very young. x

baby thanks for the encouragement. I laughed at your 'feel more like a log than a woman' and instantly pictured a dolled up log in a dress (not you of course, just a ridiculous image!) Have to agree with why in that we are all such harsh critics of ourselves. In reality, I bet we are not so bad and perhaps we could all do with being a little kinder on ourselves. (Did you hear that Ma?)

I am almost through another day and am finding it ok. Having weekend conversations in my head but reminding myself I really don't need to worry about that on Wed.

A big wave to all of you other brave women, especially those on day 1,2,3,4,5......55.....105....325 and anywhere close xxxx

Hello babes

hugs mouse can't imagine losing my mother.

Day 4 for me today and feeling good. Going to just delay and delay. I won't drink today. Got plans tonight and tomorrow night I've promised my daughter I'll take her to see a movie.

So far all good. I'm doing sooooo much better than I was this time last year and that's all that counts. As long as I keep fighting and keep winning no matter how long it takes me, eventually I will win.

waves to all. sorry to not nc. Am supposed to be working, not navel gazing.

xx

Mouse I'm so glad you posted, keep letting it out if it helps and sharing your thoughts (those you want to anyway). It sounds like Nemo is making progress in all directions at the moment. Doing his homework - so grown up! How did the school run go? Take care, see you later x

Hi babes just typed a massive post and lost it when my 3 year old j

Jumped on me, I promptly started crying, that's how my day is going, feeling low xx

baby hugs. Deep breath and start the day again. I sometimes say stupid stuff like "Something amazing is going to happen today" and it makes me feel better.....

sniffles. Thanks sober xx

I'm all into corny stuff and it helps rearrange my brain sometimes. Life is bloody hard some days even when nothing much happens. We all deserve a break and while trying to give up our crutch it's harder than ever. xx

That's exactly right sober my little comfort blanket has been taken away and while I know it's for the best, I have lost my "stress filter". I have read a lot of books on the journey to sobriety and they all talk at length about facing your own reality, warts an all and the picture I see of myself, my home and my family life is jaded and tired. I have hid my emotions, disappointments and compromises in a wine glass and it's painful to confront but I guess it's a process!! I'm sorry if I sound negative, I just want to face things properly so I can win my battle once and for all xxx

You're doing well baby. Don't worry about being negative. Better to write it all down. It's good for you. Xx

I'm kinda talking to myself more than anything but yes sober it helps to put it in words, thanks for your support xx

Hi baby, i had an idea (feel free to ignore). Have you ever heard of a vision board? Basically it is a collage of pictures and words that represent the kind of life you would love. All you need is a pair of scissors, a glue stick, a few old magazines and a piece of cardboard/card. Any pictures, words or phrases that you are drawn to, rip them out and build a pile for the collage. Not only does this get your mind thinking about lovely things that matter to you but your 3 year old could make one too and you could enjoy a messy hour!

I have done them before and enjoy the creative distraction, it lifts my mood too. Anyway, hope you are feeling less wobbly now xx

baby can so relate. Day 4 without my stress filter and feeling tearful and depressed. My reality is sort of easier to get through in a wine induced fog. However as you said to dogwalks yesterday everyday AF is a victory. So onwards and upwards

beaches great idea beaches

rural, sorry you are feeling down today too. If you can summon up an ironic laugh - it is international happiness day today! . Hope you day picks up and big well done on day 4. Xx

beaches I love that idea, I constantly look at clothes and makeup in magazines and wish I could be slim and sassy enough to wear but a mood board and my "slim" photos will help me get back on track, thank you. rural day 4 here too and just took the mother of all periods today so maybe that's why I wanted to smother my snoring dh last night, for real!!!! We can keep each other company, if I could get through a whole weekend AF I would be so chuffed so I'm really going to try, as you say onwards and upwards with weight hopefully downwards xxx

Checking in x