BRAVE BABES - the bus keeps trundling on...

[venusandmars]

We filled up the last thread, but never fear, we're always here!

Whatever your issue with drinking, whether you just want some encouragement with dry January or whether you've reached your rock bottom and need to quit. Everyone is welcome. You'll find support, encouragement, help. You'll find lots of understanding folks, who won't minimise your problem but who will never judge you. Never judging, never minimising our problems.

If you want to catch up, our last thread is HERE

And if you want to follow everything from the start, the very first thread from almost 11 years ago is RIGHT HERE

You can join in anytime. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are trying to cut down, abstain completely , or are simply acknowledging that you might have a problem... Post what you want.

Very true - I am very glad I didn't give in.

Well I failed & drank last night. I have struggled all week this werk, it was inevitable I think. I noticed that it took me she's to drink the first glass - it tasted a bit horrible to be honest. I slept ok, & felt fine this morning, but am back on Dry January again today. The final straw was getting in from delivering shopping to my mum's at 8 p.m. to find DH had dragged the exercise bike in from the garage -it was too cold in there ( well pedal faster then) and was pedalling away - I hate it it's so bloody noisy. I turned around and walked straight back out to Sainsburys.
Oh well a learning experience - next time I think I'll just throw something at him instead.

Ages not she's.

Hi all

How is everyone doing?

I am on day 16. I was expecting last night to be tough as it was Friday, end of working week, 2 weeks sober and any other excuse reason BUT it was fine. I am actually enjoying my cup of tea and chocolate in front of the TV and the best bit is getting into bed sober. Dh goes to bed later than me so it is my time to have the entire bed to myself, turn the light off when I feel like it and drift off. It makes me sound really dull but there it is and it makes me happy!

Not dull at all beaches, well done you!

Day 18 here. Had an irrational moment in the supermarket earlier when I couldn't find any toffee eclairs (my wine replacement), and nearly burst into tears. Asda's own brand saved me from a full breakdown, thankfully. One day at a time, that's what I keep telling myself.

beaches I'm with you.. 11.52 and I've returned from a walk to enjoy a peppermint tea...

Morning everyone.
How is everyone coping with Dry January?
I loved the app, seeing those thumbs up ticked every day really helped with my journey to becoming AF.
If any of you have Instagram then I recommend following Sober Dave. He does some great live discussions. He used to be on DIY SOS as a random fact. I chat to him when I'm struggling. I'm 3 years in to being AF, it will get easier but I'd say I still crave my beloved Gin of an evening, especially right now with the endless lockdown.

Morning

Thanks Margie I may have the smallest of boing emerging too how are you doing?

tiny those days are clocking up, well done you. The secret weapon of toffee eclairs is duly noted.

That was a late walk Venus but good to know you are a fellow Saturday night tea drinker!

Mint I am very fortunate not to be in a full lockdown where I am.I think it makes dry Jan easier. 3 years is incredible

As luck would have it I have got a new job, starting on Feb 1. I am ashamed to admit that one of my first thoughts was about the end of dry Jan and how I wouldn’t be able to drink . That feeling has changed to feeling happy about continuing. I think the stars are helping me.

Have a good day all xx

beachestoexplore
Congratulations! How exciting . Its nice to hear some good news 😊

Thanks Mint it is really good news and in the current climate I am very fortunate.

I thought I would share a joke, one that can make teenagers groan

I went to the zoo the other day, it only had one animal.....
It was a Shitzu

Happy Monday everyone xx

How are you all? Are you coping with the lockdown. Finding things to do?

therain is your dh still pedalling away in the house. 🚴‍♂️

I have prepared for the up coming dry weekend - I have ordered a footner, bought some fancy bubble bath and a moisture bomb face mask. I should be a soft and smelly version of my former self.

Keep on trucking babes xx

I am distracting myself from eating or drinking by walking, walking, walking. I put on my waterproofs and set off - yesterday it was a couple of hours in the morning, an hour in the afternoon, and then late evening when I found myself grazing the fridge from boredom, I persuaded dh to come out for another half hour.

I'm just about to go out now, even in this miserable weather. I find if I just sit down in front of my computer I am bored, and I know where boredom wants to lead me... I've got a zoom call at midday and a a report to file before 5pm so that should keep me busy.

This evening I've got to deal with parsnips, carrots and beetroot from the veg box (they go a bit soft if not dealt with early in the week). I'm thinking parsnip and carrot soup, and I'll roast the beetroot to eat during the week.

I'm trying not to read / watch the news too much - it sends me into a spiral of feeling anxious and hopeless. I take joy in little bits of positive progress - my PILs (in their 90s) have received their first vaccine; my niece (a GP) has received her first vaccine; my friend manages care homes - which has managed without any covid outbreaks - and all their residents have been vaccinated; someone from my writing group has just got a publisher for their book. Joy in the small things.

Beaches no - it went back in the garage on Sunday. He only used it if the weather's too foul to go out running (& it has to be pretty foul to put him off).
I am feeling low but I think it's just normal January blues. I'd like to hibernate but am still having to go to work. Oh how I long to be retired or a lottery winner!

No point in winning the lottery - you couldn't spend it except in a supermarket or other essential shop You couldn't buy a car, or go on holiday, or celebrate with the people you love. I'd postpone your lottery win for a few months yet

You're right Venus, but as I only buy a ticket once in a blue moon I'll be safe
I slept really well last night. It's still hit & miss, but last night was a good one.
Hope the soup making went well.

Gah. Fell off the wagon big style from last Wednesday to yesterday. It’s shown me that I just can’t have the one. So it’s a dry house again.
So much stress at the moment but rational sober me knows drinking doesn’t help. In fact the opposite. One of the biggest issues is that I stop eating when I drink. Literally had two slices of pizza and chicken pasta in the week. Very unhealthy. My guts are fucked today.
I had got to twenty days. I shall get so much further this time.
Glad everyone else is doing so well.

How are you doing chit ? have you recovered? The most important thing in this is that you keep getting back on track. Alcohol can have an incredible grip, so don't blame yourself for falling of the wagon. But do blame yourself if you don't pick up the pieces and climb back on board.

Very cold weekend here - hot chocolate is always going to be a better option than any other drink

Hey all

chit how are you? Eating some nourishing food and being kind to yourself I hope.

therain are you managing to beat those January blues? I always crave to hibernate this time of year - more than normal!

Venus walking is such a positive thing, I find the motion of moving forward unlocks a stuck mind for me, it’s not always easy to get the motivation but I don’t think I have ever felt worse for doing it. Today I took the dog out in -8 on a snow covered trail. I had to wear a lot of layers but the world always looks pretty in a white blanket. It uplifts the dog and me

I am sleeping on average 8 hours a day, which is amazing. I feel the wine witch lurking with her “see, you have been sober for weeks, there is no problem, blah blah”. She is a persistent cow but I AM NOT LISTENING

Love to you all x

Hi Babes, I'm feeling ok again beaches thank ypu. My moods are tied to the weather I think . I love cold sunny days & snow. What I hate are wet, miserable grey days where it never properly gets light.
I have drank 3 times this month. I can count it as a failure or I can be pleased I've not drank for 22 days so far this month.
Chit hope you're feeling better. I can relate to stress drinking

rain look on the positives, I'd say, and feel good!

I've been drinking Twinings sleepy tea in the evenings. I hate it - it tastes of stewed grass and old lady's drawers. But by golly it does the trick. I fall asleep with a book in my hand which drops to the floor I maybe wake vaguely in the night, often thinking I might be more comfortable if I went for a pee, but overall too comfortable and sleepy to be bothered. And wake in the morning feeling surprised at the time!

therain I agree with Venus; it is a definite positive, you mind, liver and body are getting some real relief. Be proud, you are doing brilliantly. Stopping again after a night off is harder than carrying on being dry for me so I admire you . Same for you chit and other babes who keep trying xx

Venus here in Canada cannabis is now legal and teabags are available - I am guessing they may have a similar effect to you old lady’s drawers teabags Enjoy the deep sleep, few things are more rejuvenating in my book.

Have a good day all x

Thanks Venus and Beaches I'll have a few "good" days and think I've got it sussed, then -life- something stressful happens and I drink.
It's the HALT thing; stress/anger is my downfall, the other 3 I am aware of and can deal with.
Anyway, well done Beaches and anyone else staying dry and to anyone not doing so well, just keep trying.

How did people manage with dry January? Easier because of lockdown with no socialising, or harder because it feels relentless?

What now? Hove you re-set your drinking, are you continuing, or are you going for dry February? There's only 28 days in February, so it's an easier challenge than January

@venusandmars I managed January and marching into February fully committed. Going out was never my trigger, although I couldn't moderate then either 😳. I was a secret drinker, bottles stashed about the house kind of drinker. I would start mid afternoon and then chase that first drink feeling until I fell asleep. I was a shit wife, shit parent, shit friend. Sometimes the urge is still there, but I found reading The Naked Mind really helpful to reset how I was thinking. It's still early, early days for me. Just 35 days today. But it's a journey I want to take. I just wish the awful dreams where I drink would stop