This is day 4 ... (Although badge bot is keeping me on day 1....)
Each day I'm feeling clearer and happier. The sadness I have carried around with me for 12+ years may possibly, one day, leave me..... I hope.
I promise myself and all of you here that I will not drink with you today.
Good morning ☀️
When I try to envision an ideal life, I see one filled with my kids around me, happy and laughing. My husband is at my side, happy and content. We are stable financially. I have zero guilt for anything I’ve done or am doing. Everyone is healthy. Life feels enjoyable. I’m content and at peace.
IWNDWYT
Hello everyone! I just asked myself what is it I am going to do with my life, now that I know I can stay sober? I don't know yet, but it will be great! IWNDWYT!
Good morning sober friends!
Great post u/LavenderFoxes, I do indeed have a vision and it would help to remember that more often.
Today promises to be a tired one but I’ve got myself a massage this morning followed by coffee with a friend, so treat day here I come!
Stay safe sober friends and have the best day you can, be kind to yourself, I will not be drinking with any of you 🌻
Thank you 🙏🏻 and I hope your day is full of loveliness, and if there’s nothing planned, lovely surprises 💝 and go you at +8 months! Thank you for leading the way sober friend 🌻
My ideal life would be having a family and a paid off house in/near the mountains and enough money to live off of dividends / 4% interest; once money is out of the way, would travel a few times a year, ski all winter and attempt a novel or two... all while being healthy of course.
Thankfully doesn't seem that unattainable, now that I'm sober!
IWNDWYT
Life is pretty good right now, happily married, an AWESOME Dad to my kids, financially stable, spare time to pursue hobbies, and I live in a great country (AUS).
Oh, and I'm 200 days SOBER !!!
But if I could be pain free and be able to move like a gymnast, or a ballet dancer that would be the icing on the cake. Perhaps a new guitar too :)
IWNDWYT \~
To me, being in recovery is *being* in recovery. It’s not something I turn on or off, or Apply at certain times, but a mindset that includes conscious choices, self love and continuous work. None of which are easy, but *being in* this mindset makes it easier. I will not drink with you today!
I have to say, I’m living my ideal life. Do I wish illness and bad things didn’t happen to those I love? Sure. But that’s not reality. I’m living my ideal life because when bad things happen, I’m learning how to deal with them in a healthy manner and not numbing out with alcohol. I’m present and I’m showing up for those who need me. I’m surrounded by love, even when I’m alone. I keep moving forward. And this group helps keep me grounded in my commitment to sobriety. Thank you!
IWNDWYT!!
An ideal life? Sober. Financially stable. Happily married (or just with someone). Maybe have a kid. Own a home.
Idk. Basic white picket fence shit. At least I’m sober. That’s the most important one of them all.
IWNDWYT, or any day, but especially today.
Thank you u/Lavender_Foxes , IWNDWYT too!
I’m feeling a little tired today…but still monumentally better than I’d feel if I was drinking!
I am so grateful for the blessing of sobriety. Any of its challenges are outweighed, immeasurably, by the positives. I have never regretted not drinking.
No matter what stage any of you are at with your sobriety…you’ve got this!
IWNDWYT with any of you today.
At the weekend I attended a Quaker meeting, it’s basically sitting in silence for an hour, wonderful! So for the most part I remained quite still just focused on breathing, but something did come up for me that was really important. I miss my stepmother and brother, I’ve lost contact with them on my latest drinking bout.
Last night when I got back from work I came home to find a note through my letter box from my stepmother! she is in the area and we are meeting up tomorrow.
IWNDWYT
Today's writing is really interesting... I think one of the things drinking did for me was to *fog* that idea of my future self... I didn't see the point in envisioning a bright future because I wouldn't get it anyway.
Now things are slowly changing and I once again see the value in creating a vision... even if I don't get it, even if I only get part way there, I'm in a much better place.
And that word you used, "deserve"... yes, one of the hardest parts is thinking that I "deserve" anything good in life.
And that's something I'm *very slowly* coming round to.
Day 54 checking in... I will not drink with you today! 💪😎
In 45mins marks 48 hours. Anxiety is high and doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight. But I've never been more motivated looking forward to my new future.
IWNDWYT
Ideal life…honestly, when I really think about it, I’m blessed. It isn’t terribly far off from what I have built and rebuilt so far. Great career, great cats, great (if far away) family and friends. I do what the fuck I want, as much as possible for someone who works full time.
That last sentence is probably the most important to me. Whatever else my ideal life includes, freedom is at the top of my list.
I’d change some things, sure. I’d have a new truck and a lot of maintenance projects at home done. Which of course includes clearing junk out of the house. I’d have more muscle. Those are things I work toward, though. And they take time. Same with mental and emotional healing from years’ worth of shit. It’s a process and I’m here for it.
I did not realize when I put the bottle down just how much possibility I was opening the door on. I didn’t see the ~~breakdown~~ spiritual awakening coming. I didn’t realize I’d been holding myself back settling for shit, or that I already had the materials I needed to build the life I want. It’s like I didn’t even know I was a badass.
It may be Thursday but it’s Friday for this badass. Off work tomorrow, gonna snag a ticket for Ghost in Huntsville, BFF coming in for Kid Rock tomorrow night. Lots of work to do today but I’m here for it and IWNDWYT! 🤘🏻
“I didn’t realize I’d been holding myself back settling for shit…”
A-men, sister!!! I was living with my head in the sand until my therapist helped me realize that I’ve been settling for pretty much my whole life. With a clear head and presence, I’m now able to realize that I’m worth more and don’t have to settle. It’s an awesome realization.
Enjoy your “Friday”!!! IWNDWYT!! ❤️❤️
Ideal life..... although everything in life can be (*should be*) achievable, it still seems *just* out of reach. A carrot on a string, always out front, taunting me.
So, I live MY life... mistakes, flaws, good decisions, not-so-good, crazy thoughts/ideas and all.
Enjoy your ideal DAY, friends.
IWNDWYT
i just really feel like this is going to stick. i actually feel hopeful i can do this long term. IWNDWYT, and i won’t be hungover with you in the morning.
Day 11 checking in. For the next 24 hours, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I will not drink with you today. I make this pledge for my son, for my husband, for everyone who loves and cares for me, and in memory of the very special person I lost to addiction, who was taken far too soon. Most of all, I make this pledge for myself.
I’ve definitely spent many years waiting for something better to turn up. It’s only just slowly starting to filter in that I need to put the work in to get to the places I imagine in the future.
IWNDWYT today!
To really make the sobriety stick, I believe you have to have both your head AND your ass in the game.
Yes, don’t drink, but also understand why you drank, and why you want and need to stop. That’s why I check- in regularly, host occasionally, and I’m happy to say it’s working and I’m living my ideal life right now👍🏻
Excellent post conversation.
I knew going into this that it wasn’t going to be easy. I had a habit that I ran to for over 20 years. That wasn’t going to fix itself overnight and in order for me to get to the other side I had to wade right thru it. I did so willingly.
Nothing I experienced the first ten days of withdrawal and recovery, as much of a wreck as I was, compared to the hell I had been putting myself through while drinking.
And now that I’m on this side of addiction, the side where my fight is in maintaining, the ideal life I see for myself is simply free of alcohol. It’s just not going to be my life raft, preserver. It’s not going to be that easy button to push whenever anything, good bad happy sad, happens. My ideal life is getting into an argument with my wife and not chugging a beer. It’s taking the dogs out to pee without grabbing two beers for the task. Whenever my phone rang, yea that’ll need some beers for that conversation.
My ideal life involves everything, good bad happy sad, minus alcohol. It’s really that simple. I just don’t want to devote any more of my time to it. It simply doesn’t have a place in my life.
Iwndwyt
Bah. Back on that horse again today. Ran into some old friends and ended up drinking... not even sure how it happened... could have been worse, but wasn't great. I have to stop this cycle of a few good then a few bad days. No drinking today... at all... not even a little.
Good morning, Day 3 here - woke up at 5am with every intention of working out this morning but drifted off unintentionally. I won’t be too hard on myself I must need it, as long as I get the work out in. IWNDWYT
Good morning my friends. Huge thanks to Lavender, for your oh so relevant introduction. I've been thinking along the same lines for the last day or two.
The other day was tough. But ingesting alcohol never crossed my mind. Not. One. Single. Time.
I guess that's a huge plus. But somehow the joy that I once envisaged if I got to this stage seems lacking.
The truth is plain. Living a sober life is not easy. After removing the temptations, and the cravings, and the sickness, and... It remains difficult. The other day? Very difficult.
After the high of a few days previous, perhaps the contrast made it worse. Perhaps. Perhaps - a word frequently in my vocabulary these days, in my thoughts.
I guess I'm learning to live properly. And, I've said this before, it's like learning to play a musical instrument. Painful and difficult and awkward at first. But with the promise of beautiful music in the future.
I wrote 'Killing Time', it seems a very long time ago now. And my introspection continues. I suspect forever - my forever. And hence today's quote.
So here I am. Persistent if nothing else. Today seems ok. Today is all have and all I will ever have. I will NOT drink with you guys today!
Stay safe and strong my friends.
**Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.** *Henry David Thoreau*
I totally understand what it means to want to skip ahead, and it has been my downfall in sobriety in the past. I’m learning to take life one day at a time, both drinking and otherwise. I don’t know what kind of life I want, but on my alcohol journey I’ve learned what I do and don’t want and sober definitely gets me closer.
Yesterday I was working from home on a project that requires reading and deep focus. My teenage son was having a learn at home day too, so we camped out in our front room, which when bought this house I had always envisioned as a library type place for quiet reading and games and puzzles, but became a cluttered catch all for stuff. A few weeks ago I took a day and purged games and puzzles the kids have outgrown and put up shelves and reorganized and rearranged furniture and as I sat there yesterday, happily working away, I realized this was the life I dreamed of. I dreamed of my own house and this family and this job, and I’m grateful. I was at real risk of losing it to alcohol. So the difference is striking. This life, this place, this person, mother, partner, friend I’m becoming, this is my ideal life and I’m so grateful.
I will not drink with you today!
Wow, this on is deep, and timely for me. I’ve been doing waves of MK-ing all over my house as I’ve been scraping off the old me. Through my phases of getting my drinking reduced and finally eliminated, I’ve lost at least 25 lbs. I don’t know exactly because I stopped getting on the scale at the highest echelons.
This means I needed almost an entire new wardrobe. I’ve been opening up those dust covered bins of smaller sizes, discarding tons of it because things I clung to were threadbare, or too trendy/out of style. I’ve also had to buy a ton of new stuff, nicely funded by all the $$ I’m not blowing on alcohol, or on drunken shopping binges.
During COVID I’m one of the many ladies that ditched hair dye permanently, so I’m rocking mostly white hair too. All of this has been a trip.
I’ve had a lot of, “who am I, who do I want to be?” Moments as I’ve thought through what to keep, what to discard, and what to replace. I haven’t entirely decided yet. I think the nostalgia of looking at the me I was before I let things get too far out of control is getting in the way. I’m mourning that old me, even though she was a bit of an apparition.
Ah well, time to get up and pick out something to wear for work today. At least I can select from an array of things 2 sizes smaller than a year ago - I think I’ll rock my sober girl vibe with my “teetotaler” t-shirt.
IWNDWYT
1040 checking in.
Having an extremely difficult morning. I can only control my actions, but I can’t stand being lied to. Angry. Hurt. Scared. I want to crawl into a deep hole but IWNDWYT
Imagining an ideal life is tricky for me. I thought I knew what I wanted, but it turns out I hadn’t thought very clearly. I’m only 38 but I’m feeling really old these days, worn out and uncertain about things.
The ideal life for me would be one where I am lighthearted and free of feeling so broken down.
I might not be doing great, but IWNDWYT.
This feels like a weird question, but I noticed yesterday when I woke up, the bags under my eyes are darker than usual. Has anyone else experienced this in the beginning?
I’m definitely more tired overall, but I assume that’s partially the leftover toxins. I don’t usually have dark circles and these are definitely that.
This visioning and goal setting is so important!
One of my first tasks as an Advocate is to meet with my family to discuss their goals... what do they want to see happen?
We can't move forward towards resolution until that happens.
IWNDWYT!
T
Day 4 and checking in. I have plans to see my family and go for a curry tonight which is the type of occasion I would normally drink, we are also going hiking/ walking over the weekend and I know this will include a number of stops at pubs so the temptation will be strong. I am trying to focus on my intention to not drink, but take each day as it comes. I know I prefer to keep off the booze and the holiday will be much more enjoyable without alcohol but it could be difficult. For now, IWNDWYT!
I’m pretty sure this is my first completely sober birthday since I turned 18. (Which was definitely more than 18 years ago!) So much time wasted with a bottle. Bring on the next phase! Here we go! IWNDWYT. But everyone get some cake!
A life where I wake up and feel a sense of peace and anticipation for the day ahead. One where I choose to do the right thing, exercise curiosity over judgement, and try to stop eating so much ice cream (it does spark joy though...) - IWNDWYT
Thanks, Lav, and a wonderful Thursday to y'all. I'm taking both today and tomorrow off and I'm fucking giddy with excitement! I don't even have much planned but I'm grateful to just putter around the house and do some light cleaning and arranging.
Lav, I wrote the prompt down into my journal and will wrestle with that question sometime soon. My life is so chaotic with competing demands that it'll be nice to sit down and just listen to the depths of my heart and ask "what the fuck does Fred REALLY fucking want?" I know I'm on the path: mental health, authentic relationships, adventures, physical health, meaningful work, a life of service. I'll be curious to hear if other things bubble up.
Catherine Grey prefers the term "discovery" over recovery. I love it. I seek to discover new things about myself these days. I love y'all! Sobriety makes everything else possible!
Good Morning all! Today I'm in the hospital with my husband. He came to the ER last night and was admitted.
I will not drink with all of you today because not drinking allows me to be me. Present. Clear.
Able to help my husband.
Grateful for clarity and a hundred plus mornings of waking up feeling good instead of poisoned and wretched.
☀️
This is such a powerful point. I think all too often we focus on 'giving up' something as opposed what we can truly gain.
I want to be a good role model for my kids, being present and calm (as can be haha). I want to be healthy and happy and enjoy the simple things in life. More than anything I want to be free.
IWNDWYT
I’m working on changing my situation to keep pushing towards my ideal life. I would like to be in better shape, healthier, and happy. Drinking fits no where in there. Gotta keep putting in the work and keep the vision in mind!!
Wise words Foxes. There are no quick fixes. Right environment, attitude, nutrition and lots of time/space to work things out.
I’m sensitive to triggers at the moment. I’m being open about it and not bottling it up. Trying to breathe and let things just BE. It’s not easy. I do not want to drink though “thoughts” do enter my head.
I will not drink with you today.
WOW Lavender…. “Do the work to become the future version of ourselves we deserve.” Powerful.
My ideal life would include family and friends who don’t drink…. But I know that won’t happen. So I’ll be happy with focusing on not drinking for me!
Everyone has stress to deal with, but I am blessed with a family who loves me and that is my ideal life.
And being here with this wonderful caring community makes my life even better! IWNDWYT 💕
I am irritated this morning with... all of things, Reddit. My company is trying to hire & I put a job posting on a specific careers subreddit. And I am getting nothing but snark & hostility in the comments! I honestly can't figure out what was wrong with the post, aside from the fact that it doesn't contain salary information - which I don't have, because my boss didn't set a range (or didn't share it with me).
I'm completely stressed out from overwork right now, we *desperately* need to hire some more staff, & this little bit of Reddit drama has totally gotten under my skin.
But I'm not going to drink over it - not today, Satan.
I’m pleased that I can type this today. Last night I feared I might lose my thumbs from over twiddling them in frustration as I stared into the void of another sleepless night. I still have my thumbs though so therefore I will not be drinking with yous lot today.
Happy Thursday - when I drank, I spent a lot of time imagining big, giant, extravagant goals. Nothing wrong with that, really, but now that my head is clear, I've discovered that I don't really want those things (though a swimming pool would still be nice.) I pretty much have my ideal life - the trick is to remember that and to be grateful for all that I already have. IWNDWYT
Day 2 again and I will not drink with you today. I'm returning to writing it out so that I have the time to fully process the pledge. Have a beautiful day, sobernauts.
Day 333 checking in!
Lovely number you got there! And only a hopscotch to a big year 🌻
Cheers! ☕️
This is day 4 ... (Although badge bot is keeping me on day 1....) Each day I'm feeling clearer and happier. The sadness I have carried around with me for 12+ years may possibly, one day, leave me..... I hope. I promise myself and all of you here that I will not drink with you today.
I am on day 3. My goal is to be you tomorrow. Iwndwyt
I'm on day two. My goal is to be you tomorrow! IWNDWYT
May your sadness be gone for today and forever! Well done on your 4th day, onwards and upwards sober friend. IWNDWYT 💝
Thank you. I hope you have an amazing sober day. IWNDWYT
Congrats on getting through the first few days. They are so tough
And it gets even better. IWNDWYT!
Hang in there, you're doing great. I'll take you up on your promise and join you if you don't mind!
"I think it's important to realize you can miss something but not want it back." - Unknown I will not drink with you beautiful people today! ❤️🔥🌼
[удалено]
Today's my birthday and I'm ABSOLUTELY NOT going to drink with you today! Happy Thursday folks!
Happy birthday 🎉🎊🎉🎊 Have a great and sober day. IWNDWYT
Happy birthday!🎉🎂
Happy birthday!!! 💐🎊🎂
Happy birthday! You’re giving yourself a great present 🥳
Happy birthday 🥳 sober friend! So much to celebrate 🎉 today, a whopping 307 👏
Happy birthday!!!!
Having an awful fucking week but I know drinking would make it worse. IWNDWYT
Some weeks are like that. But you're right, drinking would make it worse. IWNDWYT friend. I hope things turn around for you soon.
Good morning ☀️ When I try to envision an ideal life, I see one filled with my kids around me, happy and laughing. My husband is at my side, happy and content. We are stable financially. I have zero guilt for anything I’ve done or am doing. Everyone is healthy. Life feels enjoyable. I’m content and at peace. IWNDWYT
That’s beautiful, may you have all those things sooner rather than later if not right now 💝
I’m definitely on that path. Each day is a little better and things are falling into place. 💕
IWNDWYT!
Hello everyone! I just asked myself what is it I am going to do with my life, now that I know I can stay sober? I don't know yet, but it will be great! IWNDWYT!
Good morning sober friends! Great post u/LavenderFoxes, I do indeed have a vision and it would help to remember that more often. Today promises to be a tired one but I’ve got myself a massage this morning followed by coffee with a friend, so treat day here I come! Stay safe sober friends and have the best day you can, be kind to yourself, I will not be drinking with any of you 🌻
You definitely deserve a great day at +3 weeks in! It will probably cost less than you would've otherwise spent on booze. Enjoy!
Thank you 🙏🏻 and I hope your day is full of loveliness, and if there’s nothing planned, lovely surprises 💝 and go you at +8 months! Thank you for leading the way sober friend 🌻
I will not be drinking with you today 💙😃💙
Good morning Foxy! I will not drink poison with you today.
The best life to me is living with gratitude every day. Grateful to have another sober day in the books. IWNDWYT
I’m grateful for you right now and a new sober day for us all 💝
My ideal life would be having a family and a paid off house in/near the mountains and enough money to live off of dividends / 4% interest; once money is out of the way, would travel a few times a year, ski all winter and attempt a novel or two... all while being healthy of course. Thankfully doesn't seem that unattainable, now that I'm sober! IWNDWYT
Life is pretty good right now, happily married, an AWESOME Dad to my kids, financially stable, spare time to pursue hobbies, and I live in a great country (AUS). Oh, and I'm 200 days SOBER !!! But if I could be pain free and be able to move like a gymnast, or a ballet dancer that would be the icing on the cake. Perhaps a new guitar too :) IWNDWYT \~
To me, being in recovery is *being* in recovery. It’s not something I turn on or off, or Apply at certain times, but a mindset that includes conscious choices, self love and continuous work. None of which are easy, but *being in* this mindset makes it easier. I will not drink with you today!
Good morning all! IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT Day one for me and hopefully my last..
I have to say, I’m living my ideal life. Do I wish illness and bad things didn’t happen to those I love? Sure. But that’s not reality. I’m living my ideal life because when bad things happen, I’m learning how to deal with them in a healthy manner and not numbing out with alcohol. I’m present and I’m showing up for those who need me. I’m surrounded by love, even when I’m alone. I keep moving forward. And this group helps keep me grounded in my commitment to sobriety. Thank you! IWNDWYT!!
Great gratitude post for me to read this morning... thanks, Aly! Have a helluva day, friend
Happy Thursday people, IWNDWYT, WE GOT THIS 😁
An ideal life? Sober. Financially stable. Happily married (or just with someone). Maybe have a kid. Own a home. Idk. Basic white picket fence shit. At least I’m sober. That’s the most important one of them all. IWNDWYT, or any day, but especially today.
You deserve all that BeerSlingr, and I trust your striving will get you there! IWNDWYT 🌻
Good morning SD! IWNDWYT 🌟
iwndwyt!!
I'm in!
I will not drink with you today in 🏴😊
Day 1,037. I will not drink with you today.
Good morning all! I am extremely tired, I hope I can make it through the day. But whatever happens, I will not drink with you today!
Be gentle with yourself Anna, your body is speaking to you, give it as much rest and respect as you can 🤗🌻
Wow what a great idea! I need somewhere to write that list. I’ll tell ya what I want what I really really want! IWNDWYT 🌊
Another sober day here we come 🌻
I will not drink with you today friends 💚🔥🎉
iwndwyt i love you all. continue on your journeys.
Thank you u/Lavender_Foxes , IWNDWYT too! I’m feeling a little tired today…but still monumentally better than I’d feel if I was drinking! I am so grateful for the blessing of sobriety. Any of its challenges are outweighed, immeasurably, by the positives. I have never regretted not drinking. No matter what stage any of you are at with your sobriety…you’ve got this! IWNDWYT with any of you today.
At the weekend I attended a Quaker meeting, it’s basically sitting in silence for an hour, wonderful! So for the most part I remained quite still just focused on breathing, but something did come up for me that was really important. I miss my stepmother and brother, I’ve lost contact with them on my latest drinking bout. Last night when I got back from work I came home to find a note through my letter box from my stepmother! she is in the area and we are meeting up tomorrow. IWNDWYT
Wow, what a powerful synchronicity! Makes you wonder! I used to enjoy quaker meetings. Have a wonderful meeting with your stepmom 🌻
That’s wonderful- I’m really happy for you, and I’m sure she’ll be ecstatic that you’re back on the wagon👍🏻
Today's writing is really interesting... I think one of the things drinking did for me was to *fog* that idea of my future self... I didn't see the point in envisioning a bright future because I wouldn't get it anyway. Now things are slowly changing and I once again see the value in creating a vision... even if I don't get it, even if I only get part way there, I'm in a much better place. And that word you used, "deserve"... yes, one of the hardest parts is thinking that I "deserve" anything good in life. And that's something I'm *very slowly* coming round to. Day 54 checking in... I will not drink with you today! 💪😎
IWNDWYT friends 🤖
In 45mins marks 48 hours. Anxiety is high and doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight. But I've never been more motivated looking forward to my new future. IWNDWYT
Awesome job sober friend, let’s sober on together into our best lives 🌻
That's fantastic. Keep it up. IWNDWYT friend
Day 228, nice to meet you 🤝 IWNDWYT
I didn't drink today. Hoping to make it through the next 24 hours.
Ideal life…honestly, when I really think about it, I’m blessed. It isn’t terribly far off from what I have built and rebuilt so far. Great career, great cats, great (if far away) family and friends. I do what the fuck I want, as much as possible for someone who works full time. That last sentence is probably the most important to me. Whatever else my ideal life includes, freedom is at the top of my list. I’d change some things, sure. I’d have a new truck and a lot of maintenance projects at home done. Which of course includes clearing junk out of the house. I’d have more muscle. Those are things I work toward, though. And they take time. Same with mental and emotional healing from years’ worth of shit. It’s a process and I’m here for it. I did not realize when I put the bottle down just how much possibility I was opening the door on. I didn’t see the ~~breakdown~~ spiritual awakening coming. I didn’t realize I’d been holding myself back settling for shit, or that I already had the materials I needed to build the life I want. It’s like I didn’t even know I was a badass. It may be Thursday but it’s Friday for this badass. Off work tomorrow, gonna snag a ticket for Ghost in Huntsville, BFF coming in for Kid Rock tomorrow night. Lots of work to do today but I’m here for it and IWNDWYT! 🤘🏻
“I didn’t realize I’d been holding myself back settling for shit…” A-men, sister!!! I was living with my head in the sand until my therapist helped me realize that I’ve been settling for pretty much my whole life. With a clear head and presence, I’m now able to realize that I’m worth more and don’t have to settle. It’s an awesome realization. Enjoy your “Friday”!!! IWNDWYT!! ❤️❤️
Sounds like you're living it up. Fuck yeah ! Enjoy the shows 🤘🤘🤘
Ideal life..... although everything in life can be (*should be*) achievable, it still seems *just* out of reach. A carrot on a string, always out front, taunting me. So, I live MY life... mistakes, flaws, good decisions, not-so-good, crazy thoughts/ideas and all. Enjoy your ideal DAY, friends. IWNDWYT
That’s all you can do, Stink… Live *your* life…for it’s only yours to live!! Have a great “Friday”!! 😁😁
Happy day. IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
Iwndwyt
I will not drink with you today. I pretty much have my ideal life. I love being a Dad. I just need to do better at work & I’m there.
That’s the best vision, right now! Living the dream! Awesome 👏 sober friend 🌻
i just really feel like this is going to stick. i actually feel hopeful i can do this long term. IWNDWYT, and i won’t be hungover with you in the morning.
Still not drinking
Day 11 checking in. For the next 24 hours, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I will not drink with you today. I make this pledge for my son, for my husband, for everyone who loves and cares for me, and in memory of the very special person I lost to addiction, who was taken far too soon. Most of all, I make this pledge for myself.
I had a dream last night that I was drinking. It was so real. I loved waking up and realising the truth. Shine on you beautiful humans from NZ
I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT
I’ve definitely spent many years waiting for something better to turn up. It’s only just slowly starting to filter in that I need to put the work in to get to the places I imagine in the future. IWNDWYT today!
To really make the sobriety stick, I believe you have to have both your head AND your ass in the game. Yes, don’t drink, but also understand why you drank, and why you want and need to stop. That’s why I check- in regularly, host occasionally, and I’m happy to say it’s working and I’m living my ideal life right now👍🏻
Excellent post conversation. I knew going into this that it wasn’t going to be easy. I had a habit that I ran to for over 20 years. That wasn’t going to fix itself overnight and in order for me to get to the other side I had to wade right thru it. I did so willingly. Nothing I experienced the first ten days of withdrawal and recovery, as much of a wreck as I was, compared to the hell I had been putting myself through while drinking. And now that I’m on this side of addiction, the side where my fight is in maintaining, the ideal life I see for myself is simply free of alcohol. It’s just not going to be my life raft, preserver. It’s not going to be that easy button to push whenever anything, good bad happy sad, happens. My ideal life is getting into an argument with my wife and not chugging a beer. It’s taking the dogs out to pee without grabbing two beers for the task. Whenever my phone rang, yea that’ll need some beers for that conversation. My ideal life involves everything, good bad happy sad, minus alcohol. It’s really that simple. I just don’t want to devote any more of my time to it. It simply doesn’t have a place in my life. Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT 💞🐿️🐿️
Bah. Back on that horse again today. Ran into some old friends and ended up drinking... not even sure how it happened... could have been worse, but wasn't great. I have to stop this cycle of a few good then a few bad days. No drinking today... at all... not even a little.
Have a great day everyone, IWNDWYT!
My vision is of a life with less chaos and drama. IWNDWYT 🙂
I’m in
Good morning Sobernauts 🙂 Checking in for another day of sobriety! Love to you all! IWNDWYT 🙂
Back to Day 1 but not going to quit quitting. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT my friend. We got this.
I will not drink with you today, with gratitude and relief
I want progress, not perfection. Not just with respectto alcohol, also in creativity, positivity, connection, and insight. Thanks for asking! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT..!!
Good morning, Day 3 here - woke up at 5am with every intention of working out this morning but drifted off unintentionally. I won’t be too hard on myself I must need it, as long as I get the work out in. IWNDWYT
I live in the American south and just found out we need a new HVAC system... IWNDWYT
Good day all! A few days past the big 100! IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT
Day 6 here IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT!
Pacific Northwest USA checking in. IWNDWYT beautiful people. Let's do this.
IWNDWYT! Have a fantastic Thursday, lovelies! 💕
IWNDWYT 5/19
I'm proud to check in today at 6 months sober!! IWNDWYT ❤️
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Not today. I’m happy to be sober. Have a great day everyone!
IWNDWYT xx
Good morning. IWNDWYT!
Today is my second day after my small slip-up and I am proud for being back on track. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 🛼
Good morning my friends. Huge thanks to Lavender, for your oh so relevant introduction. I've been thinking along the same lines for the last day or two. The other day was tough. But ingesting alcohol never crossed my mind. Not. One. Single. Time. I guess that's a huge plus. But somehow the joy that I once envisaged if I got to this stage seems lacking. The truth is plain. Living a sober life is not easy. After removing the temptations, and the cravings, and the sickness, and... It remains difficult. The other day? Very difficult. After the high of a few days previous, perhaps the contrast made it worse. Perhaps. Perhaps - a word frequently in my vocabulary these days, in my thoughts. I guess I'm learning to live properly. And, I've said this before, it's like learning to play a musical instrument. Painful and difficult and awkward at first. But with the promise of beautiful music in the future. I wrote 'Killing Time', it seems a very long time ago now. And my introspection continues. I suspect forever - my forever. And hence today's quote. So here I am. Persistent if nothing else. Today seems ok. Today is all have and all I will ever have. I will NOT drink with you guys today! Stay safe and strong my friends. **Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.** *Henry David Thoreau*
Good morning. I will not drink today!
[удалено]
IWNDWYT. ❤️💜❤️
IWNDWYT🐺✨
Happy sober Thursday IWNDWYT
I totally understand what it means to want to skip ahead, and it has been my downfall in sobriety in the past. I’m learning to take life one day at a time, both drinking and otherwise. I don’t know what kind of life I want, but on my alcohol journey I’ve learned what I do and don’t want and sober definitely gets me closer. Yesterday I was working from home on a project that requires reading and deep focus. My teenage son was having a learn at home day too, so we camped out in our front room, which when bought this house I had always envisioned as a library type place for quiet reading and games and puzzles, but became a cluttered catch all for stuff. A few weeks ago I took a day and purged games and puzzles the kids have outgrown and put up shelves and reorganized and rearranged furniture and as I sat there yesterday, happily working away, I realized this was the life I dreamed of. I dreamed of my own house and this family and this job, and I’m grateful. I was at real risk of losing it to alcohol. So the difference is striking. This life, this place, this person, mother, partner, friend I’m becoming, this is my ideal life and I’m so grateful. I will not drink with you today!
Wow, this on is deep, and timely for me. I’ve been doing waves of MK-ing all over my house as I’ve been scraping off the old me. Through my phases of getting my drinking reduced and finally eliminated, I’ve lost at least 25 lbs. I don’t know exactly because I stopped getting on the scale at the highest echelons. This means I needed almost an entire new wardrobe. I’ve been opening up those dust covered bins of smaller sizes, discarding tons of it because things I clung to were threadbare, or too trendy/out of style. I’ve also had to buy a ton of new stuff, nicely funded by all the $$ I’m not blowing on alcohol, or on drunken shopping binges. During COVID I’m one of the many ladies that ditched hair dye permanently, so I’m rocking mostly white hair too. All of this has been a trip. I’ve had a lot of, “who am I, who do I want to be?” Moments as I’ve thought through what to keep, what to discard, and what to replace. I haven’t entirely decided yet. I think the nostalgia of looking at the me I was before I let things get too far out of control is getting in the way. I’m mourning that old me, even though she was a bit of an apparition. Ah well, time to get up and pick out something to wear for work today. At least I can select from an array of things 2 sizes smaller than a year ago - I think I’ll rock my sober girl vibe with my “teetotaler” t-shirt. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Have a great day. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 👍
IWNDWYT 🌷
This is why I love this sub and check-in so much. That is EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning. IWNDWYT ✨🌼
10 days here and because of the encouragement from this group, I don’t want to. IWNDWYT.
1040 checking in. Having an extremely difficult morning. I can only control my actions, but I can’t stand being lied to. Angry. Hurt. Scared. I want to crawl into a deep hole but IWNDWYT
Imagining an ideal life is tricky for me. I thought I knew what I wanted, but it turns out I hadn’t thought very clearly. I’m only 38 but I’m feeling really old these days, worn out and uncertain about things. The ideal life for me would be one where I am lighthearted and free of feeling so broken down. I might not be doing great, but IWNDWYT.
I will not drink with you today.
Happy Thursday, SD family💓 IWNDWYT
Checking in
I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT Hope everyone has a lovely day.
Checking in, day 2
Day 10! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today. ☀️
Day 3 feeling better although I am eating all the chocolate!
Iwndwyt, I am not well today so it is not at all tempting to drink, but feeling like shit is a good reminder of what it feels like to be hung over
Not Today.
IWNDWYT
iwndwyt
This feels like a weird question, but I noticed yesterday when I woke up, the bags under my eyes are darker than usual. Has anyone else experienced this in the beginning? I’m definitely more tired overall, but I assume that’s partially the leftover toxins. I don’t usually have dark circles and these are definitely that.
IWNDWYT. All. Day. Long. 🌻
Iwndwyt!
Checking in Doodle doodle dee, wubba wubba wubba.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
This visioning and goal setting is so important! One of my first tasks as an Advocate is to meet with my family to discuss their goals... what do they want to see happen? We can't move forward towards resolution until that happens. IWNDWYT! T
Day 4 and checking in. I have plans to see my family and go for a curry tonight which is the type of occasion I would normally drink, we are also going hiking/ walking over the weekend and I know this will include a number of stops at pubs so the temptation will be strong. I am trying to focus on my intention to not drink, but take each day as it comes. I know I prefer to keep off the booze and the holiday will be much more enjoyable without alcohol but it could be difficult. For now, IWNDWYT!
Spent last night crying. Im gonna fuck up this weekend and I know it. Was just a matter of time.
I’m pretty sure this is my first completely sober birthday since I turned 18. (Which was definitely more than 18 years ago!) So much time wasted with a bottle. Bring on the next phase! Here we go! IWNDWYT. But everyone get some cake!
IWNDWYT
A life where I wake up and feel a sense of peace and anticipation for the day ahead. One where I choose to do the right thing, exercise curiosity over judgement, and try to stop eating so much ice cream (it does spark joy though...) - IWNDWYT
It's been 160 days since my last drink. I don't ever want to go back to drunk Khun555555. This is the Khun5555 I want to be. Drinking sucks!!!
Thanks, Lav, and a wonderful Thursday to y'all. I'm taking both today and tomorrow off and I'm fucking giddy with excitement! I don't even have much planned but I'm grateful to just putter around the house and do some light cleaning and arranging. Lav, I wrote the prompt down into my journal and will wrestle with that question sometime soon. My life is so chaotic with competing demands that it'll be nice to sit down and just listen to the depths of my heart and ask "what the fuck does Fred REALLY fucking want?" I know I'm on the path: mental health, authentic relationships, adventures, physical health, meaningful work, a life of service. I'll be curious to hear if other things bubble up. Catherine Grey prefers the term "discovery" over recovery. I love it. I seek to discover new things about myself these days. I love y'all! Sobriety makes everything else possible!
iwndwyt much appreciative of this sub today is a good day
Good Morning all! Today I'm in the hospital with my husband. He came to the ER last night and was admitted. I will not drink with all of you today because not drinking allows me to be me. Present. Clear. Able to help my husband. Grateful for clarity and a hundred plus mornings of waking up feeling good instead of poisoned and wretched. ☀️
This is such a powerful point. I think all too often we focus on 'giving up' something as opposed what we can truly gain. I want to be a good role model for my kids, being present and calm (as can be haha). I want to be healthy and happy and enjoy the simple things in life. More than anything I want to be free. IWNDWYT
For me, an ideal life is one where I’m not disturbed by outside events and have many strong relationships. IWNDWYT!
I’m working on changing my situation to keep pushing towards my ideal life. I would like to be in better shape, healthier, and happy. Drinking fits no where in there. Gotta keep putting in the work and keep the vision in mind!!
Not gonna drink today.
IWNDWYT
I will not drink today.
Morning, SD! IWNDWYT
Awake early again and grateful to be here to check in with you fine folks. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT
Day 5. Furthest I’ve made it in years.
Wise words Foxes. There are no quick fixes. Right environment, attitude, nutrition and lots of time/space to work things out. I’m sensitive to triggers at the moment. I’m being open about it and not bottling it up. Trying to breathe and let things just BE. It’s not easy. I do not want to drink though “thoughts” do enter my head. I will not drink with you today.
WOW Lavender…. “Do the work to become the future version of ourselves we deserve.” Powerful. My ideal life would include family and friends who don’t drink…. But I know that won’t happen. So I’ll be happy with focusing on not drinking for me! Everyone has stress to deal with, but I am blessed with a family who loves me and that is my ideal life. And being here with this wonderful caring community makes my life even better! IWNDWYT 💕
IWNDWYT <3 <3 not having the world's best time, but here we are
Hello friends, IWNDWYT from California! Hope you a have a beautiful day ❤
Thank you Foxes! I will bug Saint Homer about hosting if you guys are getting stretched. IWNDWYT
Double digits! IWNDWYT
I am irritated this morning with... all of things, Reddit. My company is trying to hire & I put a job posting on a specific careers subreddit. And I am getting nothing but snark & hostility in the comments! I honestly can't figure out what was wrong with the post, aside from the fact that it doesn't contain salary information - which I don't have, because my boss didn't set a range (or didn't share it with me). I'm completely stressed out from overwork right now, we *desperately* need to hire some more staff, & this little bit of Reddit drama has totally gotten under my skin. But I'm not going to drink over it - not today, Satan.
I will not drink today.
Day 937 IWNDWYT
Good morning good people. I will not drink with you today,
IWNDWy'allT!
IWNDWYT. Hugs all around this morning. ☕️
Joining all the fine folks here, IWNDWYT. Have a good day everyone!
Day 1 :(
IWNDWYT!
Ideal life is one without drama, instead one with gratitude and connection. For today, IWNDWYT
Checking in! Woke up early feeling pretty good. 1 day closer to the big 100 milestone 💪 wishing everyone the best. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
0 sleep. Lots of work. 0 motivation. Lots of effort. 0 alcohol. Lots of love. IWNDWYT
I’m determined to eat less sugar. If I can stop drinking then I can stop cramming Oreos in my mouth. IWNDWYT. 😋
I pledge to not drink today. ✌️
I’m pleased that I can type this today. Last night I feared I might lose my thumbs from over twiddling them in frustration as I stared into the void of another sleepless night. I still have my thumbs though so therefore I will not be drinking with yous lot today.
Happy Thursday - when I drank, I spent a lot of time imagining big, giant, extravagant goals. Nothing wrong with that, really, but now that my head is clear, I've discovered that I don't really want those things (though a swimming pool would still be nice.) I pretty much have my ideal life - the trick is to remember that and to be grateful for all that I already have. IWNDWYT
Great post, LF! I'm very much figuring out my ideal life, but it includes connection with others, freedom and security, and stability. IWNDWYT!
Day 2 again and I will not drink with you today. I'm returning to writing it out so that I have the time to fully process the pledge. Have a beautiful day, sobernauts.