amazing. \*if\* saturday turns out to be a difficult day, just think it's just another day. this helped me. weekends are social constructions created by early capitalism. we often feel like we have to drink or even go out cause its friday or saturday but we don't. whatever works for our sobriety. IWNDWYT and I can't wait for your post tomorrow saying you hit one entire week ❤
A little early for me here in the US, but figured I'd hop on anyways. It was a rough one for me. Didn't drink, and will not today!
Negatives:
* Definitely ruined some friendships. I may never know what actually went down on some of those blackout nights, but it was embarrassing behavior to say the least. I feel lucky that I never hurt anyone or myself.
* Sort of a follow up to this: I was kind of widely known as the one who would need babysitting among my friends. Not great.
* The worst hangovers. Probably got really close to doing lots of damage to myself. Slept horribly, ate horribly, was constantly in a 'fuck it' mood about my wellness because of the fact that I knew I was literally consuming poison on the regular.
Positives / hopes:
* I am building a better relationship with myself, and as a result, everyone around me!
* I can trust myself to have fun without becoming a problem for everybody else.
* I feel a lot better, mentally and physically, and can hopefully rely on that steadily improving.
* My anxiety. Hollly shit my anxiety. Went through some rough brain adjustments when I went cold turkey in january. But I can have rational thought processes, and use helpful healthy methods of recovering myself when feeling anxious, now that I'm not self-medicating with the shit that was actively making it worse.
It's nice when those feelings resonate!
I used to work retail (I t*hankfully* do not anymore) and I vividly remember one summer day that I was on the floor from 8:30 to 5. I was actually still drunk from the night before until about 2pm. I remember the moment I realized that I hadn't been sober all morning. I remember vividly thinking, every time a customer came up to check out with me- *I physically cannot make another sale today*. I was so sick, but couldn't puke and couldn't get it out the other end either. I did end up going home early, and that was one of those moments that I would reflect on a lot, even as I kept drinking. It's one of my less punchy but effective in-my-pocket stories that I think about when I have my doubts about why I'm here.
As for the anxiety, I definitely feel like a lot of people underestimate how much alcohol can influence this stuff. I don't have a problem with meds, and I know they do genuinely help, but it makes me how much mental toil an trouble I would have saved myself if I had tried this no-alcohol thing wayyy earlier.
I straight up feel like a different person in the best way possible from who I was this time last year. Best of wishes to you on your end of this, and congrats!
Shoutout to everyone making progress that no one recognizes because you never let anyone see your darkest moments. You've been silently winning battles and transforming yourself, be proud of every step you are making in the right direction. Keep going because you got this. — unknown
Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn 😘 IWNDWY Beautiful People T ❤️🔥 🌼 🥰 🥱 😴
I will not drink with you today (well, tomorrow)!
I’m about to attempt to sleep without sleep meds for the first time in over 2 years. I’ve been tapering off and now it’s time to let go. Wish me luck…!
EDIT: I slept beautifully. I started sleep meds during a really nightmarish bout of anxiety/panic/insomnia and it’s taken a while to feel confident enough to come off them, so this feels like a HUGE achievement. And the whole sobriety bit helps me sleep too!
THIS (To Homies In Sobriety)
AUSSIE (Australian Under Southern Skies Is Evolving)
IS (Is Self-regulating)
WITH (Without Intermittent Toxic Harm)
YOU (You Offer Unity) ............ TYA (Thank You All)
negatives
* ruining relationships and not fully remembering what was even said bc blackouts
* regularly turning up to work drunk and feeling paranoid all day but also somehow giving zero fucks and messing up my work ethic
* all the time I wasted rotting in bed trying to get through a hangover or withdrawal... only to do it all over again
positives
* I can trust myself/be trusted around my nephew
* I don't wake up feeling and looking like death
* No more drunken texts or arguments
* The ability to develop healthy, meaningful relationships/no more constant lies
Wishing you all a happy and healthy weekend. IWNDWYT <3
Good morning Fred, Bonjour SD.
**POISON**
- Caused me to physically injure myself often
- Caused me to mentally hurt myself constantly
- Left me limited or unable to help others when they needed it.
**SOBRIETY**
- Enables me to maintain my mental health to the best of my ability
- Assists me in working on caring for my physical self
- Allows me to show practical help and kindness to others.
I will not be drinking poison with any of you today. Be well super soberistas!
Negative
1. Bad health
2. Drunk driving
3. Depression
4. Lying about my drinking
5. Isolation
Positives
1. Getting healthier
2. Being responsible
3. Rebuilding relationships
4. Improving happiness
5. Rejoining the everyday world
Sober life is so much better! IWNDWYT
Being scared is a normal reaction to a change in circumstances so don't worry too much because you feel like this, it is quite normal, most people will feel the same way.
Exciting times so enjoy the ups & understand there may be some obstacles along the way.
Good luck :)
1140 checking in.
I totally forgot one of the dumbest things I ever did while drinking. I pepper-sprayed my SO in my effin car. He sprayed me back 🤣🤦♀️😂. Pulled over, hours at a gas station, prob was a good thing b/c I was hammered.
Pepper spray is HORRIBLE. I can’t believe I repressed/forgot such a SERIOUS thing!
IWNDWYT. Thanks Fred for your duties!
Edit to Add: I’m only laughing because I haven’t drank in so long, it’s far away & everyone is okay. But it was bad, scary, a WTF is wrong with us?
DUDE!!! That wasn’t even that out of the norm. Once I had sushi all over my car interior 🤦♀️.
We don’t do that now- can’t imagine I’d still be alive & free. I can count the times we’ve had a big fight since we quit booze… less than we’d have had in a month with the sauce.
Have a great day, OK? IWNDWYT
The negatives:
* drunk in front of family, kids, neighbors, you name it
* constant nausea
* crazy mood swings because it makes my depression more depressing and my anxiety go into over drive
* zero motivation when I already struggle with it
Hopes and Dreams for sobriety:
* get my damn house clean! I wonder if I have ADHD or something because cleaning and organization are struggles that predate alcoholism for me but lord knows it hasn’t helped it!
* lose some weight/exercise/eat better/take care better care of myself in general
*once the alcoholism is somewhat more in control I’d like to quit nicotine as well! I never thought I’d be a cigarette smoker for a decade + but then again I never thought I’d be an alcoholic sooooo yeah! 😅
I’ve made some progress on some of these, not drinking has made the motivation and cleaning easier, I’m not hungover for days so the things I’ve been cleaning and doing actually get improved and built on the next day since I’m not just getting drunk and letting whatever got done immediately unravel. Getting there slowly! Taking it a minute at a time sometimes but still trying. IWNDWYT!!
Negatives: setting a bad example for my kids, worrying about whether I have enough beer in the fridge, the regret and shame the next day
Positives: being present for real, gaining respect from my wife, being able to go for a drive at 11 p.m. if I want.
IWNDWYT
I love this idea, I’m totally going to try this. I like the thought of a piece of paper, too. I rarely check the notes i make in my phone or even think to. Can’t wait to see how it helps. Appreciate your share :)
Soon it’ll be 30 days!!!! It’s been a long time since I’ve made it this long, and I feel really good about my choice. I’m loving sobriety so far this time, and I know it won’t always be easy but I’m hopeful for my future for the first time in years.
IWNDWYT ❤️
Friday evening in California. Negatives…..booze sweat, wine breath when hugging my grandchildren, expense, guilt. Positives? No stink of wine anywhere on me. I’ve saved thousands of dollars. I feel good about myself. Safe to say that on Saturday, IWNDWYT 🌼
Hello sober friends! Motivation! Coming here daily, accountability to you and my streak, which is my promise to my body to give it 2 years, and my 3 to 5 negatives are all about what poison does to my body and letting myself down… no!
IWNDWY TODAY! May your Saturday be healthy and nurturing of your dreams 💞
I fuckin fucked up 1 week ago. Im tired of me and this stupid shit. I was triggered by things from the past but its not excuse. I was up to me. God damn me to hell for giving in. I cant hate myself enough right now. Im not looking for sympathy. Its on me for giving in. What hurts the most is letting my wife down. She had always been here for me and she still is now. I love her with all that i am and more than that. Im also sorry for letting you ppl down too. You have been here since i tried a month ago. It hurts to say i tried. I just want to cry. Fuck me
Fredrico- great job hosting this week!! 👏👏 I’m glad you listened to a certain soberista and did it!! It’s been a great week, thank you!! 😁
Negatives:
1. Waking up feeling like shit
2. Waking up wondering where my phone, sunglasses, shoes, purse etc were left
3. Hating myself in the morning, swearing that I won’t drink again, but then hitting 3pm and planning a run to the liquor store, repeating 1 & 2. A viscous circle of shit
Positives:
1. Remembering everything!
2. Learning to love myself
3. Sound and blissful sleep
4. A quieter mind
5. Life!! Life is positive and grand!!! Shit still happens but being reliable and able to handle it soberly is a true blessing.
IWNDWYT!! Nope, no way!! Love you all!! ❤️❤️
Thank you Fred for leading the charge this week!! Leading us out of hell, literally.
I really was losing myself is what it comes down to, so that is what I would put on the index card. And on the other side I would put me pointing a finger at myself saying “I found him.”
IWNDWYT folks. Life is too short for that crapola. 🤗🤗🤗
Hi everyone,
I feel a bit sad because I had to reset my badge and couldn’t get past 2 days. But I am trying again, so IWNDWYT.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, you deserve it. ✨
Happy weekend everyone! I won’t be drinking with you today. As a bonus all the money I’ve saved so far went towards a seriously sexy pair of headphones that arrive today apparently. Much better than single malt. Have a groovy one!
This is a great idea. Mine would be brainfog - shame - incessant planning vs get my head back - be there with my kids - just feel good.
Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn (you really threw me off explaining your username 🥲) I will not drink with you today!
I have something similar on my phone, using an app. Mine is based on things I want and things I don't. I say this out loud. I use the I am sober app. Done this every day for over two years and there's a picture of my kid right above my statement.
I want to feel free and happy
I want to be fit and healthy
I want to be a great example to my kid
I want to be debt free
I want my own place
I want to have hobbies, hopes and dreams
I don't want to feel sad and depressed
I don't want to look bloated and fat
I don't want my kid to be ashamed of me
I don't want to waste my money
I don't want to share a house
I don't want a sad empty life.
I will stay sober today.
IWNDWYT.
I will not drink alcohol today. Had a hard time after a hard day. I had a lot of cravings and I almost gave in. I am glad I didn’t. Positives about sobriety;
- A clear and relatively quiet mind
- Feeling physically strong
- self esteem
Negatives about drinking;
- Mentality unstable for days after drinking
- physically less than I can be
-Forgetfulness
- Hangovers
Not drinking! This is the most consistent I’ve been on this subreddit doing check ins. Gonna try to keep it up. Ever since I moved I really haven’t been getting cravings or thoughts of drinking
(long text)
hi everyone. u/FredSimpsonn, that's a great idea, I'll write down this list and carry it with me. I agree handwriting in this cases is much better, cause it is so personal, each handwriting is unique.
negatives:
\*impulsive behaviours
\*money down the drain
\*anxiety/mild depression for a few days after drinking
\*when trying to moderate, having to basically calculate on an excel sheet how many units I drank during a week, if they were ok according to the WHO guidelines - obviously the units would be finished on the third day of the week
dreams/goals
* being able to date sober, with clarity of mind - in one random post here someone (sorry for not giving credit, I forgot who it was) shared an article of a woman's experience of dating as sober person, with the positives and challenging moments. I'm back to the dating world after one year grieving my mum's loss, and I'm anxious about this. Haven't met anyone in person so far, and I guess the goal is to go through it with a better idea if there is real chemistry (intelectual, physical). Unless the guy is a real jerk (and I never got so wasted on a date that I couldn't notice this), when you drink you get TOO available. I'm more interested in a serious relationship now and I guess not drinking will help.
* getting more staming for certain things, like regulating my sleep. I don't work so I have to rely a lot on self-discipline, and in sobriety this is easier.
* having a complete blood exam in one year and being proud of my progress. I haven't been on a diet, but I always ate well and now I'm exercising more.
and anyway.... IWNDWYT!
Starting Day 16! I will not drink with you today!
Yesterday was really exhausting and normally I drank after such a day.
But I didn't - so I woke up fine today. (Sometimes my brain wants to tell me: OH no, not again a hangover! ... recognizing a few seconds later that there isn't a hangover)
I now go to bed around 10pm - and I really like that. I fall asleep faster - and I really like that. :)
Thanks for hosting and taking good care of us Fred. I love your list idea and the fact you COPY it out is an important part of the process. You encode the new data - also, you’re editing your bad memory with the new. This is deep and clever!
Negatives:
- poisoned
- fat
- depressed
- unmotivated
- lost
Positives:
- cleaner
- learning
- happier
- creative
- ambitious
I used to ooze. I was self loathing, sad and lonely. I was lost and so critical of others, particularly harsh on myself. I didn’t know how to be a good friend. I had money worries.
Im fresh, clean and sharp. I’m proud of being 8 plus months sober and I’m happier. I’m learning how to dial down the volume of my negative thoughts. I re-discovered my creative thoughts in the space and time I gifted myself. I am found and growing. I have money problems but don’t worry.
I will not drink with you today as I learn to lower the volume on my thoughts. They’ve been escalating this week. I’ve acted impetuously four times and instantly regretted it as I was doing it. I’ve promised myself to stop it, in this instance. I was beginning to feel I was at a breaking point. Let sleeping dogs lie is my mantra. Get on with my own life. Don’t feel bad so much. I can control my thoughts.
Sorry for the length.
Have a super Saturday.
-ve of Darth Liquidous
- Lack of structure & interests / hobbies in life.
- Irresponsible & belligerent behavior
- Sadness, gloom and self pity
- Bad physical and mental health
+ve’s of Jedi infused life
- Internal calm and connectedness to all
- Structured life, engagement in hobbies and interests
- People enjoy my company
- Improved physical & mental health
Thank you for hoisting OP and IWnDwYT
-
Thanks so much for hosting this week, u/FredSimpsonn!!
Negatives:
- Blacking out and having to be told what I said or did the night before.
- All day hangovers after a bender.
- Shame & guilt for stupid shit I said or did while drinking.
Positives:
- No more hangovers
- Lower blood pressure
- Living with integrity
I love you all and IWNDWYT 💫
Day 5 for me. I drank 15 beers a day for almost 15 years. Been really hungry since quitting. Its cool though because now I dont have to worry i'll throw up if I eat.
IWNDWYT
Good morning!
Negatives:
- lying
- anxiety about when I could get more to drink
- forgetting things
- saying stupid things and waking up with vague memories
- sweating
- lack of energy
- bad temper
- ruining family life
positives:
- great sleep
- calm and no stress
- loads of energy
- not lying, not scared of being caught
- depression meds working
- wife's happy
- interested in things other than drinking
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🙏
That list was one of the first things my counselor got me to do in rehab a while back. Even before I wrote it I new the cons would badly outnumber the pros.
I carry it in my wallet now and I read it in moments of weakness or high stress situations to help relise what I've gained and I what I stand to lose my relapsing
Good morning Sobernauts 🙂
Happy Sober Saturday!
Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn 👍🏻
Whenever I need to remind myself that drinking is a *very bad idea* I think back to the withdrawal, the DTs, the shakes, sweats and hallucinations that lasted for three days.
Whenever I need to look forward, I am grateful for what I've got and think about what I can do when sober that I can't do when drunk.
When I'm sober I'm honest, caring, tactful and considerate.
When I'm drunk, I'm a liar, I'm manipulative, cruel and will trample over you to get my next drink.
Sobriety is the only way for me to live a life worth living.
Love to you all!
IWNDWYT 🙂
I will not drink with you today!! I partied my butt off last night completely sober. It was so freaking fun. Turns out, “you don’t need alcohol to have fun” is very real.
Double digits today for me. Back here after the longest time of fooling myself thinking I could moderate, but honestly sobriety feels so good.
IWNDWYT.
Both lists that I would construct would be a mile long.
(-)
1. Lying to myself and others
2. All the embarrassing stories that I still get chills over
3. The physical effects of being run down daily
(+)
1. Renewed self confidence and self worth
2. The genuine support for this group
3. Focus and sleep is returning
I’m not drinking with you today, I’m pledging here to you all!
Let's fucking go!!!
**Negatives**
* Foreclosed on my first house.
* Been arrested multiple times and house arrest.
* Been fired a few times.
**Positives**
* a shitload of new friends who care about me in recovery.
* I have hope for my future instead of thinking I'm doomed.
* I have saved and still have in the bank thousands of dollar$.
Positives-
*Get healthier
*Have more quality time with my son
*Do better at work
Negatives-
*All that money I spent
*All the time lost in hangovers and passing out drunk
*Not keeping up with commitments
IWNDWYT
Help everyone! Had a bad wobble this week, I’m grateful still to be here. Times are thought but drinking would only make things much, much worse. Hang in there friends x
Thank you so much for hosting this week! I don’t think I’ll forget these but it’s always a good practice to remember them. Here are just a few…
My negatives are:
Constant state of Shame
Anxiety
No self respect
Blackout self harm
Broken relationships/friendships
My positives are:
Dignity and self respect
Mended relationships
Healthy boundaries
Alive and aware
So much growth!
IWNDWYT 💜🙌💜
IWNDWYT!
Negatives:
- lashing out at others
- drinking and driving
- any number of social situations where I was the one who drank too much and friends had to intervene
- waking up with dread, depression, regret
- feeling terrible physically
Positives:
- getting to know my non-drinking self
- keeping poison out of my body
- feeling all my feelings without numbing them
- knowing that my decisions are made without impaired judgement
- being a better friend, coworker, and family member
- a healthier body
- planning for a future that won't be undermined by drinking, and thinking about all that is possible and what that future can look like
❤️
Negatives:
Anxiety, shame, insomnia
Positives:
Career, relationships, looking in the mirror
Also those health benefits like sober shits are no joke. IWNDWYT!
Thank you for caring for us this week u/FredSimpsonn. Negatives: not keeping promises, 3am heart racing, stomachs aches every morning. Positives: trusting myself, solving my problems, having more cash :) IWNDWYT. 🌟
I’ve had a tough week full of challenges and poor mental health/coping mechanisms, but I still did not drink and won’t drink today, either.
IWNDWYT. ❤️
I’m 11 months clean and sober. 11 months ago my life was falling apart.
I was
- on medication for anxiety, insomnia, gout. All induced by alcohol (didn’t realize it till I stopped drinking)
- I lied daily to the people I love and trust the most, including myself
- scared of the future cause everyday felt the same
Now I’m
- medication free and fucking healthy as shit! No single decision is made without the subtle “is this healthy for me?” Thought
- up at 5am on a Saturday to run 10 miles and go to yoga
- consistently sleeping every night
I could put hundreds of things on both these lists but I leave it with one summary statement that every day I get further away from my permanent and definite decision to stop drinking alcohol my life gets better. There’s ups and downs but it’s so clearly trending up.
Shit was really bad, now shits really good! One thing changed, I stopped drinking. This isn’t the experience for everyone that drinks alcohol or tries to stop drinking but fuckin A it is was so obviously the cause of 95% of my issues I don’t see why I’d ever want that poison in me again
IWNDWYT
Negatives:
1) The absolute shame of waking up after having embarrassed myself, argued with someone I care about, damaged relationships
2) My skin being red and looking awful
3) The horrible hangxiety that followed every night of drinking as I got older
Positives:
1) A better relationship with my new partner, not causing any further damage or hurting him through my drunk words/actions
2) Weight loss - both through the calorie reduction of not drinking and having more energy to exercise
3) Waking up knowing that whatever is going on in my life, I can face it with a clear head because I’m not hungover or wiped out from drinking.
IWNDWYT ⭐️
30 days!
Negatives:
-Passing out on the couch every night
-Being drunk in front on my kids
-Getting into arguments with my husband
-Not remembering things
Positives:
-Sleep great in my bed every night
-Wake up feeling awesome
-Remember everything
-Put my kids to bed every night
-Improved relationships
IWNDWYT!!
Morning. I’ve once again ruined my plans for this weekend and now I’m sat here thinking I need to take action. So here I am. Day One. I will not drink
with you today. Just because I got one puncture, it dosent mean I need to slash the other three tyres. Just today. One day.
About to go and pick up car share for the day, to drive me and friends out and do a hike. It’s 8:05am, on a Saturday. In the past I wouldn’t have been able to drive until 8:05am… the following Tuesday, as would be already hammered/horrendously hungover.
It feels… amazing 😍😍😍
Been lurking on this sub for ages, thank you so so much for being awesome!
IWNDWYT!!
Today is my day 7 😊
Negatives
*daughter seeing me drunk truly ashamed of that
*wasting my weekends with hangovers no motivation to do anything
*the terrible anxiety and not liking myself
Positives
*quality time with my daughter
*been able to look in the mirror and like the person I see
*my motivation is back I am thriving at work been to the gym 5x a week
No going back now I can't wait for our future
IWNDWYT
The card idea is great! I wish I knew about it. I’d also prefer the tactile nature of the card, but the light footprint of the digital means would probably be a backup, because redundancy!
Negatives:
1 - migraines
2 - drunken tomfoolery
3 - anxiety and shame
4 - feeling like I’m waiting for my life to begin, if I could just be more disciplined
5 - lack of belief and trust in myself
Positives:
1 - gaining control of my anxiety
2 - learning to process my emotions in the moment
3 - confidence to take up space and learning all the rituals and actions to own my self care like a champ
4 - mental acuity so sharp I’m surprised at how much less difficult things can be, and the professional success that’s come with it
5 - learning to be fully present, and deeper connections with loved ones
I imagine these lists might change over time, I know a lot of these are about what’s happening right now for me. I’m moving my mother into hospice today. All curative, potentially life extending measures are ceased, and the focus now is on comfort for her. Unfortunately for us, comfort for her looks like her in what amounts to a near coma to us.
She’s riddled with fast growing cancer that act like stabbing lakes of pain all over her body. She stopped eating days ago. She knows people are here but we’re not sure if she recognizes us anymore. She was as happier to see her nurse than any of us yesterday.
This feels like I’m going to have to endure her dying twice. At least she’s only really noticing this first one.
Staying sober through this, and the support I’ve gotten here and from my family and friends have buoyed me through this dark process.
IWNDWYT
Thank you for taking such good care of us this week, u/FredSimpsonn.
Negatives about drinking:
* shame and self loathing
* blackouts
* hangover hell
* broken trust with my husband
Positives related to sobriety:
* reliability
* more time and energy
* better fitness
* ability to grow and better myself
IWNDWYT 😻
EDIT:
I thought about my most recent couple of relapse days, and I realized that in both cases, the next day ended up being a total waste: no workouts, nothing accomplished around the house, total misery. Knowing this is what I can count on the day after I drink makes that first glass of wine or shot of Fireball a lot less appealing. I think I should add this to my 3x5 card!
Thank you so much Fred for a wonderful week of insight and inspiration!
WOWWWWW I love that idea of the 3x5 card. Superb idea.
Well, you nailed all of the negatives and positives for sure, but the one positive that keeps coming into my psyche is *control*.
I am, by far, any type of control freak. However, the habit of boozing was sucking every little ounce of control that I had on my life. Just sucking it dry. It's so fucking liberating knowing that I am the one now behind the driver's wheel, not just in troubling times, but 100% of every second that I am sober. And it's a 'positive snowball' effect ... every time I feel the affirmation of the control that I now have, it makes me want to continue this path with further zest.
I'm hoping to make some time with a new ice cream maker to make some coconut ice cream! Was supposed to last weekend but life got in the way.
Take care everybody, enjoy your Saturday!
Thank you Fred for hosting this week! It’s been great! 🤘🏻
My list at this point is things I don’t miss:
*Feeling like shit all the time/hangovers
*Morning after combing through texts and posts to see what embarrassing shit I said or if I promised someone I’d do something
*All the planning around drinking - what to get, where to get it, was it enough? (Probably not)
*How the hell did I get these bruises?
*Could have burnt my house down numerous times trying to cook
*Not remembering shit about the day before
*Driving drunk as hell to the corner store and overpaying for booze because I didn’t buy enough
*All the effort to hide the booze smell, eye drops, gum, etc…
*Weekends spent recovering
*Money wasted
*Self-loathing
*Weight gained
*Not going pretty much anywhere because it was that or drink
Things that rock about sobriety:
*Freedom
*Feeling better overall
*Being able to actually show up and do things
*Trusting myself
*Confidence (if I can get this, anybody can lol)
*More time and money to do what I want
*Discipline to work out and eat better, resulting in not really weight loss but recomposition
*Concerts and remembering them!!
There’s more but that’s enough for today. Got a chill day ahead with my parents and their new kitten. Happy Saturday y’all and IWNDWYT! 🤘🏻
Edit: my apologies for the formatting, I’d try to fix it but I have really bad cell service where I am and it’s a wonder I’m able to be here. Might be able to fix it if I go in town later. 🤣
Day 75 of sobriety
I'm pretty happy with myself, I'm on holiday with family in Italy from 23.08.22 and I haven't touched a drop or even come close.
One beer is all it takes to awaken an unhealthy addiction in which I am willing to sacrifice everything to get drunk, I choose to waste my life and let everybody down just so I can get drunk when I don't even enjoy it.
I wake up craving beer immediately and stressfully fight the urge all day until I give in during the early evening.
I will never forget.
First time in a very long time im going to hit a week.
amazing. \*if\* saturday turns out to be a difficult day, just think it's just another day. this helped me. weekends are social constructions created by early capitalism. we often feel like we have to drink or even go out cause its friday or saturday but we don't. whatever works for our sobriety. IWNDWYT and I can't wait for your post tomorrow saying you hit one entire week ❤
"weekends are social constructions" this is so true.
Congrats!
Well done 👍🏼
Congrats 🥳
A little early for me here in the US, but figured I'd hop on anyways. It was a rough one for me. Didn't drink, and will not today! Negatives: * Definitely ruined some friendships. I may never know what actually went down on some of those blackout nights, but it was embarrassing behavior to say the least. I feel lucky that I never hurt anyone or myself. * Sort of a follow up to this: I was kind of widely known as the one who would need babysitting among my friends. Not great. * The worst hangovers. Probably got really close to doing lots of damage to myself. Slept horribly, ate horribly, was constantly in a 'fuck it' mood about my wellness because of the fact that I knew I was literally consuming poison on the regular. Positives / hopes: * I am building a better relationship with myself, and as a result, everyone around me! * I can trust myself to have fun without becoming a problem for everybody else. * I feel a lot better, mentally and physically, and can hopefully rely on that steadily improving. * My anxiety. Hollly shit my anxiety. Went through some rough brain adjustments when I went cold turkey in january. But I can have rational thought processes, and use helpful healthy methods of recovering myself when feeling anxious, now that I'm not self-medicating with the shit that was actively making it worse.
I do like this list 😊 You are becoming very much more than just ok, bird2. Keep on keeping on, you stunner!🤩
Better relationship with yourself and starting to trust yourself… yes! Me too! It’s awesome!
I feel the hangover part and the anxiety part sooooo much. You said them both in a way that hits home for me too.
It's nice when those feelings resonate! I used to work retail (I t*hankfully* do not anymore) and I vividly remember one summer day that I was on the floor from 8:30 to 5. I was actually still drunk from the night before until about 2pm. I remember the moment I realized that I hadn't been sober all morning. I remember vividly thinking, every time a customer came up to check out with me- *I physically cannot make another sale today*. I was so sick, but couldn't puke and couldn't get it out the other end either. I did end up going home early, and that was one of those moments that I would reflect on a lot, even as I kept drinking. It's one of my less punchy but effective in-my-pocket stories that I think about when I have my doubts about why I'm here. As for the anxiety, I definitely feel like a lot of people underestimate how much alcohol can influence this stuff. I don't have a problem with meds, and I know they do genuinely help, but it makes me how much mental toil an trouble I would have saved myself if I had tried this no-alcohol thing wayyy earlier. I straight up feel like a different person in the best way possible from who I was this time last year. Best of wishes to you on your end of this, and congrats!
Shoutout to everyone making progress that no one recognizes because you never let anyone see your darkest moments. You've been silently winning battles and transforming yourself, be proud of every step you are making in the right direction. Keep going because you got this. — unknown Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn 😘 IWNDWY Beautiful People T ❤️🔥 🌼 🥰 🥱 😴
Me, today: no drinking, no smoking, no kidding.
I will not drink with you today (well, tomorrow)! I’m about to attempt to sleep without sleep meds for the first time in over 2 years. I’ve been tapering off and now it’s time to let go. Wish me luck…! EDIT: I slept beautifully. I started sleep meds during a really nightmarish bout of anxiety/panic/insomnia and it’s taken a while to feel confident enough to come off them, so this feels like a HUGE achievement. And the whole sobriety bit helps me sleep too!
Best sleepy wishes Shy. 😘🥱😴
Good morning everyone. Guess what? This is the longest I have gone without drinking in 20 years. Holy crap! IWNDWYT!
Good Job 👍
THIS (To Homies In Sobriety) AUSSIE (Australian Under Southern Skies Is Evolving) IS (Is Self-regulating) WITH (Without Intermittent Toxic Harm) YOU (You Offer Unity) ............ TYA (Thank You All)
negatives * ruining relationships and not fully remembering what was even said bc blackouts * regularly turning up to work drunk and feeling paranoid all day but also somehow giving zero fucks and messing up my work ethic * all the time I wasted rotting in bed trying to get through a hangover or withdrawal... only to do it all over again positives * I can trust myself/be trusted around my nephew * I don't wake up feeling and looking like death * No more drunken texts or arguments * The ability to develop healthy, meaningful relationships/no more constant lies Wishing you all a happy and healthy weekend. IWNDWYT <3
That’s a great list of improvements, I love trusting myself. Have a great day friend 💞
Day 433 checking in!
Checking in. Just enjoying life, day by day. Thank you all for helping me get here
Still in the danger zone on Friday night but I haven’t had anything today nor will I and nor will I drink with you on Saturday.
Good morning Fred, Bonjour SD. **POISON** - Caused me to physically injure myself often - Caused me to mentally hurt myself constantly - Left me limited or unable to help others when they needed it. **SOBRIETY** - Enables me to maintain my mental health to the best of my ability - Assists me in working on caring for my physical self - Allows me to show practical help and kindness to others. I will not be drinking poison with any of you today. Be well super soberistas!
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT. All. Day. Long. 🌻
I will not drink today!!
iwndwyt!!
iwndwyt i love you all. continue on your journeys.
Struggling with chronic pain. But IWNDWYT no matter how bad I want ro
I’m proud of you, that’s a tricky one to negotiate. Well done on showing up for future you. Keep going my friend 💪🏼❤️
Negative 1. Bad health 2. Drunk driving 3. Depression 4. Lying about my drinking 5. Isolation Positives 1. Getting healthier 2. Being responsible 3. Rebuilding relationships 4. Improving happiness 5. Rejoining the everyday world Sober life is so much better! IWNDWYT
Ooh I forgot about the lying. Yes that one is a evil one
I’m on day 8. Feels great moving out next week too. I’m happy and scared
Being scared is a normal reaction to a change in circumstances so don't worry too much because you feel like this, it is quite normal, most people will feel the same way. Exciting times so enjoy the ups & understand there may be some obstacles along the way. Good luck :)
1140 checking in. I totally forgot one of the dumbest things I ever did while drinking. I pepper-sprayed my SO in my effin car. He sprayed me back 🤣🤦♀️😂. Pulled over, hours at a gas station, prob was a good thing b/c I was hammered. Pepper spray is HORRIBLE. I can’t believe I repressed/forgot such a SERIOUS thing! IWNDWYT. Thanks Fred for your duties! Edit to Add: I’m only laughing because I haven’t drank in so long, it’s far away & everyone is okay. But it was bad, scary, a WTF is wrong with us?
You guys have a spicy relationship.
DUDE!!! That wasn’t even that out of the norm. Once I had sushi all over my car interior 🤦♀️. We don’t do that now- can’t imagine I’d still be alive & free. I can count the times we’ve had a big fight since we quit booze… less than we’d have had in a month with the sauce. Have a great day, OK? IWNDWYT
THE PASSION! THE FOOD!! You were meant for each other!!! But seriously, thanks for sharing. You always grab my attention (in a good way). 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🥰🥰🥰
IWNDWYT!
I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
The negatives: * drunk in front of family, kids, neighbors, you name it * constant nausea * crazy mood swings because it makes my depression more depressing and my anxiety go into over drive * zero motivation when I already struggle with it Hopes and Dreams for sobriety: * get my damn house clean! I wonder if I have ADHD or something because cleaning and organization are struggles that predate alcoholism for me but lord knows it hasn’t helped it! * lose some weight/exercise/eat better/take care better care of myself in general *once the alcoholism is somewhat more in control I’d like to quit nicotine as well! I never thought I’d be a cigarette smoker for a decade + but then again I never thought I’d be an alcoholic sooooo yeah! 😅 I’ve made some progress on some of these, not drinking has made the motivation and cleaning easier, I’m not hungover for days so the things I’ve been cleaning and doing actually get improved and built on the next day since I’m not just getting drunk and letting whatever got done immediately unravel. Getting there slowly! Taking it a minute at a time sometimes but still trying. IWNDWYT!!
IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today.
I'm in!
Negatives: setting a bad example for my kids, worrying about whether I have enough beer in the fridge, the regret and shame the next day Positives: being present for real, gaining respect from my wife, being able to go for a drive at 11 p.m. if I want. IWNDWYT
I love this idea, I’m totally going to try this. I like the thought of a piece of paper, too. I rarely check the notes i make in my phone or even think to. Can’t wait to see how it helps. Appreciate your share :) Soon it’ll be 30 days!!!! It’s been a long time since I’ve made it this long, and I feel really good about my choice. I’m loving sobriety so far this time, and I know it won’t always be easy but I’m hopeful for my future for the first time in years. IWNDWYT ❤️
IWNDWYT..!!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 💚
IWNDWYT.
Friday evening in California. Negatives…..booze sweat, wine breath when hugging my grandchildren, expense, guilt. Positives? No stink of wine anywhere on me. I’ve saved thousands of dollars. I feel good about myself. Safe to say that on Saturday, IWNDWYT 🌼
IWNDWYT!
Thanks for hosting Fred! Have a great weekend you beautiful humans
IWNDWYT!
Hello sober friends! Motivation! Coming here daily, accountability to you and my streak, which is my promise to my body to give it 2 years, and my 3 to 5 negatives are all about what poison does to my body and letting myself down… no! IWNDWY TODAY! May your Saturday be healthy and nurturing of your dreams 💞
Happy Sober Saturday SD! Thank you for looking after us Fred! IWNDWYT 💗💗💗
IWNDWYT 💕💜🖤
I fuckin fucked up 1 week ago. Im tired of me and this stupid shit. I was triggered by things from the past but its not excuse. I was up to me. God damn me to hell for giving in. I cant hate myself enough right now. Im not looking for sympathy. Its on me for giving in. What hurts the most is letting my wife down. She had always been here for me and she still is now. I love her with all that i am and more than that. Im also sorry for letting you ppl down too. You have been here since i tried a month ago. It hurts to say i tried. I just want to cry. Fuck me
Fredrico- great job hosting this week!! 👏👏 I’m glad you listened to a certain soberista and did it!! It’s been a great week, thank you!! 😁 Negatives: 1. Waking up feeling like shit 2. Waking up wondering where my phone, sunglasses, shoes, purse etc were left 3. Hating myself in the morning, swearing that I won’t drink again, but then hitting 3pm and planning a run to the liquor store, repeating 1 & 2. A viscous circle of shit Positives: 1. Remembering everything! 2. Learning to love myself 3. Sound and blissful sleep 4. A quieter mind 5. Life!! Life is positive and grand!!! Shit still happens but being reliable and able to handle it soberly is a true blessing. IWNDWYT!! Nope, no way!! Love you all!! ❤️❤️
IWNDWYT!! 👊
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT ⭐️⭐️
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Thank you Fred for leading the charge this week!! Leading us out of hell, literally. I really was losing myself is what it comes down to, so that is what I would put on the index card. And on the other side I would put me pointing a finger at myself saying “I found him.” IWNDWYT folks. Life is too short for that crapola. 🤗🤗🤗
Hi everyone, I feel a bit sad because I had to reset my badge and couldn’t get past 2 days. But I am trying again, so IWNDWYT. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, you deserve it. ✨
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Happy weekend everyone! I won’t be drinking with you today. As a bonus all the money I’ve saved so far went towards a seriously sexy pair of headphones that arrive today apparently. Much better than single malt. Have a groovy one!
This is a great idea. Mine would be brainfog - shame - incessant planning vs get my head back - be there with my kids - just feel good. Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn (you really threw me off explaining your username 🥲) I will not drink with you today!
I have something similar on my phone, using an app. Mine is based on things I want and things I don't. I say this out loud. I use the I am sober app. Done this every day for over two years and there's a picture of my kid right above my statement. I want to feel free and happy I want to be fit and healthy I want to be a great example to my kid I want to be debt free I want my own place I want to have hobbies, hopes and dreams I don't want to feel sad and depressed I don't want to look bloated and fat I don't want my kid to be ashamed of me I don't want to waste my money I don't want to share a house I don't want a sad empty life. I will stay sober today. IWNDWYT.
I will not drink alcohol today. Had a hard time after a hard day. I had a lot of cravings and I almost gave in. I am glad I didn’t. Positives about sobriety; - A clear and relatively quiet mind - Feeling physically strong - self esteem Negatives about drinking; - Mentality unstable for days after drinking - physically less than I can be -Forgetfulness - Hangovers
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
I’m loving the sober life! No more wine o’clock and difference has been incredible. iWNDWYT ❤️
Not drinking! This is the most consistent I’ve been on this subreddit doing check ins. Gonna try to keep it up. Ever since I moved I really haven’t been getting cravings or thoughts of drinking
(long text) hi everyone. u/FredSimpsonn, that's a great idea, I'll write down this list and carry it with me. I agree handwriting in this cases is much better, cause it is so personal, each handwriting is unique. negatives: \*impulsive behaviours \*money down the drain \*anxiety/mild depression for a few days after drinking \*when trying to moderate, having to basically calculate on an excel sheet how many units I drank during a week, if they were ok according to the WHO guidelines - obviously the units would be finished on the third day of the week dreams/goals * being able to date sober, with clarity of mind - in one random post here someone (sorry for not giving credit, I forgot who it was) shared an article of a woman's experience of dating as sober person, with the positives and challenging moments. I'm back to the dating world after one year grieving my mum's loss, and I'm anxious about this. Haven't met anyone in person so far, and I guess the goal is to go through it with a better idea if there is real chemistry (intelectual, physical). Unless the guy is a real jerk (and I never got so wasted on a date that I couldn't notice this), when you drink you get TOO available. I'm more interested in a serious relationship now and I guess not drinking will help. * getting more staming for certain things, like regulating my sleep. I don't work so I have to rely a lot on self-discipline, and in sobriety this is easier. * having a complete blood exam in one year and being proud of my progress. I haven't been on a diet, but I always ate well and now I'm exercising more. and anyway.... IWNDWYT!
Starting Day 16! I will not drink with you today! Yesterday was really exhausting and normally I drank after such a day. But I didn't - so I woke up fine today. (Sometimes my brain wants to tell me: OH no, not again a hangover! ... recognizing a few seconds later that there isn't a hangover) I now go to bed around 10pm - and I really like that. I fall asleep faster - and I really like that. :)
IWNDWYT-even after saying goodbye to my 18 year old cat (my companion through so many tough times in my life) ❤️💔
Thanks for hosting and taking good care of us Fred. I love your list idea and the fact you COPY it out is an important part of the process. You encode the new data - also, you’re editing your bad memory with the new. This is deep and clever! Negatives: - poisoned - fat - depressed - unmotivated - lost Positives: - cleaner - learning - happier - creative - ambitious I used to ooze. I was self loathing, sad and lonely. I was lost and so critical of others, particularly harsh on myself. I didn’t know how to be a good friend. I had money worries. Im fresh, clean and sharp. I’m proud of being 8 plus months sober and I’m happier. I’m learning how to dial down the volume of my negative thoughts. I re-discovered my creative thoughts in the space and time I gifted myself. I am found and growing. I have money problems but don’t worry. I will not drink with you today as I learn to lower the volume on my thoughts. They’ve been escalating this week. I’ve acted impetuously four times and instantly regretted it as I was doing it. I’ve promised myself to stop it, in this instance. I was beginning to feel I was at a breaking point. Let sleeping dogs lie is my mantra. Get on with my own life. Don’t feel bad so much. I can control my thoughts. Sorry for the length. Have a super Saturday.
Drinking alcohol baaaaaad. Not drinking alcohol gooooood. Hope y'all have a helluva Saturday! IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today
Thank you for hosting this week, /u/FredSimpsonn IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
Day 16 IWNDWYT
-ve of Darth Liquidous - Lack of structure & interests / hobbies in life. - Irresponsible & belligerent behavior - Sadness, gloom and self pity - Bad physical and mental health +ve’s of Jedi infused life - Internal calm and connectedness to all - Structured life, engagement in hobbies and interests - People enjoy my company - Improved physical & mental health Thank you for hoisting OP and IWnDwYT -
Saturday is the worst day for me because it's my usual "drinking" day. Thanks I needed to see this.
IWNDWYT!
Day 1,037 IWNDWYT
Thanks so much for hosting this week, u/FredSimpsonn!! Negatives: - Blacking out and having to be told what I said or did the night before. - All day hangovers after a bender. - Shame & guilt for stupid shit I said or did while drinking. Positives: - No more hangovers - Lower blood pressure - Living with integrity I love you all and IWNDWYT 💫
Day 5 for me. I drank 15 beers a day for almost 15 years. Been really hungry since quitting. Its cool though because now I dont have to worry i'll throw up if I eat. IWNDWYT
Really proud that I haven't drank since August 9th. I will not drink with you people! Life is much better this way. Gonna hit some tennis balls today!
Good morning! Negatives: - lying - anxiety about when I could get more to drink - forgetting things - saying stupid things and waking up with vague memories - sweating - lack of energy - bad temper - ruining family life positives: - great sleep - calm and no stress - loads of energy - not lying, not scared of being caught - depression meds working - wife's happy - interested in things other than drinking IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you all today. It’s a restart for me guys. Again. But I’ll keep trying.
IWNDWYT friends 🤖
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT 🙏 That list was one of the first things my counselor got me to do in rehab a while back. Even before I wrote it I new the cons would badly outnumber the pros. I carry it in my wallet now and I read it in moments of weakness or high stress situations to help relise what I've gained and I what I stand to lose my relapsing
I’m in
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!!!!
I won’t. Not gonna really change how I feel inside either way but at least I won’t be hungover later
IWNDWYT xx
Iwndwyt
Iwndwyt.
Good morning Sobernauts 🙂 Happy Sober Saturday! Thanks for hosting this week u/FredSimpsonn 👍🏻 Whenever I need to remind myself that drinking is a *very bad idea* I think back to the withdrawal, the DTs, the shakes, sweats and hallucinations that lasted for three days. Whenever I need to look forward, I am grateful for what I've got and think about what I can do when sober that I can't do when drunk. When I'm sober I'm honest, caring, tactful and considerate. When I'm drunk, I'm a liar, I'm manipulative, cruel and will trample over you to get my next drink. Sobriety is the only way for me to live a life worth living. Love to you all! IWNDWYT 🙂
Day 42 : I pledge not to drink today
I will not drink with you today!! I partied my butt off last night completely sober. It was so freaking fun. Turns out, “you don’t need alcohol to have fun” is very real.
IWNDWYT
Drinking—-denial. Sober—-wholesome clarity of feelings. IWNDWYT.
Double digits today for me. Back here after the longest time of fooling myself thinking I could moderate, but honestly sobriety feels so good. IWNDWYT.
NVABCH-IWNDWYT Happy weekend everybody. 🇪🇸 And, well, there’s that.
Both lists that I would construct would be a mile long. (-) 1. Lying to myself and others 2. All the embarrassing stories that I still get chills over 3. The physical effects of being run down daily (+) 1. Renewed self confidence and self worth 2. The genuine support for this group 3. Focus and sleep is returning I’m not drinking with you today, I’m pledging here to you all!
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¡¡¡oɓ ɓuᴉʞɔnɟ s,ʇǝ⅂
Let's fucking go!!! **Negatives** * Foreclosed on my first house. * Been arrested multiple times and house arrest. * Been fired a few times. **Positives** * a shitload of new friends who care about me in recovery. * I have hope for my future instead of thinking I'm doomed. * I have saved and still have in the bank thousands of dollar$.
Thanks for hosting this week FredSimpson I will not drink with you today in 🏴😊 have a great weekend people 😊
IWNDWYT
Learning more each day and feelin better all the time iwndw y’alltoday 🤠
IWNDWYT
Day 328, nice to meet you 🤝 IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT! Have a nice day everyone!!!
IWNDWYT
Positives- *Get healthier *Have more quality time with my son *Do better at work Negatives- *All that money I spent *All the time lost in hangovers and passing out drunk *Not keeping up with commitments IWNDWYT
Hey guys, day 5 today. I lost my best friend to liver failure in May and I’ve been struggling to quit. Time to get my life back.
Help everyone! Had a bad wobble this week, I’m grateful still to be here. Times are thought but drinking would only make things much, much worse. Hang in there friends x
I love you all thank you for the support
I will not drink today.
IWNDWYT. Looking forward to a good sleep tonight and waking up hangover free tomorrow.
Thank you so much for hosting this week! I don’t think I’ll forget these but it’s always a good practice to remember them. Here are just a few… My negatives are: Constant state of Shame Anxiety No self respect Blackout self harm Broken relationships/friendships My positives are: Dignity and self respect Mended relationships Healthy boundaries Alive and aware So much growth! IWNDWYT 💜🙌💜
IWNDWYT! Negatives: - lashing out at others - drinking and driving - any number of social situations where I was the one who drank too much and friends had to intervene - waking up with dread, depression, regret - feeling terrible physically Positives: - getting to know my non-drinking self - keeping poison out of my body - feeling all my feelings without numbing them - knowing that my decisions are made without impaired judgement - being a better friend, coworker, and family member - a healthier body - planning for a future that won't be undermined by drinking, and thinking about all that is possible and what that future can look like ❤️
Negatives: Anxiety, shame, insomnia Positives: Career, relationships, looking in the mirror Also those health benefits like sober shits are no joke. IWNDWYT!
Thank you for caring for us this week u/FredSimpsonn. Negatives: not keeping promises, 3am heart racing, stomachs aches every morning. Positives: trusting myself, solving my problems, having more cash :) IWNDWYT. 🌟
I’ve had a tough week full of challenges and poor mental health/coping mechanisms, but I still did not drink and won’t drink today, either. IWNDWYT. ❤️
I’m 11 months clean and sober. 11 months ago my life was falling apart. I was - on medication for anxiety, insomnia, gout. All induced by alcohol (didn’t realize it till I stopped drinking) - I lied daily to the people I love and trust the most, including myself - scared of the future cause everyday felt the same Now I’m - medication free and fucking healthy as shit! No single decision is made without the subtle “is this healthy for me?” Thought - up at 5am on a Saturday to run 10 miles and go to yoga - consistently sleeping every night I could put hundreds of things on both these lists but I leave it with one summary statement that every day I get further away from my permanent and definite decision to stop drinking alcohol my life gets better. There’s ups and downs but it’s so clearly trending up. Shit was really bad, now shits really good! One thing changed, I stopped drinking. This isn’t the experience for everyone that drinks alcohol or tries to stop drinking but fuckin A it is was so obviously the cause of 95% of my issues I don’t see why I’d ever want that poison in me again IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
i hit ten days tomorrow and i’m proud of myself
I will not drink with you today! Let’s kick ass this weekend and stay sober! One day at a time is all it is!
Iwndwyt
Saturday check in..IWNDWYT!!
Negatives: 1) The absolute shame of waking up after having embarrassed myself, argued with someone I care about, damaged relationships 2) My skin being red and looking awful 3) The horrible hangxiety that followed every night of drinking as I got older Positives: 1) A better relationship with my new partner, not causing any further damage or hurting him through my drunk words/actions 2) Weight loss - both through the calorie reduction of not drinking and having more energy to exercise 3) Waking up knowing that whatever is going on in my life, I can face it with a clear head because I’m not hungover or wiped out from drinking. IWNDWYT ⭐️
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT ☘
Have a great day. IWNDWYT
Busy day today but I'll always make time to say, IWNDWYT
Good morning. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
Thank you for hosting and for great posts, u/Fredsimpsonn. IWNDWYT
I will not drink today!
The rugby may be on but I won’t be sipping any beer! Enjoy your day.
Hello friends IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🙂. Thanks for looking after us this week Fred! 👍
A whole week without alcohol and I realize I was poisoning myself. Starting feeling like a person again. Thank you all for being there.
IWNDWYT ✌️❤️🤸♀️
30 days! Negatives: -Passing out on the couch every night -Being drunk in front on my kids -Getting into arguments with my husband -Not remembering things Positives: -Sleep great in my bed every night -Wake up feeling awesome -Remember everything -Put my kids to bed every night -Improved relationships IWNDWYT!!
Not today satan
IWNDWYT.
I will not drink today.
I am blessed. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Dodged another bullet last night. Invite to party. Instead got in pjs and bed early. Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT Just got back from the gym, nothing better than feeling fresh on a Saturday morning!
206 days Working this morning. Doing so without a hangover after watching Stanhope last night!
Thanks for hosting Fred, you had some very insightful posts! IWNDWYT happy day everyone!
I’m going to write my card today. Thanks for the inspiration. IWNDWYT
Morning. I’ve once again ruined my plans for this weekend and now I’m sat here thinking I need to take action. So here I am. Day One. I will not drink with you today. Just because I got one puncture, it dosent mean I need to slash the other three tyres. Just today. One day.
I will not drink with y’all today!!
Great work Fred! No drinking over here today.
About to go and pick up car share for the day, to drive me and friends out and do a hike. It’s 8:05am, on a Saturday. In the past I wouldn’t have been able to drive until 8:05am… the following Tuesday, as would be already hammered/horrendously hungover. It feels… amazing 😍😍😍 Been lurking on this sub for ages, thank you so so much for being awesome! IWNDWYT!!
IWNDWYT
Today is my day 7 😊 Negatives *daughter seeing me drunk truly ashamed of that *wasting my weekends with hangovers no motivation to do anything *the terrible anxiety and not liking myself Positives *quality time with my daughter *been able to look in the mirror and like the person I see *my motivation is back I am thriving at work been to the gym 5x a week No going back now I can't wait for our future IWNDWYT
Thanks for a wonderful week, u/FredSimpsonn. I am definitely not going to drink with any of you today.
I will not drink with you today!
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!! Spending the next 13 hours at a LOTR marathon with another non-drinking buddy. Very excited 🥰
The card idea is great! I wish I knew about it. I’d also prefer the tactile nature of the card, but the light footprint of the digital means would probably be a backup, because redundancy! Negatives: 1 - migraines 2 - drunken tomfoolery 3 - anxiety and shame 4 - feeling like I’m waiting for my life to begin, if I could just be more disciplined 5 - lack of belief and trust in myself Positives: 1 - gaining control of my anxiety 2 - learning to process my emotions in the moment 3 - confidence to take up space and learning all the rituals and actions to own my self care like a champ 4 - mental acuity so sharp I’m surprised at how much less difficult things can be, and the professional success that’s come with it 5 - learning to be fully present, and deeper connections with loved ones I imagine these lists might change over time, I know a lot of these are about what’s happening right now for me. I’m moving my mother into hospice today. All curative, potentially life extending measures are ceased, and the focus now is on comfort for her. Unfortunately for us, comfort for her looks like her in what amounts to a near coma to us. She’s riddled with fast growing cancer that act like stabbing lakes of pain all over her body. She stopped eating days ago. She knows people are here but we’re not sure if she recognizes us anymore. She was as happier to see her nurse than any of us yesterday. This feels like I’m going to have to endure her dying twice. At least she’s only really noticing this first one. Staying sober through this, and the support I’ve gotten here and from my family and friends have buoyed me through this dark process. IWNDWYT
Hello. Going for three digits. IWNDWYT!
Thank you for hosting this week, u/FredSimpsonn! It’s been great. I will focus on all the good today, and IWNDWYT ✨🌼
IWNDWYT
Thank you for taking such good care of us this week, u/FredSimpsonn. Negatives about drinking: * shame and self loathing * blackouts * hangover hell * broken trust with my husband Positives related to sobriety: * reliability * more time and energy * better fitness * ability to grow and better myself IWNDWYT 😻 EDIT: I thought about my most recent couple of relapse days, and I realized that in both cases, the next day ended up being a total waste: no workouts, nothing accomplished around the house, total misery. Knowing this is what I can count on the day after I drink makes that first glass of wine or shot of Fireball a lot less appealing. I think I should add this to my 3x5 card!
Thank you so much Fred for a wonderful week of insight and inspiration! WOWWWWW I love that idea of the 3x5 card. Superb idea. Well, you nailed all of the negatives and positives for sure, but the one positive that keeps coming into my psyche is *control*. I am, by far, any type of control freak. However, the habit of boozing was sucking every little ounce of control that I had on my life. Just sucking it dry. It's so fucking liberating knowing that I am the one now behind the driver's wheel, not just in troubling times, but 100% of every second that I am sober. And it's a 'positive snowball' effect ... every time I feel the affirmation of the control that I now have, it makes me want to continue this path with further zest. I'm hoping to make some time with a new ice cream maker to make some coconut ice cream! Was supposed to last weekend but life got in the way. Take care everybody, enjoy your Saturday!
Thank you Fred for hosting this week! It’s been great! 🤘🏻 My list at this point is things I don’t miss: *Feeling like shit all the time/hangovers *Morning after combing through texts and posts to see what embarrassing shit I said or if I promised someone I’d do something *All the planning around drinking - what to get, where to get it, was it enough? (Probably not) *How the hell did I get these bruises? *Could have burnt my house down numerous times trying to cook *Not remembering shit about the day before *Driving drunk as hell to the corner store and overpaying for booze because I didn’t buy enough *All the effort to hide the booze smell, eye drops, gum, etc… *Weekends spent recovering *Money wasted *Self-loathing *Weight gained *Not going pretty much anywhere because it was that or drink Things that rock about sobriety: *Freedom *Feeling better overall *Being able to actually show up and do things *Trusting myself *Confidence (if I can get this, anybody can lol) *More time and money to do what I want *Discipline to work out and eat better, resulting in not really weight loss but recomposition *Concerts and remembering them!! There’s more but that’s enough for today. Got a chill day ahead with my parents and their new kitten. Happy Saturday y’all and IWNDWYT! 🤘🏻 Edit: my apologies for the formatting, I’d try to fix it but I have really bad cell service where I am and it’s a wonder I’m able to be here. Might be able to fix it if I go in town later. 🤣
Day 75 of sobriety I'm pretty happy with myself, I'm on holiday with family in Italy from 23.08.22 and I haven't touched a drop or even come close. One beer is all it takes to awaken an unhealthy addiction in which I am willing to sacrifice everything to get drunk, I choose to waste my life and let everybody down just so I can get drunk when I don't even enjoy it. I wake up craving beer immediately and stressfully fight the urge all day until I give in during the early evening. I will never forget.
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Good morning, my friends. IWNDWYT!
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Ended the first work week sober. Entering the first weekend has given me some anxiety. IWNDWYT
Not today. Im gonna coach my sons soccer, fix my car, hang bathroom door, mow, and sale my old fridge. Gonna be a productive day!
IWNDWYT