So cool that you assembled these contributions. In this we live our 12th step:
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Loved reading all the comments. Early sobriety is hard. So keeping things simple is key. One day, or even one hour, one minute, one second at a time. If the day seems to be spiraling, start over, right then. Take a deep breath. Find a few people you can trust. If the thought of a drink comes, tell someone right away. Alcoholism thrives in isolation. We need to break the habit of loneliness. We are all equal partners in this journey. Find something you love. For me, in the beginning, it was music. Instead of a bottle, I bought a cd. And listened to genres I had never listened to before. Accept small victories. Find beauty in the ordinary. Try to be patient with yourself and others. That's probably more than enough for now.
Listen more. My first sponsor said about various AA meetings, “Take what you need and leave the rest “ I have found this to mean that there is always something that will strike you, resonate with you. Those gems may be rare. But I never would have heard them if I was determined to tell my story over and over again.
I’m 109 days sober. Sobriety gives you the gift of “extra” time. Have a plan in place for what you will do to occupy that time. Idle time leads to temptation. I chose to renew a fitness routine and it has helped tremendously.
I jumped off last night. Had a tough day with my grown children - they spoke some truth to me about myself lately. I used it as an excuse to drink a whole bottle of wine and then some. This morning I am filled with shame and heading into two family gatherings where there will be drinking.
Hang in there, you’re not alone, you can get through this day without drinking.
I listed a number of great resources in this post: https://soberapp.substack.com/p/sobriety-doesnt-have-to-be-miserable At the top is a link for In The Rooms, which offers free online meetings at all hours and sometimes runs meetings for 24 hours during holidays. Sending care your way. ❤️
Give yourself permission for anything but a drink. Your boundaries will shift as you grow in sobriety. You might need a tub of ice cream that first week (or month or year). Your body and brain are doing a ton of healing.
Identify your reasons why and have a plan for when triggers hit (so also identify your triggers).
Educate yourself on PAWS (post alcohol withdrawal syndrome) and the science, specially neuroscience, of alcoholism.
Once you realize not taking a drink is the most loving choice you can make for yourself, you will realize you can do it, one day at a time!
Find help. It doesn't have to be a typical 12 step, although it worked for me. Being able to share and hear others share how they stopped drinking and stay stopped was the proof I needed that it was even possible to live without alcohol-because it was truly killing me. And not only was it possible to survive but to feel the warmth of hope after many years of cold dark desperation. They told me just don't drink today, put one foot in front of the other and do the next right thing that keeps the drink at bay Just for today. There is a solution.
Wow! What amazing advice, it’s like a cascade of hope ⭐️ What incredible people have shown up here and what wise advice they have. Thank you for putting this all together Dana. I think it will inspire a lot of people
Heart-sourced gratitude to you all for your beautiful shares - thank you! ❤️
So cool that you assembled these contributions. In this we live our 12th step:
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Thanks for being here, Dee! 🙏
Always. 🙏
Loved reading all the comments. Early sobriety is hard. So keeping things simple is key. One day, or even one hour, one minute, one second at a time. If the day seems to be spiraling, start over, right then. Take a deep breath. Find a few people you can trust. If the thought of a drink comes, tell someone right away. Alcoholism thrives in isolation. We need to break the habit of loneliness. We are all equal partners in this journey. Find something you love. For me, in the beginning, it was music. Instead of a bottle, I bought a cd. And listened to genres I had never listened to before. Accept small victories. Find beauty in the ordinary. Try to be patient with yourself and others. That's probably more than enough for now.
Thank you for sharing, Lorin! I especially love the advice to find something you love.
Listen more. My first sponsor said about various AA meetings, “Take what you need and leave the rest “ I have found this to mean that there is always something that will strike you, resonate with you. Those gems may be rare. But I never would have heard them if I was determined to tell my story over and over again.
Yes. Love that, Gray. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this! I just shared this in my online sobriety community and it’s so appreciated.
Thanks for being here and sharing, Trace!
Such great info and inspiration here, Dana. Thank you for putting this together.
Thank you for being here, Susie! Hearts to you!
I’m 109 days sober. Sobriety gives you the gift of “extra” time. Have a plan in place for what you will do to occupy that time. Idle time leads to temptation. I chose to renew a fitness routine and it has helped tremendously.
Congrats, Nate! And great advice!
The holidays - so hard to say no!
I jumped off last night. Had a tough day with my grown children - they spoke some truth to me about myself lately. I used it as an excuse to drink a whole bottle of wine and then some. This morning I am filled with shame and heading into two family gatherings where there will be drinking.
How do you get away from it?
Hang in there, you’re not alone, you can get through this day without drinking.
I listed a number of great resources in this post: https://soberapp.substack.com/p/sobriety-doesnt-have-to-be-miserable At the top is a link for In The Rooms, which offers free online meetings at all hours and sometimes runs meetings for 24 hours during holidays. Sending care your way. ❤️
Such an incredible resource!!
Hearts to you, Tawny! ❤️
Amazing advice here! Support and knowing from having been there. Beautiful.
Thanks so much for contributing, Janine! ❤️
My pleasure Dana!
Give yourself permission for anything but a drink. Your boundaries will shift as you grow in sobriety. You might need a tub of ice cream that first week (or month or year). Your body and brain are doing a ton of healing.
Identify your reasons why and have a plan for when triggers hit (so also identify your triggers).
Educate yourself on PAWS (post alcohol withdrawal syndrome) and the science, specially neuroscience, of alcoholism.
Once you realize not taking a drink is the most loving choice you can make for yourself, you will realize you can do it, one day at a time!
Thank you for sharing, Kristen!
Find help. It doesn't have to be a typical 12 step, although it worked for me. Being able to share and hear others share how they stopped drinking and stay stopped was the proof I needed that it was even possible to live without alcohol-because it was truly killing me. And not only was it possible to survive but to feel the warmth of hope after many years of cold dark desperation. They told me just don't drink today, put one foot in front of the other and do the next right thing that keeps the drink at bay Just for today. There is a solution.
Thanks so much for being here and for spreading hope, Amy. ❤️
Beautiful reflections here on a gift that is often hard to receive yet becomes the one that keeps on giving : sobriety.
Thank you for compiling such a beautiful round up from the community, Dana! 🙏🏼
Thank you for contributing and being here, Allison. Appreciate you! ❤️
What a beautiful gift you've delivered!
Thanks for your beautiful, inspiring contribution, Mark. Hurray for 12+ years and beyond!
Wow! What amazing advice, it’s like a cascade of hope ⭐️ What incredible people have shown up here and what wise advice they have. Thank you for putting this all together Dana. I think it will inspire a lot of people
Thanks so much for you beautiful contribution and wisdom, Ellie. Cascade of hope - yes!
This is my podcast on me getting sober, you might appreciate it:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10yH6PNYECHyqsQxVTXmGq?si=Bl9D1XCsRVWNI0cVEi-2ZA