I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. My week or so of fantasising about drinking has left me. I’m not sure why they’ve gone but I’m going to write down some thoughts.
Firstly, I blogged. This always helps and I should make a sustained effort to do it quicker when I’m feeling down.
Secondly, I read another sobriety book. Drinking, A Love Story by Caroline Knapp.
Thirdly, I made plans to meet up with friends. Normally when I think about drinking, I really think I’m chasing some sort of excitement. Making plans and meeting up with friends felt good.
We didn’t go crazy. We met up early evening for food and a chat. Normally we meet straight from work so they usually have their cars and don’t drink either. (they know I don’t drink). I love these sorts of nights.; getting dressed up, enjoying great company and driving myself home by 10pm! I always feel amazing after night’s like this as I truly feel like I rock my sobriety.
Lastly, I focused more on my exercise. I know a lot of people turn to exercise when they are newly sober. It can be a helpful distraction. I turned to cheesecake, chocolate and biscuits…anything that would get me through wine o’clock.
Exercise was very low down in my priorities. I think it would have totally stressed me out and I wouldn’t have sustained it in the early days. However, about a month ago I started exercising, just a couple of classes in my local area. It felt the right time.
I was looking for something more. I wanted to meet new people and do something non-alcohol related. Being sober means, I have more time now because I don’t have to worry about anything encroaching into my wine time. Hangovers are also a thing of the past. I still feel like I want more sometimes, whatever more is but I’m definitely moving in the right direction.
I don’t know if any or all of these things helped me. All I know is that I feel better and stronger knowing these feelings of drinking do pass. I know deep down I would never have actually drank. I was just getting upset that thoughts of drinking were randomly popping in to my head. Well, if it happens again, I’ll feel prepared. I’ll use what’s in my sober tool box as I believe it works. x
Mrs Mac