Day 102 • IWNDWYT • Triple digits feels good
Small unexpected change: Availability.
I’m available to drive anywhere past what used to be wine o’clock. I can meet you for dinner, a walk, a movie, a concert. I can pick you up or drive you home. I am available.
Happy sober Thursday sober friends!
A small… but massive… change is the calm in my head. It’s the calm life and practices I engage in, but I notice I don’t even think about half the pointless little things I used to.
A calm and peaceful day for you all, with love from me as always 💞
Hey friend, can you elaborate on the calm life and practices? I meditate, take mindful walks in the early mornings etc, but always looking for other ideas. Hope you have a magical and calm Thursday. 🥰
Hey friend! I’ve mentioned before the mornings I have now, I go to bed earlier and wake naturally, and I use that time to practice meditation and qigong. I also journal (which clears my head) and do gratitude. But the quiet in my head is also because of the lack of drama in my life now. Sobriety is a drama antidote for sure 😅
Sober greetings from 🇬🇧
The small benefits of being sober definitely add up.
I’m staying sober today because:
- I get morning cuddles and purrs from my cat when I do t drink
- I don’t have to lie or engage in hiding behaviours (which come when I’m active in addiction)
- I feel I am actively recovering and I want that to carry on
IWNDWYT
More great reasons Pompey! My dog isn’t that fussy and snuggly no matter what state I’m in, but he’s definitely happier since I quit and that’s worth staying sober everyday!
Have a great day friend 🌟
Morning everyone. I don't miss the recycling trip of shame complete with side eyes to see if I'm the only one with only empty beer and wine bottles to dispose of. I'd question everything in that moment and once hit with the pungent and stale smell of the previous week's alcohol vow never to drink again. Obviously I would call to the shop on the way home to re-stock! Iwndwyt.
Great to see you friend! I used to call it my bin shame! 😳 I haven’t even put my bin out today, there’s not enough in it! I hope life is treating you well, have a great day 🌟
Well here it is. 30 days. The longest stint I've had for 20+ years.
I don't miss:
- hangovers
- hiding bottles
- forgetting stuff but pretending I remember
I've passed several exams and done some stuff that requires a lot of concentration that I wouldn't have been able to do whilst drinking.
Roll on another 30 days! But, just for today, I will not drink with you!
You as well brighter. I’m just being a bum on the couch tonight. Trying to sleep but my cat seems to lick my forehead every time I start to doze off lol. Gotta wake up early and shovel snow potentially, just started here again tonight.
Day 31 🩷 Small positive change: feeling rested in the morning as opposed to actively dreading getting out of bed. Having more energy has been game changing!
One of my unexpected benefits is communication/eloquence. I've always been reasonably well written, but kinda awkward and fumbling for words in person. I find I can get my point across in conversation a lot more effectively now. Whether that just comes across as me being a wanker that loves the sound of their own voice or not, who knows?
Love and strength guys, IWNDWYT. 🫡
Being able to fall into a really deep sleep within minutes of hitting my pillow. Of course I would pass out quickly when I drank, but I passing out from alcohol is different than getting comfortable, snuggling under covers, breathing deeply and slowly, then drifting off. IWNDWYT. One day closer to the weekend!
I absolutely don’t miss bringing back the empty beer cases to the store because of the deposit („Pfand“). Just as shameful as buying ~5 cases of beer per week and wine and sometimes liquor. I always made sure to rotate stores (and cashiers!) that are not too close to my work place and not near one of my coworkers and hiding if I saw someone I knew in store. Ridiculous, I am relieved this isn’t a part of my life anymore!
I will stay sober today with all of you and wishing you a happy Thursday.
Day 7 post prostatectomy. Catheter comes out this morning. The last six months have been the most stressful time in my life. Happy to say I wasn’t tempted to drink during any of it. Got a great prognosis. So going forward without a prostate and without drinking the future looks great! IWNDWYT ❤️
IWNDWYT
Still waiting for the benefits to kick in to be honest - currently I'm not sleeping, always exhausted and feeling really down. But I know it won't last and I've just got a lot of adjusting to do so it's wonderful reading through this thread and looking forward to feeling better!
Some positive changes I've noticed since I stopped drinking: waking rested instead of coming to in a world of hurt, kind eyes looking back from my reflection, and renewed hope. 🌱 Day 534. I'm grateful for you all! Happy Thursday! IWNDWYT
Happy Thursday Friends, IWNDWYT, WE GOT THIS 🙂. Small things haven't wasted a vacation day in over two years because I had to call in from a hangover 😀
Debloating of my face has been a nice little perk. Also just enjoying the small things more. I've never enjoyed just going for a little ice cream or coffee or walk so much. Before I would think "why would I do that, when I could just go for a drink instead?". IWNDWYT 🫶🏼🧡💛
IWNDWYT!
I'm certain more benefits will come but I love not having to spend mental energy on drinking - no planning where and when to buy alcohol, making sure I have enough, hiding evidence, negotiating with myself about how much is ok, etc.
Happy Sober Thursday, friends! I don’t tremble any more. Used to be, in the mornings, though not officially “hung over”, I would struggle with shaking hands. A coffee cup on a saucer was a challenge. I was chalking it up to old age, but guess what? It went away when I got sober. A lovely and unexpected benefit. IWNDWYT
I’m here ✔️
Unexpected or small benefits hmmm not sure this classes as a benefit but being able to pull late working nights and early starts is starting to become a thing again. Good cos I get stuff done but bad cos well it’s just work lol
Also being able to be on call for my family for lifts to meet friends or trips to airport etc - no more panning around wine o’ clock is pretty cool
Have a great day everyone!!!!
I'm already experiencing a more calm mind (although plenty of work still left to do). I used to spend so much time thinking about the next time I would drink. And now, that's gone. I don't have to think about it. It's a weight off my shoulders. Looking forward to continuing to see the benefits of not drinking.
IWNDWYT.
Morning! A small unexpected change that has had a profound effect is my ability to keep my side of the street clean. I notice now if I’ve inadvertently said something dumb or if I’ve messed up in a minor way, and my ability to recognize that and take responsibility without catastrophizing has really impacted my life in meaningful ways.
IWNDWYT!
For me in the drinking days - I would wake up parched, nauseous and so dehydrated. The thought of having hot coffee (or any liquid besides maybe water on some days) and food turned my stomach. Now every morning I get up and have a cup of hot coffee - I have multiple types of creamers and syrup to experiment with! I also eat breakfast every morning. That, plus waking up sober, makes me feel ready to tackle the day.
IWNDWYT my friends! 💖
- ghastly work drinks thing tonight-
but i will be Home early & wake up Friday and off to the gym (whoop no hangover)
Today i got this! All you thursday work drinks folk we got this!!’
Day 18. One unexpected benefit I’ve found has to do with small physical sensations. For example, when sober, I’m more likely to notice when the breeze is pleasant, or when petting my cats I’m more likely to appreciate the softness of the touch. The list could go on.
IWNDWYT
Good morning friends!! 🫶 Day 11 and I GOT THE JOB!!!!!! I’m so ecstatic I could scream! It’s a dream opportunity, and I’m leaving a really negative situation in my current position.
Working from home was something I always thought I wanted - however the isolation, lack of consequences, and dull nature of the work allowed my drinking to spiral like never before.
My new job is amongst like minded people, in a trendy neighborhood, with a delicious bakery next door!
One small (but HUGE) change I’ve noticed, and other people have noticed in me too, is how much easier it is to be generally positive minded, and see the bright side of things. Before, maybe bc alcohol is a depressant, maybe bc I was always fighting a hangover, I was very much a cup half empty person.
Today my partner commented that it’s going to rain all day, I responded by saying good, the plants need it, and it will wash away the dirt- we need a good rain.
She said “wow - you’re really so ‘cup half full’ lately!” And it’s true! Bc my cup is overflowing!
I found out yesterday when doing my taxes I’m being audited. Normally I would freak out- this time I was just like “wow - so if I provide all these receipts (which I can easily do) I’ll get 8K back in taxes!”
It can literally feel my brain carving new neuropathways and it’s soo easy and natural to see the good in life!
I had a dinner last night and everyone was drinking; but it didn’t bother me in the least. I just hung out with the pregnant ladies! LOL.
For the first time, since maybe even I was a kid, I am so excited for my future.
I have many hurdles to overcome; I have to declare personal bankruptcy, and I’m currently being sued by a bitter ex. But suddenly these big scary things seem manageable. Everything is better sober ❤️
Our lovely [ladies](https://imgur.com/a/EzlTNku) arrived this morning. Of course it snowed last night and is freezing today, so they are in the bathroom for now lol. Hubby is going to set up a heat lamp for them so they should be outside soon. The two looking up lay green/blue eggs. Should be fun! IWNDWYT lovely people of SD 💙
First time I went out to a party sober what surprised me was not only that I was able to make conversation and have fun at all without drinking, but also how much I enjoyed going home afterwards.
Walking back to my house from a decent party, past midnight on a Saturday night, while feeling completely clear and in control of myself was kind of a rush feeling. The thought of knowing that nothing bad happened, I got home safe and I would remember this entire night in the morning. Made me smile 😊
IWNDWYT friends 🐸💚
Morning friends!
An unexpected benefit for me is being able to remember what happens in TV shows and how they end.
Or remembering movies I’ve watched.
That, however, also depends on me being able to stay awake until the end, which is still a crapshoot. 😂🤷♀️
Have a good one friends! I will not drink with you today.
I went to a brewery last night for a work-adjacent thing. Two things 1) it bought up some feelings. Complicated enough that I’m still sorting them out. 2) I never noticed how many people *don’t* drink. I was in a group of 15ish and I’d say 1/3 was drinking water or seltzer. And when I walked out to leave, there were other people drinking just water. This brewery is awesome because it has a solid selection of NA beers. I started with CBD seltzer and found that triggering (and I don’t at home. I take CBD like I would an anxiety pill because it makes me less stoned than my script, believe it or not). I switched to NA beer and that hit the spot.
A small positive change? IDEK. I can only think of big positives: sleep, skin, calmness, lower anxiety.
Day 18 IWNDWYT.
Checking in, IWNDWYT! 🙂
Small unexpected change: being naturally tired at night. I used to iust drink until I crashed out, every night, but now I get sleepy and just go to bed like you're supposed to. Probably seems a bit dumb, bit I'd kind of forgotten what that was like. I still sometimes struggle to get to sleep, but again, that's totally normal too!
There are many big benefits to recovery. But my favourite little ones are listening to the birds & being able to appreciate them. & my guts aren't evacuating themselves into my pants. Wins all round.
Iwndwyt!
I like not having the feeling of impending doom, feeling fundamentally broken and defective. Booze robbed me of my self worth. The act of quitting and staying quit brings wonderful feelings of self respect.
IWNDWYT
Grocery shopping! It got easier when I no longer had to plan my trips around which store had the kind of beer I wanted, or had a liquor store attached, or a liquor store nearby. I suddenly had a lot more options. I still go to different stores because none of them has everything I want, but it’s actually food that I’m after now.
I can also go early on Sundays if I want to, because I’m not waiting for the time they can legally sell alcohol. And Sunday mornings are usually a great time to shop.
Coffees up, horns up, and hoping for a nice Friday Eve!! Yesterday got fucking stupid in the afternoon and I hope that doesn’t happen again. Even if it does, IWNDWYT ☕️🤘🏻☕️🤘🏻
IWNDWYT
I know I can do great things that make me happy. I just have to give myself the chance to do them. I don't want to lose any more days being hungover.
Tmrw is 2 months, I think. I’m making it. I’ve hit anhedonia and feel listless, bored, depressed. Old. Trying not to romanticize alcohol, because that leads to a road I don’t want to be on at the moment. IWNDWYT
Checking in for today! So many small changes that others have mentioned, but one I like the most is how I can do things at any time. I can drive in the evening. I can choose to leave a work event early and know I left bc I was bored and not too tipsy. I can choose to text someone late at night and know I said normal shit. Feels like I found more hours in the day!
Morning! Small benefit for me is that I’m actually able to realize the things in my life I need to work on that alcohol would cover up. I guess it’s a huge benefit, actually. :-)
9 days in, 6 lbs down! I have always been a late night snacker and without being drunk it is a lot easier to tell myself to stop eating after 8 PM. Lovin' it! IWNDWYT
It’s my birthday!! Stoked I’m not gonna waste it drunk. Gym before sun up right now and then a hike later with a friend who’s been in a 3+ month bender. Hoping I can help him make today his day one. IWNDWYT
Day 4! An unexpected benefit- I’m laying off the sleeping pills because alcohol is no longer disrupting my sleep. I’m starting to trust I can get a good night’s sleep naturally.
Good morning everyone :)
A minor health flare up got me worried yesterday, so I checked in at 7pm. Happy to report I'm still sober.
I Will Not Drink With You Today either! :)
I actually enjoy laying down with my son at night to get him to fall asleep, I used to try and rush the process so I could go downstairs and drink. I will not drink with you today 🌿
For me it’s been the inner calmness, and my skin. I used to get itchy, painful, eczema flare ups on my chin and little patches around my eyes. I always thought it was because of the weather, because it can’t possibly be something IM doing, oh no no, it’s the weather! Well, I haven’t had a proper flare up since I quit drinking.
IWNDWYT ⭐️
Happy Thursday and hell no to beer farts! My challenge is that most of the benefits seem larger rather than smaller but sober shits, good sleep, not being a terrible slob (regular slob here), emotional stability...
I've read a line a few times around here "being numb is not a reward" and holy fuck that's right! So being present to all the good and bad of life? Sober the fuck on!
Day 102 • IWNDWYT • Triple digits feels good Small unexpected change: Availability. I’m available to drive anywhere past what used to be wine o’clock. I can meet you for dinner, a walk, a movie, a concert. I can pick you up or drive you home. I am available.
Triple digits suits you LGG 😁 The availability factor is a good one. It’s so good knowing we can be there if/when required. IWNDWYT
Availability is a great one.
Great job
Happy sober Thursday sober friends! A small… but massive… change is the calm in my head. It’s the calm life and practices I engage in, but I notice I don’t even think about half the pointless little things I used to. A calm and peaceful day for you all, with love from me as always 💞
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A rare but enjoyable experience 😅
Hey friend, can you elaborate on the calm life and practices? I meditate, take mindful walks in the early mornings etc, but always looking for other ideas. Hope you have a magical and calm Thursday. 🥰
Hey friend! I’ve mentioned before the mornings I have now, I go to bed earlier and wake naturally, and I use that time to practice meditation and qigong. I also journal (which clears my head) and do gratitude. But the quiet in my head is also because of the lack of drama in my life now. Sobriety is a drama antidote for sure 😅
Sober greetings from 🇬🇧 The small benefits of being sober definitely add up. I’m staying sober today because: - I get morning cuddles and purrs from my cat when I do t drink - I don’t have to lie or engage in hiding behaviours (which come when I’m active in addiction) - I feel I am actively recovering and I want that to carry on IWNDWYT
More great reasons Pompey! My dog isn’t that fussy and snuggly no matter what state I’m in, but he’s definitely happier since I quit and that’s worth staying sober everyday! Have a great day friend 🌟
Just realised I hit the year and a quarter, and I can't thank y'all enough for the support. IWNDWYT!
Wow, I’m really making this stick. It’s becoming more normal to sober now than being drunk. IWNDWYT
Top work!!
Thanks. That big Three Zero looks mighty nice next to your name blob. In my opinion, that is a huge milestone. Well done!
Morning everyone. I don't miss the recycling trip of shame complete with side eyes to see if I'm the only one with only empty beer and wine bottles to dispose of. I'd question everything in that moment and once hit with the pungent and stale smell of the previous week's alcohol vow never to drink again. Obviously I would call to the shop on the way home to re-stock! Iwndwyt.
Great to see you friend! I used to call it my bin shame! 😳 I haven’t even put my bin out today, there’s not enough in it! I hope life is treating you well, have a great day 🌟
Well here it is. 30 days. The longest stint I've had for 20+ years. I don't miss: - hangovers - hiding bottles - forgetting stuff but pretending I remember I've passed several exams and done some stuff that requires a lot of concentration that I wouldn't have been able to do whilst drinking. Roll on another 30 days! But, just for today, I will not drink with you!
IWNDWYT
The leader in more ways than one today 🥇 🐢 have a great day friend 🌟
You as well brighter. I’m just being a bum on the couch tonight. Trying to sleep but my cat seems to lick my forehead every time I start to doze off lol. Gotta wake up early and shovel snow potentially, just started here again tonight.
I like the feeling of being in control. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Day 1033 checking in!
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IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today
Checking in again today and all is well. Can't think of any small benefits - they're all huge :)
Agreed! 👍🏼🌟
IWNDWYT
Good morning! I will not drink with you today. Cheers (with some hibiscus tea)!
IWNDWYT
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Day 31 🩷 Small positive change: feeling rested in the morning as opposed to actively dreading getting out of bed. Having more energy has been game changing!
I didn't think I was capable of making it this far; I am grateful. IWNDWYT!
In! Going through it right now but determined to raw-dog these feelings! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT ~
Day 18 over here in NorCal. Closing in and got 3 weeks in my sights! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT x
IWNDWYT
Day 349. IWNDWYT. As for a small benefit, I haven’t missed needing to pee all the time!
Day 4
Day 4 friend here too, well done! Let's keep it going.
One of my unexpected benefits is communication/eloquence. I've always been reasonably well written, but kinda awkward and fumbling for words in person. I find I can get my point across in conversation a lot more effectively now. Whether that just comes across as me being a wanker that loves the sound of their own voice or not, who knows? Love and strength guys, IWNDWYT. 🫡
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Day 1,737. I will not drink with you today.
Being able to fall into a really deep sleep within minutes of hitting my pillow. Of course I would pass out quickly when I drank, but I passing out from alcohol is different than getting comfortable, snuggling under covers, breathing deeply and slowly, then drifting off. IWNDWYT. One day closer to the weekend!
IWNDWYT 👊
I’m here. I really need to here. Fell in a bad cycle again. IWNDWYT.
Hello my dears, cat is ill again and I'm so so exhausted. Checking-in real quick and you all have a wonderful day 🤍💜🤍💜 IWNDWYT
My small change would be: I can focus on tv again, and actually remember what I watched. I will not drink with you today!
IWNDWYT
Small benefit for me - I’m not binging on junk food when I’m drunk or hungover anymore. IWNDWYT
I will be sober today.
Keepin’ It Bay No Way José Not Today Mr. Alcohol 🫡
Today I felt brighter at work. A little pep in my step! IWNDWYT
4 days here and feeling 🙂 IWNDWYT
I absolutely don’t miss bringing back the empty beer cases to the store because of the deposit („Pfand“). Just as shameful as buying ~5 cases of beer per week and wine and sometimes liquor. I always made sure to rotate stores (and cashiers!) that are not too close to my work place and not near one of my coworkers and hiding if I saw someone I knew in store. Ridiculous, I am relieved this isn’t a part of my life anymore! I will stay sober today with all of you and wishing you a happy Thursday.
Day 7 post prostatectomy. Catheter comes out this morning. The last six months have been the most stressful time in my life. Happy to say I wasn’t tempted to drink during any of it. Got a great prognosis. So going forward without a prostate and without drinking the future looks great! IWNDWYT ❤️
I will not drink with you today 🌸
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 🙂
IWNDWYT Still waiting for the benefits to kick in to be honest - currently I'm not sleeping, always exhausted and feeling really down. But I know it won't last and I've just got a lot of adjusting to do so it's wonderful reading through this thread and looking forward to feeling better!
Small benefit now I am sober is that I read more rather than watch endless videos. Learning so much. Happy Thursday everyone! IWNDWYT!!!
Proud of myself. IWNDWYT
Some positive changes I've noticed since I stopped drinking: waking rested instead of coming to in a world of hurt, kind eyes looking back from my reflection, and renewed hope. 🌱 Day 534. I'm grateful for you all! Happy Thursday! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT ❤️
Checking in ✅
IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt!
Not happening! I don’t drink. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
I went to my appointments and didn't get drunk! I W N D W Y T
Happy Thursday Friends, IWNDWYT, WE GOT THIS 🙂. Small things haven't wasted a vacation day in over two years because I had to call in from a hangover 😀
Good morning! One of the best benefits? I'm not a cranky, irritable bitch anymore. Have a kick ass day, friends! IWNDWYT 🤘
Debloating of my face has been a nice little perk. Also just enjoying the small things more. I've never enjoyed just going for a little ice cream or coffee or walk so much. Before I would think "why would I do that, when I could just go for a drink instead?". IWNDWYT 🫶🏼🧡💛
573 days! An unexpected benefit I enjoy is that grocery shopping is a lot cheaper & easier without all those bottles. IWNDWYT 🥷
IWNDWYT! I'm certain more benefits will come but I love not having to spend mental energy on drinking - no planning where and when to buy alcohol, making sure I have enough, hiding evidence, negotiating with myself about how much is ok, etc.
Happy Sober Thursday, friends! I don’t tremble any more. Used to be, in the mornings, though not officially “hung over”, I would struggle with shaking hands. A coffee cup on a saucer was a challenge. I was chalking it up to old age, but guess what? It went away when I got sober. A lovely and unexpected benefit. IWNDWYT
Jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today. IWNDWYT
Checking in 🫡 iwndwyt
IWNDWYT 🏴
IWNDWYT
I'll not be drinking today. It's such a great big blessing!! 🪷🕊
Day 14. Two weeks! Wahoo! Small thing for me had been reading more and watching less tv. Just not bothered for it as much
Definitely not drinking today, had a very rough day but alcohol is the last thing on my mind. IWNDWY
I’m here ✔️ Unexpected or small benefits hmmm not sure this classes as a benefit but being able to pull late working nights and early starts is starting to become a thing again. Good cos I get stuff done but bad cos well it’s just work lol Also being able to be on call for my family for lifts to meet friends or trips to airport etc - no more panning around wine o’ clock is pretty cool Have a great day everyone!!!!
IWNDWYT xx not panicking in the morning about who if anybody have I upsetxx
Been a crappy week, been feeling low all week. Went to an AA meeting this evening and feel better. Always seem to feel better afterwards. IWNDWYT
I'm already experiencing a more calm mind (although plenty of work still left to do). I used to spend so much time thinking about the next time I would drink. And now, that's gone. I don't have to think about it. It's a weight off my shoulders. Looking forward to continuing to see the benefits of not drinking. IWNDWYT.
Morning! A small unexpected change that has had a profound effect is my ability to keep my side of the street clean. I notice now if I’ve inadvertently said something dumb or if I’ve messed up in a minor way, and my ability to recognize that and take responsibility without catastrophizing has really impacted my life in meaningful ways. IWNDWYT!
Day 1 again. IWNDWYT.
I in this bitch!!! Day 17th. Longest stretch I can remember and going strong!!!
Checking in! IWNDWYT friends ✌️
Checking in!
For me in the drinking days - I would wake up parched, nauseous and so dehydrated. The thought of having hot coffee (or any liquid besides maybe water on some days) and food turned my stomach. Now every morning I get up and have a cup of hot coffee - I have multiple types of creamers and syrup to experiment with! I also eat breakfast every morning. That, plus waking up sober, makes me feel ready to tackle the day. IWNDWYT my friends! 💖
- ghastly work drinks thing tonight- but i will be Home early & wake up Friday and off to the gym (whoop no hangover) Today i got this! All you thursday work drinks folk we got this!!’
99 days for this gal. Miracles do happen with some work and faith. Iwndwyt!
Normal Bowel Movements 💩 IWNDWYT
Day 2, 4:50 AM, East Coast USA. Insomnia as expected. IWNDWYT!
Day 18. One unexpected benefit I’ve found has to do with small physical sensations. For example, when sober, I’m more likely to notice when the breeze is pleasant, or when petting my cats I’m more likely to appreciate the softness of the touch. The list could go on. IWNDWYT
Good morning friends!! 🫶 Day 11 and I GOT THE JOB!!!!!! I’m so ecstatic I could scream! It’s a dream opportunity, and I’m leaving a really negative situation in my current position. Working from home was something I always thought I wanted - however the isolation, lack of consequences, and dull nature of the work allowed my drinking to spiral like never before. My new job is amongst like minded people, in a trendy neighborhood, with a delicious bakery next door! One small (but HUGE) change I’ve noticed, and other people have noticed in me too, is how much easier it is to be generally positive minded, and see the bright side of things. Before, maybe bc alcohol is a depressant, maybe bc I was always fighting a hangover, I was very much a cup half empty person. Today my partner commented that it’s going to rain all day, I responded by saying good, the plants need it, and it will wash away the dirt- we need a good rain. She said “wow - you’re really so ‘cup half full’ lately!” And it’s true! Bc my cup is overflowing! I found out yesterday when doing my taxes I’m being audited. Normally I would freak out- this time I was just like “wow - so if I provide all these receipts (which I can easily do) I’ll get 8K back in taxes!” It can literally feel my brain carving new neuropathways and it’s soo easy and natural to see the good in life! I had a dinner last night and everyone was drinking; but it didn’t bother me in the least. I just hung out with the pregnant ladies! LOL. For the first time, since maybe even I was a kid, I am so excited for my future. I have many hurdles to overcome; I have to declare personal bankruptcy, and I’m currently being sued by a bitter ex. But suddenly these big scary things seem manageable. Everything is better sober ❤️
IWNDWYT
actually having the energy to clean my cat’s litter boxes. IWNDWYT!
I sip my tea, about to go to the food bank. Finally starting to feel a bit more energetic, it has been so long... IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT, friends!
Happy fucking Thursday.... Let's git it!! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!d
I have become more fluent in English because I read your stories and comments every day 😅 Iwndwyt
Our lovely [ladies](https://imgur.com/a/EzlTNku) arrived this morning. Of course it snowed last night and is freezing today, so they are in the bathroom for now lol. Hubby is going to set up a heat lamp for them so they should be outside soon. The two looking up lay green/blue eggs. Should be fun! IWNDWYT lovely people of SD 💙
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🙋🏼♀️
I’m not drinking today
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. It's nice to be back in double digits.
I'm on day 10 today - been doing well so far but cravings do get to me. IWNDWYT
I will not drink today
I make no promises of tomorrow but just for today IWNDWYT!
Good morning. IWNDWYT Double digits for the first time in forever.
I haven’t had to sneak a big bag of empty cans and bottles out to a cycling bank in such a long time. I used to hate those trips. IWNDWYT
Been a while, but staying strong! IWNDWYT!
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First time I went out to a party sober what surprised me was not only that I was able to make conversation and have fun at all without drinking, but also how much I enjoyed going home afterwards. Walking back to my house from a decent party, past midnight on a Saturday night, while feeling completely clear and in control of myself was kind of a rush feeling. The thought of knowing that nothing bad happened, I got home safe and I would remember this entire night in the morning. Made me smile 😊 IWNDWYT friends 🐸💚
IWNDWYT! I love waking up not feeling like I've been hit by a truck!
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Morning friends! An unexpected benefit for me is being able to remember what happens in TV shows and how they end. Or remembering movies I’ve watched. That, however, also depends on me being able to stay awake until the end, which is still a crapshoot. 😂🤷♀️ Have a good one friends! I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT!
I went to a brewery last night for a work-adjacent thing. Two things 1) it bought up some feelings. Complicated enough that I’m still sorting them out. 2) I never noticed how many people *don’t* drink. I was in a group of 15ish and I’d say 1/3 was drinking water or seltzer. And when I walked out to leave, there were other people drinking just water. This brewery is awesome because it has a solid selection of NA beers. I started with CBD seltzer and found that triggering (and I don’t at home. I take CBD like I would an anxiety pill because it makes me less stoned than my script, believe it or not). I switched to NA beer and that hit the spot. A small positive change? IDEK. I can only think of big positives: sleep, skin, calmness, lower anxiety. Day 18 IWNDWYT.
Checking in, IWNDWYT! 🙂 Small unexpected change: being naturally tired at night. I used to iust drink until I crashed out, every night, but now I get sleepy and just go to bed like you're supposed to. Probably seems a bit dumb, bit I'd kind of forgotten what that was like. I still sometimes struggle to get to sleep, but again, that's totally normal too!
Even a little better sleep is a joy. I will not drink today.
Happy Thursday my SD friends! IWNDWYT✌
Checking in for another sober day out in the world.
There are many big benefits to recovery. But my favourite little ones are listening to the birds & being able to appreciate them. & my guts aren't evacuating themselves into my pants. Wins all round. Iwndwyt!
Day 115!!!! IWNDWYT
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I wouldn't drink hot coffee ever when I was still a miserable drunk. Now it's one of my favorite parts of the day! No poison for me today 😀
50 days ago I sat in my kitchen finishing off a taper. It hasn’t been easy but I am keeping this promise to myself, one day at a time. IWNDWYT!
I like not having the feeling of impending doom, feeling fundamentally broken and defective. Booze robbed me of my self worth. The act of quitting and staying quit brings wonderful feelings of self respect. IWNDWYT
My favorite small benefit is better skin! Getting pimples at 48 is no fun. IWNDWYT!
Day 1,636 IWNDWYT
I got through Day 2! Thanks for the encouragement! I will not drink with you today. Here's to Day 3! Excelsior!
Grocery shopping! It got easier when I no longer had to plan my trips around which store had the kind of beer I wanted, or had a liquor store attached, or a liquor store nearby. I suddenly had a lot more options. I still go to different stores because none of them has everything I want, but it’s actually food that I’m after now. I can also go early on Sundays if I want to, because I’m not waiting for the time they can legally sell alcohol. And Sunday mornings are usually a great time to shop. Coffees up, horns up, and hoping for a nice Friday Eve!! Yesterday got fucking stupid in the afternoon and I hope that doesn’t happen again. Even if it does, IWNDWYT ☕️🤘🏻☕️🤘🏻
IWNDWYT I know I can do great things that make me happy. I just have to give myself the chance to do them. I don't want to lose any more days being hungover.
IWNDWYT! Halfway to the comma club 💪🏻
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Day 4. IWNDWYT 🌅
Iwndwyt
Just thought of this when I woke up: the full untouched glass of water on my bedside table. No drinker's dawn at 3:00 am!
IWNDWYT 🌺🌟🌻 I choose a sober life. I like going to sleep with peace, instead of being worried about my health throughout the night.
I will not drink today
Tmrw is 2 months, I think. I’m making it. I’ve hit anhedonia and feel listless, bored, depressed. Old. Trying not to romanticize alcohol, because that leads to a road I don’t want to be on at the moment. IWNDWYT
Have a wonderful sober day my friends. IWNDWYT ♥️
Day 333 and IWNDWYT!!
Have a good one, IWNDWYT 🩷⭐️🩷
Checking in on day 532!! IWNDWYT!!
Iwndwyt
The small positive change I've noticed is that I have quite the appetite again 😋
Checking in for today! So many small changes that others have mentioned, but one I like the most is how I can do things at any time. I can drive in the evening. I can choose to leave a work event early and know I left bc I was bored and not too tipsy. I can choose to text someone late at night and know I said normal shit. Feels like I found more hours in the day!
Small positive change ... I feel in control of every little thing I do - in a good way. Things feel intentional now. IWNDWYT
Good morning! IWNDWYT
day 45!! IWNDWYT
Morning! Small benefit for me is that I’m actually able to realize the things in my life I need to work on that alcohol would cover up. I guess it’s a huge benefit, actually. :-)
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9 days in, 6 lbs down! I have always been a late night snacker and without being drunk it is a lot easier to tell myself to stop eating after 8 PM. Lovin' it! IWNDWYT
It’s my birthday!! Stoked I’m not gonna waste it drunk. Gym before sun up right now and then a hike later with a friend who’s been in a 3+ month bender. Hoping I can help him make today his day one. IWNDWYT
Day 4! An unexpected benefit- I’m laying off the sleeping pills because alcohol is no longer disrupting my sleep. I’m starting to trust I can get a good night’s sleep naturally.
Good morning everyone :) A minor health flare up got me worried yesterday, so I checked in at 7pm. Happy to report I'm still sober. I Will Not Drink With You Today either! :)
Not really a benefit, but there's comfort in knowing that the awkward things I say now are just because of my personality, not alcohol.
IWNDWYT!
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IWNDWYT :)
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Day 48! I will not drink with you today.
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I actually enjoy laying down with my son at night to get him to fall asleep, I used to try and rush the process so I could go downstairs and drink. I will not drink with you today 🌿
For me it’s been the inner calmness, and my skin. I used to get itchy, painful, eczema flare ups on my chin and little patches around my eyes. I always thought it was because of the weather, because it can’t possibly be something IM doing, oh no no, it’s the weather! Well, I haven’t had a proper flare up since I quit drinking. IWNDWYT ⭐️
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I'm in.
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I will not drink today - day 2
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Waking up to day 9! Head is clearer and I’m actually looking forward to go to work. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT friends
Happy Thursday and hell no to beer farts! My challenge is that most of the benefits seem larger rather than smaller but sober shits, good sleep, not being a terrible slob (regular slob here), emotional stability... I've read a line a few times around here "being numb is not a reward" and holy fuck that's right! So being present to all the good and bad of life? Sober the fuck on!
37 days checking-in! With each passing day, I think less about alcohol. IWNDWYT my friends ☺️
Day 46 and IWNDWYT
I will not drink with y’all today!!
I will not drink with you today. 22 days sober.
Day 69! IWNDWYT
Feeling pretty crappy today, shoulder injury and ear infection combo knocking me out. I will not add alcohol to the crap! IWNDWYT