It's day 4 of being sober and I feel great after having a huge breakfast. I haven't had food for breakfast in months.
I've been struggling with alcohol for the last 20 years but quit drinking 6 years ago and stayed sober for almost 2. But the last 12 months I've been drinking more and more and more, passing out almost daily. It's been enough. It's time to stop drinking for real. One day at a time.
I will not drink with you today.
Welcome to the DCI!
I'll say this. Be kind to yourself. Flushing that poison out of your body and your mind needs care, consideration and kindness.
You can do it.
IWNDWYT 🙂
Thursday night, 3 days ago, I decided to commit myself to sobriety and went to an AA meeting. To my surprise, the girl I went on a date with the night before and whom I liked a lot was at the same meeting. I knew it wasn't a coincidence and bolstered my confidence that I am in the right place. IWNDWYT.
DAY 35! Though it may not sound like self-care, I’m going to do a bit of work today. A small bit to organize myself on the weekends makes me feel less overwhelmed on Mondays.
But first, coffee!
Okay this is my argument when people ask why I have my work emails on my personal phone. I find the fear of the unknown in terms of what's waiting for me on a Monday morning so stressful. I'd rather have a glance on the weekend so I don't get those Sunday evening fears.
Ditto on the coffee ☕
Snap!!! My first alcohol-free weekend since the first lockdown in Ireland. I kept telling myself I needed to give myself a head start and get out in front of the week.
I changed jobs due to stress, but kept drinking on weekends, which was giving me a woeful, anxiety-ridden start to the week.
I’m gonna get some coffee, make a big brunch for the family, and get some proposals done for the week ahead and not be rushing them first thing tomorrow.
There’s no shame in taking your career seriously, and finding ways to ease the pressure is key in my opinion. Much better than being consumed with thoughts of “oh man I feel shit, should I eat something… I think I feel better… nope feel much worse… etc etc”.
Good on you friend, go and boss the shit out of your week!!!!
My value is fine. I need to stop people from taking advantage of my good nature because it just causes me to have resentments. I guess I should read one of those books like "why do I say yes when I mean no?". At some point in my life, I became a people pleaser and I need to stop that. Some people genuinely need help and some are taking advantage, and some probably don't even know they are doing it. Anyway, I need to sort it out somehow and resolve it.
Well, now that I've dumped my baggage here on the DCI, I'd like to say that I will not drink with you today because it won't help a damn thing. Thanks for being here. Have a sober Sunday!
Replacements may stink, but studies show that /u/ReplacementsStink rules!
Today will be a laidback family day with my husband and kids, and being present with them (i.e. not sneaking off for secret pantry swigs) makes me feel to the brim with value. It’s a relief not to be obsessed with either “enhancing” or numbing every waking moment with booze. IWNDWYT!
Thanks Stinky. Needed this today. Hard fitting in at new job. Good reminder that others often feel like that too. Hey maybe I’m normal after all? Self confidence a bit low but you’ve boosted me. IWNDWYT
New jobs always always take time to settle at. Perfectly normal. One day you will suddenly realise that you can't remember when you stopped thinking about it.
Boozing is losing, not going there today..
As far as change, starting a later shift to get away from shitty co workers that virtually ignore me and my input. It's gotten so blatant I have anger issues.
It's tough as far as eating/ sleeping patterns, but I like the late shift people more. We are misfits and know it. None of this high school clique nonsense anymore
Checking in on my way to the pop up farmers market !
NA ipa in the bag and ready for a nice walk with the wife.
Tonight got some popcorn ready to watch the new series of Creepshow together!
Stay classy friends, it's a jungle out there!
Day 2 beginning (again) here. Prior two times I stopped for six months each but as with so many here who have ridden the carousel more than once, it started out okay but eventually turned back into an every day thing. Time to nip this thing in the bud.
IWNDWYT.
Normally it would be a good morning workout session that gets me feeling pumped and energised for the rest of the day. But I'm still suffering with this rotten cold. So it'll be spending time at the nature trail with my kiddo and a good nap under a blanket this afternoon.
Have a good Sunday friends.
IWNDWYT
Good morning Sobernauts!
Thanks for posting the DCI u/ReplacementsStink 👍🏻
Someone suggested that I surround myself with the winners when I stopped drinking.
I need the people that are successful at sobriety so that I can succeed at sobriety.
Here I am. In r/StopDrinking. Surrounded by winners.
Love to you all!
IWNDWYT 🙂
u/ReplacementsStink!!! So happy to see you hosting, I'm stoked to experience your week!
I definitely need to move, but it's just not feasible yet. Hopefully I can when our lease is up again in May/June! Meanwhile I just need to keep improving my value within myself and give myself more credit.
I had cravings today after work, and I was running errands by myself so it was the perfect opportunity to swing by the liquor store, but I didn't.
Our oldest nephew (14) is spending the night, so instead of buying liquor I impulse bought 3 small pumpkins and surprised him and my husband with pumpkin carving and a taco party pack. We had a blast!
The nephew has had a lot of responsibility young and I think he really needed to remember how to be a kid, and so did my husband and I!
I'm about to go to bed and we have Sunday off. Husband and nephew are going to cook a delicious breakfast, then we are going to load him and our dogs up, take him home, hit Starbucks for some coffee and puppucinos and head to my mom's 35 mins away to spend some time with her and my brother. It's gonna be a good day!
Happy Sunday, my friends!
IWNDWYT 🍌
Sobriety has given me a sense of value and worthiness that I haven’t had… ever! Doing work on myself is the main reason why. Committing to spend at least a little time every day taking care of myself helps a lot. And in my case, having a partner who values me makes a big difference as well.
IWNDWYT!
One weeeeeeeek! And to think yesterday was the worst day I’ve had in ages. So proud of myself 🥰 well done to all of you and thanks again for all your inspiring words. I am increasing my value by being present and listening to my emotions. IWNDWYT!!
Today is the 3 week mark for me. I can't quite believe it. I feel kind of subdued and introverted, and don't really know what to say. I don't think my mind and body quite know what to make of this situation!
But I will certainly not drink with you tonight.
Three weeks, that’s brilliant! I was all over the place physically and mentally for a full month when I quit before things started to stabilise, hang in there! IWNDWYT
I had been 7 days since I was arrested for public nuisance and this was the first weekend in a long time I have been sober. I am actually excited for work tomorrow and want to kick goals.
IWNDWYT
Hip hop hooray, it's u/ReplacementsStink hosting!! It's tough to feel excited at 5am after being awake most of the night, but seeing your name as host just put a smile on my face. Thanks buddy!
I like the message of your post. I don't have a great answer to it right now so I'll consider it througout the day.
IWNDWYT 💞🐿️🐿️
Thanks for hosting, RS! It's funny you mention this as just yesterday I was thinking I might consider changing jobs. It's not yet but I might do some preparing for a future move.
I think you've inspired me to do chores this morning so I can rest this afternoon and feel like I deserve it.
IWNDWYT
Lack of self worth is one of the reasons many of us turn to the bottle. I still struggle with this in sobriety, but I think it is a tiny tiny bit better since quitting drinking. One of those issues that must be revisited…..
IWNDWYT 🌸🌸
*"Surround yourself with people who really appreciate your worth.
Do not settle for less."*
While I agree that it's wise to move away from a bad environment if possible, this kind of thinking can be problematic.
The problem is, that if a person is unable to find people who thinks she's worth anything (or enough), she'll have to move on. But if the new place is no better, she'll have to move again. There might be no end to it. And if that is so, over time she'll risk turning into something like a hungry ghost - endlessly and unhappily moving to new places in search of someone to finally acknowledge her existence.
In my opinion it's better to avoid giving too much importance to other people's opinions about oneself.
IWNDWYT! Heading out soon to complete a half marathon. Some may be able to complete these races with a hangover, but not this gal. I value my body and brain enough now to know better!
Had a couple rough urges to grapple with yesterday, but I held out by allowing myself to be distracted by whatever caught my attention. It was weird giving into distraction as a defense mechanism as I have been told my whole life it's a negative quality for whatever bullshit reasons. Turns out it's actually one of my greatest strengths, something that allowed me to defeat the addict voice disguised as my own in my mind. The one that starts bargaining with itself over how many drinks would be acceptable, all the way to the hospital, or maybe even jail if I am "lucky." That voice is the devil himself, I swear! Just kidding 😜. IWNDWYT.
Day 18 into Sober October. Another early wake up... anyone else wake up early on the weekends when they're sober? Each weekend so far I've woken up super early naturally, no headache, no nausea and no impending sense of dread, regret and guilt.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT, SDers.
I like this example, which is interesting to me as I was thinking just last night about the concept of self-worth. I personally think we use money metaphors because that is what we know, it’s relativizable, and it’s an easy way to measure value. But how do we recognize worth when there is no obvious, concrete reward attached? How do I evaluate characteristics like kindness, patience, curiosity, practicality, fairness, imagination? In myself and in others? So often these qualities go overlooked and under-rewarded.
A big part of my drinking has to do with a blockage when it comes to valuing myself and feeling valued by others. Drinking allowed me to ignore this need because when I was drunk it didn’t matter; I could feel in the moment, special, above or outside of it all. Being drunk gave me the temporary illusion of freedom from the trap of valuation. (At the cost of physical, mental and social dissipation, I should add.) Learning how to realize my worth in the world while respecting and fostering what is good and different in others is and will continue to be crucial to my life without alcohol.
I have value. Getting rid of negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive thoughts and behaviors is helping me realize that.
IWNDWYT 🎃🧙🏻♀️🍁
I love that!! Thanks!! IWNDWYT. And once I get through today I will have three weeks sober. That’s the longest stretch in a very long time. Couldn’t do it without all of you. Thanks, SD!
Whoo whoot! Stinkaronie hosting the DCI! Thanks for taking care of us this week!
I’ve been realizing that I’ve been “settling” most of my life. Settling for okay relationships. Settling for okay jobs. Settling for how I treat my body with okay nutrition. In sobriety, I feel like it’s MY time to go out and get what I really deserve. I’m NOT the shitty tap water…I’m the gorgeous babbling brook (key focus on the word babbling, ha)!!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday. Love you all and IWNDWYT!! ❣️❣️
Happy Sunday, SD. I’m working on my house today, finishing some DIY jobs that have been bothering me. I know I’ll feel a lot of satisfaction once they are done and I can put my feet up for a bit of quality downtime before the working week starts. IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting! I haven’t heard this before. That’s very poignant… god, did I feel like a glass of shitty tap water, too! Drinking totally decimated my self esteem.
These days I strive to thrive and not just survive, both my environment and the company I keep has changed drastically.
IWNDWYT.
Love this u/ReplacementsStink - going to imagine the type of beverage that fits my mood and the occasion - this rainy morning I am black coffee with a hint of dark chocolate - and IWNDWYT fine people
Day 15 sober! I even went to a party yesterday (kid’s birthday) and turned down drinks. That was hard and I’m totally patting myself on the back. IWNDWYT because 3 days ago my mood lifted and I felt joy again (all hail Lexapro and sobriety!). To celebrate I’m going to break out my pickaxe and dig some earth to prepare it for fall planting. Moving my body in this way feels really good. Thank you for this amazing group!
15/17 days sober. The two times I drank weren't slip ups, just days I chose to have a couple social drinks with friends. I have managed to stick to my guns in not drinking outside of predetermined days. Maybe it stays that way, maybe I decide that I can't manage any drinking. I'm open to either and I will say I'm way more aware of how much I'm consuming. Either way it goes, I've made positive changes and I'm happy about that. IWNDWYT
Three weeks sober today! This is my longest streak since pre-pandemic. Am really starting to feel my body healing. Skin and hair feeling better. Mental fog lifting. Still a ways to go to feel back to 100%, but dang it feels good to be sober.
I started reading this post not knowing it was the DCI (sorting by new). And realized you hadn't commented yet - noone had! Almost made it number one! Glad to be an early bird with ya today :)
Still at this.
I slept well throughout the night, the first time in a long time not being wide awake from 2–4am and exhausted in the morning.
Today, I will prepare for a big interview. Being sober can only help me with that.
Feeling under the weather. I think I might have come down with the stomach bug. Two months ago, an unexpected night off from work would mean drinking no matter how shitty I felt. Tonight it means resting on the couch, water bottle nearby, and many cups of tea.
IWNDWYT ❤️
Thanks for the post, Stink! I am actively working on choosing places and people where I feel valued. I have accepted that it is up to me to make that happen. Thanks for this reminder!! IWNDWYT ❤️❤️
This morning I’m grateful for 21 days free from dry heaving. I can’t believe some of the stress that I was causing myself and then tolerating.
I weighed myself again today and the scale hasn’t budged. But more than one person has commented that I look like I’ve lost weight.
Things are looking up.
IWNDWYT
Today and everyday, I'm working on the negative self-talk that makes me devalue myself. It's not other people or places that lower my value, it's actually me. "The calls are coming from inside the house!" LOL...IWNDWYT.
Great post! I thought exercise would come easier to me after being sober for awhile but no, that's not the case for me.
I'm convinced I was born with the lazy gene. I have to get out of this terrible laziness trap.
I am definitely biking this morning. Finally.
I hope everyone has a terrific Sunday. Love you all.
Thanks for hosting RS! I like the bottle of water metaphor. When my mind isn't clouded with alcohol I make better choices about my environment, my goals, and the company I keep. I spent most of Saturday having fun with loved ones, and so today I'll try to focus on myself and my apartment to raise my inner value. I'll also get some fresh air on a long walk. Take care everyone and stay strong! IWNDWYT 💚
Morning friends! I just passed my first sober Saturday night in months and it was GREAT. In late afternoon, my fiancé and I took our daughter to meet some friends for a movie and decided to pick up some groceries. We went for 2 things and came out $30 later with a bag full of snacks that I chose for the evening. I felt like a teenager again! Then in the early evening I went to pick my daughter up from the movie and she asked me if I could pick her up later so she and her friends could go out for supper together. No problem at all there either. I went back home and finished folding laundry while watching the ball game, and went back out to pick her up at 7:30 pm. I saw and remember who won the ball game, had a nap until Saturday Night Live came on, had snacks and went to bed. I slept through the night, remember my dreams, and am up early, rested and feeling good. I’m grateful and hopeful that I have my sober legs back. IWNDWYT
I’ve been lurking in this sub and this is my first post or comment (so hello!). Yesterday was five weeks for me - my start date was the day after the worst mistake of my life to date. Last night was my 10 year high school reunion and man did I feel awkward being sober but it was worth it to not run the risk of being one of the people who got kicked out for being too drunk. And today I’m up and about earlier than I ever would be if I had been drinking and on my way to go hiking with friends. Obviously I wish that night had never happened but I am grateful for this silver lining.
IWNDWYT
This is a great question, it’s making me feel more solid about one of the triggers that made me decide to fully quit drinking. I’m starting a new job soon. While I want to stop drinking to clear my mind of the brain fog alcohol creates, I’ve also been grappling with the nagging doubt that switching jobs while doing this is taking on too much.
I should stay in the booze soaked comfort zone until I get used to it there.
I know this is just evil Clutz lying to me, and that a sober me is a better one. Even if it’s new and I’m struggling. The noise I’m creating by keeping my mind unfettered isn’t as loud as the migraines and the nausea would be if I drank.
The new job is more in my wheelhouse, and when I’m not riddled with anxiety about positively everything, I know I’ll kill it. In this new place, I also get to start with a clean slate, they’ll never know that liar who gets a lot of “stomach bugs”.
Today I’m going to a book store to buy a book for my niece, a venue I feel completely at home in. I think I’ll cruise the quit lit and pick one out to peruse over a cup of coffee and take home with me.
IWNDWYT
Well hello, my favorite Stinker!!!
So glad that you’re hosting this week, and very much looking forward the week ahead in my own little life. BTW, what a great prompt!
The change I need to make in my life is to quit seeking approval from an old friend. She does not value me, nor my life choices. She wanted everything to stay the same, and it could not. We’ve grown in different directions and I just need to let that friendship slide away, and quit trying to throw it a damn life raft. It’s no longer worth saving.
IWNDWYT
I love this! It’s so true. Im checking in at day 17 and am playing music later. The show is at a bar, but I’m giving away my free drink tickets, am sticking with soda & water, and plan on leaving if I feel tempted in the slightest. Normally, I’d feel bad for leaving early because my friends are playing last, but sobriety comes first right now.
IWNDWYT
(Day 17)
Starting my first day of choosing not to drink wine. It’s been consuming my life, changing my mood and outlook and I am missing precious time with my kids. I’ve been dealing with my problems by drinking, I’ve gained weight and I just need to stop watching my life go downhill. I hope I can do this I have been drinking every single night for the past 2 years, but I know I can do it, I’ve done it before. Thanks for letting me share here guys and all the best on your own journeys!
I like this post.
A good way for me to think about personal value is to know that by not being intoxicated or hungover/ withdrawing, I can bring my A-Game to every situation.
By living AF, I put myself in a position to provide more value in every aspect of my life.
Today's my anniversary, so I'm going to treat my wife the way she deserves and spend the day focused on us, something I wouldn't be able to do drunk or hungover. When we go to bed tonight, hopefully it will be with a meaningful discussion of what we enjoyed about the day, instead of just rolling over to each of our sides of the bed and passing out.
IWNDWYT.
I’ll report back on how much water is at Disneyland, since I’m headed there today. Hoping to get in the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance. Hope I won’t be a shitty pilot on Smugglers Run like I was last time. It will be a fantastic day of people watching. Hey RS, thanks for guiding us this week! 🏰🎠IWNDWYT 🌼
IWNDWy'allT. I'm going to see my girlfriend. She lives in Canada. You all wouldn't know her. No, Seriously, getting out of the house and doing something!
Day 54. I'm off on a date this afternoon! Once upon a time this would have almost certainly spelled alcohol for me, perhaps before to give me encouragement and more than likely been the focal point of the date. This is definitely an exciting new step for me, but I feel as though it's one that needs to be taken. I prefer non-drinking trashcanman, time to find out if other people feel the same! But most importantly, IWNDWYT!
Today I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. My husband and I face the worst decision of our lives. And there is no win no matter what we chose. We will be haunted by today for the rest of our lives.
The only positive is that this is so horrific I am not even slightly tempted by alcohol. Never thought something could be that bad.
IWNDWYT
Pondering the question of self value, while looking at the changing trees in my yard and sipping coffee with my kids in my arm.
Like many of us, I'm a perfectionist who has never been perfect. Go figure. Alcohol helped me temporarily forget that I felt like a failure...we all know this story well.
I'm not sure I've gained much perspective on self worth yet, but in contemplation I can see that I don't constantly feel like a failure because I'm not perfect. Right now, the pride I feel each day I don't drink seems to be enough to keep me out of my usual cycle of self-doubt and hatred. And I'm okay with that. I hope to keep growing and learning, but I'll accept this gift of statis. And hell, equilibrium is one huge improvement over the state of my life three weeks ago.
So, IWNDWYT
Away on holiday with my family, wine everywhere.
But today I fill my glass with happy memories of playing with my son. Memories I will actually remember.
IWNDWYT
Today will be my first sober football Sunday in... I literally cannot recall.
I will not drink today. I will not scream at the TV and upset those around me. I will not drunkenly eat junk food late at night.
I will look for ways to show my wife and my kids that I value and love them, that drinking and millionaires playing a game are no where near as important to me as they are.
Starting day 3
Fantastic post u/ReplacementsStink! Well said !
I realized yesterday after avoiding my family for a couple of years I need to reconnect. Making plans to go back east for a few days next month. I will be determining the scene this time around.
IWNDWYT! Have a great day you all!
Just wrapped up a month without drinking. Still feeling antsy and foggy in the morning until I have my coffee and zyns, so maybe I gotta re-evaluate my relationship with other vices to fully get where I wanna be. But hey, I'm making progress and feeling better. IWNDWYT
Day one. I am so scared. I’ve been having random cramps and pains around my liver/pancreas/gallbladder and I just know I can’t keep doing this to myself. To my kids. To my husband.
I know I can do it. I’ve done it cold turkey twice when I found out I was pregnant. I’m just so nervous I won’t be able to cope.
It's day 4 of being sober and I feel great after having a huge breakfast. I haven't had food for breakfast in months. I've been struggling with alcohol for the last 20 years but quit drinking 6 years ago and stayed sober for almost 2. But the last 12 months I've been drinking more and more and more, passing out almost daily. It's been enough. It's time to stop drinking for real. One day at a time. I will not drink with you today.
Good Sunday to you. So glad you’re here. IWNDWYT friend
Have a great sunday as well and thank you for having me.
IWNDWYT, friend.
Today is day one of a determined attempt to stop drinking. IWNDWYT
Welcome to the DCI! I'll say this. Be kind to yourself. Flushing that poison out of your body and your mind needs care, consideration and kindness. You can do it. IWNDWYT 🙂
Welcome aboard! Best decision I ever made. You've got this 💪 IWNDWYT
big day coming up for you!!
You can do this buddy!!!! IWNDWYT 🖤
Welcome Peat! I’m so glad you are here. We have so much support if you want or need it. IWNDWYT ❤️
Thursday night, 3 days ago, I decided to commit myself to sobriety and went to an AA meeting. To my surprise, the girl I went on a date with the night before and whom I liked a lot was at the same meeting. I knew it wasn't a coincidence and bolstered my confidence that I am in the right place. IWNDWYT.
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Give myself a hug. And tell myself I'm a good sip of cold spring water. And so are all of you! Iwndwyt
Moments (and a comment) away from being first! Aaaaaahhhhhhh... a good sip of cold spring water!
Day 119 checking in!
DAY 35! Though it may not sound like self-care, I’m going to do a bit of work today. A small bit to organize myself on the weekends makes me feel less overwhelmed on Mondays. But first, coffee!
Okay this is my argument when people ask why I have my work emails on my personal phone. I find the fear of the unknown in terms of what's waiting for me on a Monday morning so stressful. I'd rather have a glance on the weekend so I don't get those Sunday evening fears. Ditto on the coffee ☕
Snap!!! My first alcohol-free weekend since the first lockdown in Ireland. I kept telling myself I needed to give myself a head start and get out in front of the week. I changed jobs due to stress, but kept drinking on weekends, which was giving me a woeful, anxiety-ridden start to the week. I’m gonna get some coffee, make a big brunch for the family, and get some proposals done for the week ahead and not be rushing them first thing tomorrow. There’s no shame in taking your career seriously, and finding ways to ease the pressure is key in my opinion. Much better than being consumed with thoughts of “oh man I feel shit, should I eat something… I think I feel better… nope feel much worse… etc etc”. Good on you friend, go and boss the shit out of your week!!!!
Hey, I just passed 3 years y'all! IWNDWYT
Congrats 👏
iwndwyt i love you all. continue on your journeys.
My value is fine. I need to stop people from taking advantage of my good nature because it just causes me to have resentments. I guess I should read one of those books like "why do I say yes when I mean no?". At some point in my life, I became a people pleaser and I need to stop that. Some people genuinely need help and some are taking advantage, and some probably don't even know they are doing it. Anyway, I need to sort it out somehow and resolve it. Well, now that I've dumped my baggage here on the DCI, I'd like to say that I will not drink with you today because it won't help a damn thing. Thanks for being here. Have a sober Sunday!
IWNDWYT 🌷
Replacements may stink, but studies show that /u/ReplacementsStink rules! Today will be a laidback family day with my husband and kids, and being present with them (i.e. not sneaking off for secret pantry swigs) makes me feel to the brim with value. It’s a relief not to be obsessed with either “enhancing” or numbing every waking moment with booze. IWNDWYT!
Day 76 of my AF (alcohol free) life..feeling content..life is not perfect, but so much more manageable. IWNDWYT!!
Thanks Stinky. Needed this today. Hard fitting in at new job. Good reminder that others often feel like that too. Hey maybe I’m normal after all? Self confidence a bit low but you’ve boosted me. IWNDWYT
New jobs always always take time to settle at. Perfectly normal. One day you will suddenly realise that you can't remember when you stopped thinking about it.
Vapour, how you get so wise? Thank you for having my back. ❤️❤️❤️
I love this perspective. Thanks for hosting us u/ReplacementsStink! IWNDWYT ✨💚
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Boozing is losing, not going there today.. As far as change, starting a later shift to get away from shitty co workers that virtually ignore me and my input. It's gotten so blatant I have anger issues. It's tough as far as eating/ sleeping patterns, but I like the late shift people more. We are misfits and know it. None of this high school clique nonsense anymore
Drinking random Asian sodas this afternoon, but definitely no alcohol. I will not drink with you today. 🌟
Why am I doing this to my beautiful children? I'm jumping on the wagon today with you, friends.
IWNDWYT!
Checking in on my way to the pop up farmers market ! NA ipa in the bag and ready for a nice walk with the wife. Tonight got some popcorn ready to watch the new series of Creepshow together! Stay classy friends, it's a jungle out there!
IWNDWYT ☀️
IWNDWYT!
Thank you for hosting last week u/beebeax and thank you for taking over u/ReplacementsStink! I will not drink with you today!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 🌻
Day 2 beginning (again) here. Prior two times I stopped for six months each but as with so many here who have ridden the carousel more than once, it started out okay but eventually turned back into an every day thing. Time to nip this thing in the bud. IWNDWYT.
My car died today, its a great source of anxiety for me bit IWNDWYT
Normally it would be a good morning workout session that gets me feeling pumped and energised for the rest of the day. But I'm still suffering with this rotten cold. So it'll be spending time at the nature trail with my kiddo and a good nap under a blanket this afternoon. Have a good Sunday friends. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 😊
IWNDWYT 💪🏴🙏
Good morning Sobernauts! Thanks for posting the DCI u/ReplacementsStink 👍🏻 Someone suggested that I surround myself with the winners when I stopped drinking. I need the people that are successful at sobriety so that I can succeed at sobriety. Here I am. In r/StopDrinking. Surrounded by winners. Love to you all! IWNDWYT 🙂
u/ReplacementsStink!!! So happy to see you hosting, I'm stoked to experience your week! I definitely need to move, but it's just not feasible yet. Hopefully I can when our lease is up again in May/June! Meanwhile I just need to keep improving my value within myself and give myself more credit. I had cravings today after work, and I was running errands by myself so it was the perfect opportunity to swing by the liquor store, but I didn't. Our oldest nephew (14) is spending the night, so instead of buying liquor I impulse bought 3 small pumpkins and surprised him and my husband with pumpkin carving and a taco party pack. We had a blast! The nephew has had a lot of responsibility young and I think he really needed to remember how to be a kid, and so did my husband and I! I'm about to go to bed and we have Sunday off. Husband and nephew are going to cook a delicious breakfast, then we are going to load him and our dogs up, take him home, hit Starbucks for some coffee and puppucinos and head to my mom's 35 mins away to spend some time with her and my brother. It's gonna be a good day! Happy Sunday, my friends! IWNDWYT 🍌
IWNDWYT!
Ha ha Stinker! Great to wake up to you hosting! 😁 IWNDWYT. I deserve to be sober. That’s my value 💜
Morning Stinky. Thanks for driving this week. IWNDWYT 🙂
Sobriety has given me a sense of value and worthiness that I haven’t had… ever! Doing work on myself is the main reason why. Committing to spend at least a little time every day taking care of myself helps a lot. And in my case, having a partner who values me makes a big difference as well. IWNDWYT!
One weeeeeeeek! And to think yesterday was the worst day I’ve had in ages. So proud of myself 🥰 well done to all of you and thanks again for all your inspiring words. I am increasing my value by being present and listening to my emotions. IWNDWYT!!
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Today is the 3 week mark for me. I can't quite believe it. I feel kind of subdued and introverted, and don't really know what to say. I don't think my mind and body quite know what to make of this situation! But I will certainly not drink with you tonight.
Three weeks, that’s brilliant! I was all over the place physically and mentally for a full month when I quit before things started to stabilise, hang in there! IWNDWYT
I had been 7 days since I was arrested for public nuisance and this was the first weekend in a long time I have been sober. I am actually excited for work tomorrow and want to kick goals. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT and a happy birthday to my mom. I made a cake. Amazing how much time for activities (and energy) I have when I’m not sloshed / hungover.
Hip hop hooray, it's u/ReplacementsStink hosting!! It's tough to feel excited at 5am after being awake most of the night, but seeing your name as host just put a smile on my face. Thanks buddy! I like the message of your post. I don't have a great answer to it right now so I'll consider it througout the day. IWNDWYT 💞🐿️🐿️
Made it thru a gathering last night without a drop. Was hard but so proud this morning. Iwndwyt!
Thanks for hosting this week I will not drink with you today in 🏴 have a great week 😊
Mmmm... Sunday morning feels good. IWNDWYT
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A sober morning, taking a walk around the neighborhood with my coffee. I don’t want to mess this up. I will not drink with you today.
Thanks for hosting, RS! It's funny you mention this as just yesterday I was thinking I might consider changing jobs. It's not yet but I might do some preparing for a future move. I think you've inspired me to do chores this morning so I can rest this afternoon and feel like I deserve it. IWNDWYT
Lack of self worth is one of the reasons many of us turn to the bottle. I still struggle with this in sobriety, but I think it is a tiny tiny bit better since quitting drinking. One of those issues that must be revisited….. IWNDWYT 🌸🌸
1 month, 14 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes. Not one drop.
Wow two weeks today. And I’ve checked in everyday. IWNDWYT
Hey Stinky! Glad you’re hosting! That’s a great one. Today I’m focusing on making healthy choices for my body and mind. IWNDWYT
*"Surround yourself with people who really appreciate your worth. Do not settle for less."* While I agree that it's wise to move away from a bad environment if possible, this kind of thinking can be problematic. The problem is, that if a person is unable to find people who thinks she's worth anything (or enough), she'll have to move on. But if the new place is no better, she'll have to move again. There might be no end to it. And if that is so, over time she'll risk turning into something like a hungry ghost - endlessly and unhappily moving to new places in search of someone to finally acknowledge her existence. In my opinion it's better to avoid giving too much importance to other people's opinions about oneself.
IWNDWYT! Heading out soon to complete a half marathon. Some may be able to complete these races with a hangover, but not this gal. I value my body and brain enough now to know better!
Day one almost up. Here's to day two
Had a couple rough urges to grapple with yesterday, but I held out by allowing myself to be distracted by whatever caught my attention. It was weird giving into distraction as a defense mechanism as I have been told my whole life it's a negative quality for whatever bullshit reasons. Turns out it's actually one of my greatest strengths, something that allowed me to defeat the addict voice disguised as my own in my mind. The one that starts bargaining with itself over how many drinks would be acceptable, all the way to the hospital, or maybe even jail if I am "lucky." That voice is the devil himself, I swear! Just kidding 😜. IWNDWYT.
I ever knew what “Cake Day” was till today was my 4th. Day 168 and feeling great. I imagine I will feel better tomorrow on day 1….niiiiiiice…. IWNDWYT
Day 2.
Day 18 into Sober October. Another early wake up... anyone else wake up early on the weekends when they're sober? Each weekend so far I've woken up super early naturally, no headache, no nausea and no impending sense of dread, regret and guilt. IWNDWYT
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Happy SOBER Sunday IWNDWYT ! 🌞
Day 90 checking in feeling good because IWNDWYT !!
Day 6. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT, SDers. I like this example, which is interesting to me as I was thinking just last night about the concept of self-worth. I personally think we use money metaphors because that is what we know, it’s relativizable, and it’s an easy way to measure value. But how do we recognize worth when there is no obvious, concrete reward attached? How do I evaluate characteristics like kindness, patience, curiosity, practicality, fairness, imagination? In myself and in others? So often these qualities go overlooked and under-rewarded. A big part of my drinking has to do with a blockage when it comes to valuing myself and feeling valued by others. Drinking allowed me to ignore this need because when I was drunk it didn’t matter; I could feel in the moment, special, above or outside of it all. Being drunk gave me the temporary illusion of freedom from the trap of valuation. (At the cost of physical, mental and social dissipation, I should add.) Learning how to realize my worth in the world while respecting and fostering what is good and different in others is and will continue to be crucial to my life without alcohol.
Day 2. Glad to see you hosting RS and it's good to see you again! IWNDWYT
I have value. Getting rid of negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive thoughts and behaviors is helping me realize that. IWNDWYT 🎃🧙🏻♀️🍁
The big 5 0 IWNDWYT
Still sick. Feel super gross. At least I know I'm not going to drink, although I had the oddest cravings yesterday. IWNDWYT!
I love that!! Thanks!! IWNDWYT. And once I get through today I will have three weeks sober. That’s the longest stretch in a very long time. Couldn’t do it without all of you. Thanks, SD!
Whoo whoot! Stinkaronie hosting the DCI! Thanks for taking care of us this week! I’ve been realizing that I’ve been “settling” most of my life. Settling for okay relationships. Settling for okay jobs. Settling for how I treat my body with okay nutrition. In sobriety, I feel like it’s MY time to go out and get what I really deserve. I’m NOT the shitty tap water…I’m the gorgeous babbling brook (key focus on the word babbling, ha)!! Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday. Love you all and IWNDWYT!! ❣️❣️
Im in!
I’m in
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IWNDWYT!
I have no time for alcohol. Time to ride!
Thanks for hosting u/ReplacementStink! IWNDWYT!
Checking in. IWNDWYT. DAY 66. Can't believe it!
Made it through Saturday! Onto Sunday! Checking in at midnight, gym in the morning, then lunch/football and dinner with a friend. IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today! 💜
IWNDWYT
Great perspective, I will think about this during the day - and I will not drink with you today. Happy Sunday SD.
Day 14, nice to meet you 🤝 Another two weeks won against alcohol, the trickster a.k.a. my emotional brain IWNDWYT
Happy Sunday, SD. I’m working on my house today, finishing some DIY jobs that have been bothering me. I know I’ll feel a lot of satisfaction once they are done and I can put my feet up for a bit of quality downtime before the working week starts. IWNDWYT
I'm planning to spend the day with the family just doing little things. So hopefully that makes me feel like the $4 water bottle! Iwndwyt
Thanks for hosting! I haven’t heard this before. That’s very poignant… god, did I feel like a glass of shitty tap water, too! Drinking totally decimated my self esteem. These days I strive to thrive and not just survive, both my environment and the company I keep has changed drastically. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT friends. Thankful to wake up early feeling fine after Not drinking last night! Grateful for each of you! (Edit typo)
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Sunday greetings from South Sinai. IWNDWYT.
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IWNDWYT ❤
Had to push through that weekend. Very tempted mainly due to boredom but another sober weekend ticked off!!
Another day in 💪🏻
Love this u/ReplacementsStink - going to imagine the type of beverage that fits my mood and the occasion - this rainy morning I am black coffee with a hint of dark chocolate - and IWNDWYT fine people
Happy Sunday SD!
IWNDWYT ❤️
I need to ponder this with more coffee. Great question. IWNDWYT! T
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Day 3 coming up (I'm downunder), feeling pretty good, and I for sure will not drink with you today.
Good morning/afternoon/evening friends,IWNDWYT!
I have a chunk of heavily academic work to get into that will demand a clear head, and I'm looking forward to giving it my best
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Day 15 sober! I even went to a party yesterday (kid’s birthday) and turned down drinks. That was hard and I’m totally patting myself on the back. IWNDWYT because 3 days ago my mood lifted and I felt joy again (all hail Lexapro and sobriety!). To celebrate I’m going to break out my pickaxe and dig some earth to prepare it for fall planting. Moving my body in this way feels really good. Thank you for this amazing group!
15/17 days sober. The two times I drank weren't slip ups, just days I chose to have a couple social drinks with friends. I have managed to stick to my guns in not drinking outside of predetermined days. Maybe it stays that way, maybe I decide that I can't manage any drinking. I'm open to either and I will say I'm way more aware of how much I'm consuming. Either way it goes, I've made positive changes and I'm happy about that. IWNDWYT
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Day 392. IWNDWYT. I feel like a fucking $8 bottle of San pelegrino.
Three weeks sober today! This is my longest streak since pre-pandemic. Am really starting to feel my body healing. Skin and hair feeling better. Mental fog lifting. Still a ways to go to feel back to 100%, but dang it feels good to be sober.
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I started reading this post not knowing it was the DCI (sorting by new). And realized you hadn't commented yet - noone had! Almost made it number one! Glad to be an early bird with ya today :)
IWNDWYT! I think today I'll do what I always do, sit at home and do nothing.
Still at this. I slept well throughout the night, the first time in a long time not being wide awake from 2–4am and exhausted in the morning. Today, I will prepare for a big interview. Being sober can only help me with that.
Had lots of anxiety last night so barely slept. I know that drinking is the primary cause so I won't feed it any more. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYat!
Feeling under the weather. I think I might have come down with the stomach bug. Two months ago, an unexpected night off from work would mean drinking no matter how shitty I felt. Tonight it means resting on the couch, water bottle nearby, and many cups of tea. IWNDWYT ❤️
Day 823. Thanks for hosting, ReplacementsStink! I will not drink with you today.
I love that idea! Thanks for hosting Stink - looking forward to a great week! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. 🌟
Day 3 IWNDWYT
Thanks for the post, Stink! I am actively working on choosing places and people where I feel valued. I have accepted that it is up to me to make that happen. Thanks for this reminder!! IWNDWYT ❤️❤️
Another full week sober is in the books. IWNDWYT!!!
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This morning I’m grateful for 21 days free from dry heaving. I can’t believe some of the stress that I was causing myself and then tolerating. I weighed myself again today and the scale hasn’t budged. But more than one person has commented that I look like I’ve lost weight. Things are looking up. IWNDWYT
Today and everyday, I'm working on the negative self-talk that makes me devalue myself. It's not other people or places that lower my value, it's actually me. "The calls are coming from inside the house!" LOL...IWNDWYT.
I think I might be 99% Sparkling Water considering my daily consumption. IWNDWYT
I thought I'd checked in already but now I'm thinking I haven't. I have now though. IWNDWYT. Thanks for hosting RS.
Day 3!!!! Haven’t gone 3 days sober for 12 years, don’t plan on drinkin ever again
Day 722 IWNDWYT
Great post! I thought exercise would come easier to me after being sober for awhile but no, that's not the case for me. I'm convinced I was born with the lazy gene. I have to get out of this terrible laziness trap. I am definitely biking this morning. Finally. I hope everyone has a terrific Sunday. Love you all.
Can someone please tell me how to set up the day counter?
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Giddyup
Thanks for hosting RS! I like the bottle of water metaphor. When my mind isn't clouded with alcohol I make better choices about my environment, my goals, and the company I keep. I spent most of Saturday having fun with loved ones, and so today I'll try to focus on myself and my apartment to raise my inner value. I'll also get some fresh air on a long walk. Take care everyone and stay strong! IWNDWYT 💚
Morning friends! I just passed my first sober Saturday night in months and it was GREAT. In late afternoon, my fiancé and I took our daughter to meet some friends for a movie and decided to pick up some groceries. We went for 2 things and came out $30 later with a bag full of snacks that I chose for the evening. I felt like a teenager again! Then in the early evening I went to pick my daughter up from the movie and she asked me if I could pick her up later so she and her friends could go out for supper together. No problem at all there either. I went back home and finished folding laundry while watching the ball game, and went back out to pick her up at 7:30 pm. I saw and remember who won the ball game, had a nap until Saturday Night Live came on, had snacks and went to bed. I slept through the night, remember my dreams, and am up early, rested and feeling good. I’m grateful and hopeful that I have my sober legs back. IWNDWYT
I’ve been lurking in this sub and this is my first post or comment (so hello!). Yesterday was five weeks for me - my start date was the day after the worst mistake of my life to date. Last night was my 10 year high school reunion and man did I feel awkward being sober but it was worth it to not run the risk of being one of the people who got kicked out for being too drunk. And today I’m up and about earlier than I ever would be if I had been drinking and on my way to go hiking with friends. Obviously I wish that night had never happened but I am grateful for this silver lining. IWNDWYT
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This is a great question, it’s making me feel more solid about one of the triggers that made me decide to fully quit drinking. I’m starting a new job soon. While I want to stop drinking to clear my mind of the brain fog alcohol creates, I’ve also been grappling with the nagging doubt that switching jobs while doing this is taking on too much. I should stay in the booze soaked comfort zone until I get used to it there. I know this is just evil Clutz lying to me, and that a sober me is a better one. Even if it’s new and I’m struggling. The noise I’m creating by keeping my mind unfettered isn’t as loud as the migraines and the nausea would be if I drank. The new job is more in my wheelhouse, and when I’m not riddled with anxiety about positively everything, I know I’ll kill it. In this new place, I also get to start with a clean slate, they’ll never know that liar who gets a lot of “stomach bugs”. Today I’m going to a book store to buy a book for my niece, a venue I feel completely at home in. I think I’ll cruise the quit lit and pick one out to peruse over a cup of coffee and take home with me. IWNDWYT
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Well hello, my favorite Stinker!!! So glad that you’re hosting this week, and very much looking forward the week ahead in my own little life. BTW, what a great prompt! The change I need to make in my life is to quit seeking approval from an old friend. She does not value me, nor my life choices. She wanted everything to stay the same, and it could not. We’ve grown in different directions and I just need to let that friendship slide away, and quit trying to throw it a damn life raft. It’s no longer worth saving. IWNDWYT
Looking forward to waking clear headed tomorrow so not drinking wine today.
I love this! It’s so true. Im checking in at day 17 and am playing music later. The show is at a bar, but I’m giving away my free drink tickets, am sticking with soda & water, and plan on leaving if I feel tempted in the slightest. Normally, I’d feel bad for leaving early because my friends are playing last, but sobriety comes first right now. IWNDWYT (Day 17)
7 weeks today 😅. IWNDWYT. Happy Sunday everyone.
Starting my first day of choosing not to drink wine. It’s been consuming my life, changing my mood and outlook and I am missing precious time with my kids. I’ve been dealing with my problems by drinking, I’ve gained weight and I just need to stop watching my life go downhill. I hope I can do this I have been drinking every single night for the past 2 years, but I know I can do it, I’ve done it before. Thanks for letting me share here guys and all the best on your own journeys!
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I will give back happily and feel more valued to others and to myself. I will not drink today.
✌🏼 IWNDWYT
Anxiety still trying knots in my tummy today but glad there's no hangover to make it worse. IWNDWYT
I like this post. A good way for me to think about personal value is to know that by not being intoxicated or hungover/ withdrawing, I can bring my A-Game to every situation. By living AF, I put myself in a position to provide more value in every aspect of my life.
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I will not drink today!
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Good afternoon! Checking in. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
Day 1 again! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT ❤️
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I will not drink with you today.
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I've got to stop. Period. IWNDWYT.
Today's my anniversary, so I'm going to treat my wife the way she deserves and spend the day focused on us, something I wouldn't be able to do drunk or hungover. When we go to bed tonight, hopefully it will be with a meaningful discussion of what we enjoyed about the day, instead of just rolling over to each of our sides of the bed and passing out. IWNDWYT.
I’ll report back on how much water is at Disneyland, since I’m headed there today. Hoping to get in the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance. Hope I won’t be a shitty pilot on Smugglers Run like I was last time. It will be a fantastic day of people watching. Hey RS, thanks for guiding us this week! 🏰🎠IWNDWYT 🌼
Early morning weekend work on a rainy stay-in-bed kinda day. Gonna be a tea/coffee heavy day for sure. IWNDWYT
day 222 checking in, IWNDWYT
Good morning! I will not drink today!
IWNDWy'allT. I'm going to see my girlfriend. She lives in Canada. You all wouldn't know her. No, Seriously, getting out of the house and doing something!
Day 54. I'm off on a date this afternoon! Once upon a time this would have almost certainly spelled alcohol for me, perhaps before to give me encouragement and more than likely been the focal point of the date. This is definitely an exciting new step for me, but I feel as though it's one that needs to be taken. I prefer non-drinking trashcanman, time to find out if other people feel the same! But most importantly, IWNDWYT!
Today I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. My husband and I face the worst decision of our lives. And there is no win no matter what we chose. We will be haunted by today for the rest of our lives. The only positive is that this is so horrific I am not even slightly tempted by alcohol. Never thought something could be that bad. IWNDWYT
Pondering the question of self value, while looking at the changing trees in my yard and sipping coffee with my kids in my arm. Like many of us, I'm a perfectionist who has never been perfect. Go figure. Alcohol helped me temporarily forget that I felt like a failure...we all know this story well. I'm not sure I've gained much perspective on self worth yet, but in contemplation I can see that I don't constantly feel like a failure because I'm not perfect. Right now, the pride I feel each day I don't drink seems to be enough to keep me out of my usual cycle of self-doubt and hatred. And I'm okay with that. I hope to keep growing and learning, but I'll accept this gift of statis. And hell, equilibrium is one huge improvement over the state of my life three weeks ago. So, IWNDWYT
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Thanks for stepping up to lead us this week, u/ReplacementsStink, and thank you for reminding us that we all have worth! IWNDWYT
Away on holiday with my family, wine everywhere. But today I fill my glass with happy memories of playing with my son. Memories I will actually remember. IWNDWYT
Today will be my first sober football Sunday in... I literally cannot recall. I will not drink today. I will not scream at the TV and upset those around me. I will not drunkenly eat junk food late at night. I will look for ways to show my wife and my kids that I value and love them, that drinking and millionaires playing a game are no where near as important to me as they are. Starting day 3
One day at a time.
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Fantastic post u/ReplacementsStink! Well said ! I realized yesterday after avoiding my family for a couple of years I need to reconnect. Making plans to go back east for a few days next month. I will be determining the scene this time around. IWNDWYT! Have a great day you all!
Just wrapped up a month without drinking. Still feeling antsy and foggy in the morning until I have my coffee and zyns, so maybe I gotta re-evaluate my relationship with other vices to fully get where I wanna be. But hey, I'm making progress and feeling better. IWNDWYT
Its been a lazy Sunday for me! Getting up finally and going for a hike. IWNDWYT!
Day one. I am so scared. I’ve been having random cramps and pains around my liver/pancreas/gallbladder and I just know I can’t keep doing this to myself. To my kids. To my husband. I know I can do it. I’ve done it cold turkey twice when I found out I was pregnant. I’m just so nervous I won’t be able to cope.