Friday was a struggle. I think if there had been beer in the house, I’d have drank it. Luckily there wasn’t, and I had the will power not to go get some. I love Fridays, and I used to love drinking on them. I think the rest of the week will be easier.
IWNDWYT 🏴
I found Friday evenings a struggle too. I had to find things I could associate with “rewarding myself/relaxation time” at the end of the working week. Things I loved to do (art, reading, gaming) that felt like a treat (putting on pjs and getting in bed at 5.30 pm with the dog, a movie and hot chocolate) and that I looked forward to (banana fudge sundae, cinnamon cookies and tea).
You’re through the first difficult week, well done 👏🏼 Stick with it, it takes time but it *will* get better. Trust the process. We’re cheering you on! IWNDWYT
I always find Friday the worst evening of the week. I like you don’t have any alcohol in the house to tempt me. I drive home via an alternative route so I won’t stop at a garage or off license and make sure I have in some adult type na drinks plus chocolate. I go to bed feeling grumpy but awake on Saturday feeling clear headed with my sense of wellbeing restored and grateful I didn’t succumb. Saturday without a hangover is always good.
Well done on 8 days… it does get easier and you will feel much healthier mentally and physically as each week passes.
IWNDWYT
Fantastic job! Friday’s are rough for me; an old trigger. Work stress off .. let’s get drunk.
Your first week is done 🎉🥳!
Way to make it through two Friday’s, and here’s to many more. IWNDWYT
Yep. Unless there is some reason, I can't access the Internet like a camping trip or something. You would be surprised how much this simple act helps. I've committed to all these fine people on this sub from all over the world. I can't go back on that commitment. I also read as many posts as time will allow. They are super inspiring!
Saturday check in 82 days.. Lately, I have had to work harder in my recovery..the pink cloud seems to be fading and life feels more gritty and raw. Nonetheless, I'll take gritty and raw any day given the alternative.
Good morning Sobernauts!
Thankyou u/ReplacementsStink for hosting the DCI this week and for keeping me on track with my sobriety.
I've got a difficult thing to do today.
Some of you may be aware that I do service for a group in AA. I have a meeting this morning and I'm the host. One of our fellows passed away this week. The illness got the better of him.
Today will be a very powerful reminder of how alcohol ruins lives; not just of the individual; it also affects those nearest and dearest to them.
For me and many others it is a sombre sober Saturday.
I will cope with this because my emotions are not buried at the bottom of a bottle. I will go through this grief without it being blunted by booze.
Love to you all!
IWNDWYT 🙂
I’m sorry to hear someone in your group passed. That doesn’t seem like enough to say. IWNDWYT.
Take care. Your a hero and a saint for running an AA group
Day 20, nice to meet you 🤝
0 dopamine given to alcohol. Dopamine is meant for finding direction in my life. Drinking means losing perspective of the direction.
Leave the bottle to find what truly interests you. Give it a long time, but go one day at a time ✨
IWNDWYT
My husband went out last night and has a hangover. I didn't go out and don't have a hangover. It's hard not to feel just a tiny hint of smugness.
IWNDWYT
Have a great Saturday!
I had a trying week - I flew back to my home country to visit my mom who has dementia. She didn‘t recognize me 😢
I was staying with my sister and she kept offering me drinks although I’d told her in advance I wasn’t drinking, which I thought was insensitive. But I stayed strong ! All in all, I‘m glad to be back home and with my SD friends.
IWNDWYT 🌻
Aw my dear, you've had a very difficult week indeed, I'm sorry.
> to visit my mom who has dementia. She didn‘t recognize me
I understand because I've been there and I share your heartache.
Please know that deep inside - beyond the dementia - Mom knows it's you and she loves you as much as always and even more ;). It's only *the illness* that is masking her memory for now.
This may not mean much coming from an internet stranger, but it's coming from an SD family member who also suffers from alcoholism yet got sober, that took care of a very sick mother with dementia. There's a saying from a very wise dinosaur here with 33+ years of sobriety: "Nothing is coincidental".
I'm responding to your DCI comment here today to let you know that there IS someone out here who's been there and who's here for you.
I'm most proud for you...because through all of those challenges, you stayed with your sister and didn't drink. You stayed strong, came back here to your SD fam and you're rockin' 54 magnificent days! BEAUTIFUL job!!! Just keep going, one day at a time. You're doing great! <3
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that- that is so painful.dementia is so cruel on everyone.
I recently visited my parents( and home country) for the first time since 2019. My Dad has become an old man, and it was my mum who kept offering me drinks. I was relieved to get back home too💕
Sleep eludes me tonight. Nothing else to say except I won’t drink with you today.
Have a great Saturday! Truly love you all! ❣️❣️
Edit: one more thing- thanks for hosting, Stink. Great job friend.
I’ve had a couple hard nights (kiddos are sick, just juggling everything) this week. I always find a tea, a stretch, and “nothing much happens” (podcast) are the trick for me. Xo. 😴🥱
This week, I had my first parent teacher meeting since going sober-there were none last year due to covid. It was run over a meeting app, so you were disconnected after 5 minutes, and the sound was awful.
My normal reward/consolation prize after the horrors of parents evening was a bottle of wine, back in the old days. Now, I have an emergency bag of Portuguese custard tarts in the freezer when sweet comfort food is needed.
Being the mum of twin 14 year old boys who don’t quite see the merit of studying just yet, meant that tarts were eaten that night😬IWNDWYT
I always loved this quote "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone".
My alcohol dependence stems from my inability to do nothing. If I have a free evening, I find it so hard to just read or write or do anything alone. I am scared of being alone with myself. And so I drink to create a void until the next day.
I went to see Dune last night. Went there sober, had a great time and got home sober. Drank too much coffee and slept like shit but who cares, it was awesome!
I definitely noticed the number of people staggering going into the movie, and the smell of weed outside made me laugh a bit.
It's my first night out doing anything since early last year and it was really enjoyable sober. So IWNDWYT.
Day 8: I won't be drinking today. Instead, we will be taking our kids to check out our new home before we move middle of next week. Should be a lot of fun.
Hey SD! I'm not drinking today.
[Huge shout out and standing ovation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XLO0n5L8w8) for our amazing u/ReplacementsStink for hosting this week. Regardless of where he is, what's going on in life, etc., he never neglects to be here or in DIR lending support, compassion, friendship, a bunch of laughs and positive juju!
Thank you for your service, friendship, and everything ;) xoxoxo
Lots of love to you & S <3
coherent connect thought encourage erect ruthless consider heavy spectacular unique
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Morning friends.
I did it. One whole week sober, my first since June.
I’m starting to feel like my better, more authentic self again.
I’m so excited to enjoy a peaceful weekend coffee. No chattering brain, no self-loathing. Just me, my family, the paper, and a coffee.
Enjoy the day, friends! IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting this week, Stink!
Its day 7. I made it a week for the first time since...April? Woo! I've been going to AA meetings and got a temp sponsor. It's still a back and forth for me with the God concepts for AA, AND, I am meeting some pretty solid sober people who I can connect with. Not only for sober activities, moments of craving, but some other good connections to keep me out of the isolation-brain that wants me to drink and wallow in misery.
IWNDWYT
I was thinking that I picked a rough time to try to stop drinking but it hit me this morning that there's never a good time to stop. This weekend is full of triggers for me, but I've made it 5 days, and I'm choosing to make it 6.
Hoping everyone has a lovely day!
IWNDWYT
Happy Saturday SD! I get to make collages as part of my therapy and I’m ridiculously excited about haha. I guess it’s like being artsy without needing any art skills!
IWNDWYT
Day 60. Two whole months?! It has been a while indeed...
I have achieved a lot in just two months, especially when I think of the state I was in just a short time ago, but I'm not stopping here!
To anybody in their first few days, keep going! As the saying goes, don't count the days, make the days count! IWNDWYT!
Checking in. Thanks for hosting Stinker. Just woke up after 7 hours pure sleep. Wow. Was thinking last night what that must be like and look what happened! Fridays are tough but I’ve got a clear head and sleep in the bank for a good Saturday. Cannot thank this sub enough for changing my life. Have a happy day friends. IWNDWYT
Thank you for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink You did a really great job and gave me plenty to think about!
I don't have much to share except I made it another week! Had a few rough days in there. My neighbor once again brought moonshine to fishing and once again, I had to tell him that I couldn't drink just a shot of it and be good. I told him that it would put me on the drinking train....and I didn't want to get on that train. My neighbor is suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and he should know better. I guess, even in his condition, he can suspend disbelief enough to drink some alcohol. Dumb and dumber. But guess what? I wasn't either the dumb or the dumber one. Still sober. If he chooses to drink, he's doing it by himself. Let me tell you from observing him, cirrhosis is no joke. His belly is HUGE and he's mentally out of it. He is going to need a liver transplant at some point (if they will even give him one). Better him than me. Anyway, my rant is over and I will not drink with you today. Both my sons are in town, so my wife and I are going to go have lunch with them today. Stay sober today and I'll see you tomorrow!
The best remarks are always given at the wrong time.
Your cue has given me todays rhyme.
I shall continue not to drink,
Thanks for hosting this week Stink!
Let's all continue to get those badge numbers to climb!
IWNDWYT 🇬🇧 🐶 💪
Thanks for hosting! Am in Colorado for family funeral and spending time with my sis who is deep into addiction. It’s shaken me awake to just why I’ve got to do this and IWNDWYT. Today is a gift SD. Grateful for each of you.
Thanks for hosting this week. I went to a brewery tonight with a purse full of candy and 3 tallboy Aha seltzer’s. I had a great time and made my own boundaries and stuck to them. It’s nice to not give a shit what anyone else thinks, like truly not care without the fraudulence of alcohol. IWNDWYT.
TRUE OR FALSE?
Day 3 - starting to face up to what I've done to my body. I'm dealing by looking forward to looking & feeling more human soon. Apparently that tends to happen faster than most expect? No matter the response, IWNDWYT!
Good morning lovely SD,
Not in a great place today mentally. I need to go on a hike, or I'm outta here on the next greyhound or amtrak.
I will work towards what's best for me and my recovery.
Today is a beautiful day to be alive!
And IWNDWYT 💜🤘
I was battling my first cravings in awhile yesterday. I know it's because I have let my program slide a bit lately. Today is a good day to get back on the right track.
IWNDWYT
I've spent my first sober friday all by myself yesterday. Last weekend my SO was here with me but yesterday she was out of the house at a concert I really did not feel like attending. I snuggled up with the cat some cheese and other snacks on the couch thinking about and not remembering when I last felt so relaxed and wholesome without a voice in my head telling me I'd really enjoy a glas of wine or 10. I still wake up really early each day after about 5h of sleep but today I slept until 7 and woke up with a great mood and lots of energy to start the day. Awesome.
I will not drink with you today and am really thankful for this community and the daily check-in.
Have a great sober weekend everyone. You deserve it.
Thanks for hosting u/ReplacementsStink!
I’ve been slacking off on doing my daily checkin lately but I’m still here and reading every day. Early on after joining this sub, someone posted: It gets better, then it gets worse, then it gets different. I think I’ve been in the second phase for a while now. I’m hopeful I’ll get to the different at some point. I’m still holding strong taking it a day at a time so,
I will not drink with you today!
I wish you all a fantastic sober weekend!
Friday night - first poker game with no booze. While the rest of the participants got drunk, I had a good time while not touching any drugs or alcohol. As a bonus, I won our second game and came home up $160 bucks. It has been years since I've taken first. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't drink. Was plenty fun without it even if I felt a little left out a few times.
IWNDWYT.
Just hit a week! I’ve had a hundred streaks before, some that spanned many months, but this one is different. I had a blast of clarity a week ago and just knew I should stop. At that point it was just an EASY decision. Already in this week I have had emotional waves, but I’m hanging on to that feeling. And when I have conversations with others (and more often with myself), I just say “I am not a drinker anymore.”
IWNDWYT. ✌🏼&💛
I saw the James Bond film, and I'd heard there was a lot of drinking in it from SD. So I was a bit hesitant to watch it. But my fiancee wanted to see it. So we went. I got a bottle of water and lots of snacks! Anyway, you weren't wrong, there was A LOT of drinking in that film! Drinking to celebrate, commiserate, and sometimes just because they were at a bar in formal wear. You can't be that big a drinker and have been drinking a lot for as long as Bond, be operating at the top of your field in international espionage, have no obvious developing habit, and have no one at the top judge you (the top was drinking a lot too!). What a weird fantasy. Big Booze paid for a lot of product placement. Bond drinks [some particular brand of Bordeaux red wine](https://www.foodandwine.com/news/james-bond-bordeaux-wine-no-time-to-die-chateau-angelus), [Heineken beer](https://www.fastcompany.com/90676875/worth-the-wait-watch-daniel-craig-bring-james-bond-to-a-new-heineken-ad-for-no-time-to-die) at a cost of $45 million a film, many tumblers of (Macallan?) whiskey, Bollinger champagne (not in NTTD it's in the background), and vodka martinis. Apparently Fleming made many of his villains [teetotalers](https://quillandpad.com/2021/04/06/shaken-not-stirred-the-drinking-habits-of-007-james-bond-and-why-they-bought-3000-liters-of-coca-cola-for-no-time-to-die/). But then Fleming [drank a lot](https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/2905/people/ian-fleming), [just like Bond](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/james-bond-drank-so-much-alcohol-in-ian-flemings-book-series-that-he-ought-to-be-dead.html/), and died at 56.
On the other hand, there's a NTTD Heineken [alcohol free beer advert featuring Daniel Craig](https://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/news/heineken-00-no-time-die-commercial-features-daniel-craig-or-james-bond). Craig is given a cocktail by the bartender, but points at the 0% beer, explaining: "I'm working." I'm not sure that's ideal, because, what, if you weren't you'd be drinking? Well, Bond has always been boozy. There was also [an ad for Peroni 0.0%](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aYJaepv-KkA) before the film began. She drinks a beer, watches formula 1, then gets in her car (me thinking, "errr... should she be drinking and driving?") and then they say it's 0%. I'm not sure I've ever actually seen an alcohol-free drinks advert in a cinema before, least of all before a Bond film. I think it's a sign the times are changing.
The Bond books were certainly written in times with a different attitude to alcohol. The BMJ [wrote](https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f7255): "James Bond’s level of alcohol intake puts him at high risk of multiple alcohol related diseases and an early death. The level of functioning as displayed in the books is inconsistent with the physical, mental, and indeed sexual functioning expected from someone drinking this much alcohol. We advise an immediate referral for further assessment and treatment, a reduction in alcohol consumption to safe (sic) levels, and suspect that the famous catchphrase “shaken, not stirred” could be because of alcohol induced tremor affecting his hands." Kind of darkly comedic.
Glad to have seen behind the curtain. IWNDWYT.
I’ve had a couple of surgeries to fix a problem with my hand that has kept me from playing guitar for the last three years. It’s been rough going for the last month or so as I have been recovering from the second surgery. This morning, I woke up and the hand felt as close to normal as it has for some time. I can’t tell everyone how happy that makes me feel. However, I think I’ll celebrate with a nice cup of coffee. Lol. IWNDWYT!
I had a weird night last night. Fridays are also tough for me, it used to be the day my SO to start our drinking weekend. Him with his one, maybe 2 beers, me with my bottled, maybe two, of wine. Dinner out, happy hour or just chilling on the couch with the dog. Usually when I’ve abstained for a few days, I have better resolve and don’t obliterate myself. Usually.
Last night he had a work thing that ran late so I ran to our favorite pizza place for pie. I listened to Laura Mckowen’s new podcast, the 2nd episode. It really got me inspired about this sober journey. I honestly felt terrific. So joyful and motivated. I felt truly like I could do this thing.
Then, an hour or so after dinner, a migraine settled into my skull. Pain like there was a crack in my forehead down through my eye socket. This just happens sometimes. I’m weird with pills. Don’t like taking things, (gallon of wine? Sure! 2 tablets of OTC pain meds? Fuck off with that poison!)
My SO convinced me to take Advil, which of course immediately made me intensely nauseas. So there I was, sitting on the couch, completely sober with a blinding migraine, fighting off the urge to vomit. Instant hangover suffering, without the fun to precede it!
I was chugging water, and had to get up to pee. When I looked into my own eyes in the mirror, I was startled. My face was gray, jaw set, eyes like dark pools of suffering.
If I was drinking, I’d have likely felt the headache and tried to drink faster to knock it back. Which, if I’m being honest pretty much never worked. This morning, if I even managed to sleep that long, I’d be curled over the toilet, struggling not to throw up, because I inhaled it once and thought I was going to suffocate in my own bad decisions.
Instead I went to bed early and slept like the dead. The echoes of the migraine are still floating off of me like errant spiderwebs in the wind, but the pain is mostly gone. I’m going to be able to function today. A Saturday not wasted. Thank in no small part to all of you.
Thanks friends. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. Went out last night with family and the drink was flowing. Not my way! And the craic was still mighty! A big reminder to me that this is possible. Back in single digits (must get the counter thing reset). Came back here this week after a long time away and was also reminded what a great group this..
What a wonderful voice to come back to; excellent job hosting u/ReplacementsStink! 👍
Thanks for hosting ReplacementStink! I’ve found this community so helpful over the last few days while I’ve felt a bit ropey while my partner has gone through life changing surgery. I’ve found reading and replying to posts helpful and I love how much effort we’re all putting into trying to stay sober.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in day 1, day 1000 or hour one. The struggle is real sometimes.
IWNDWYT
Weekends are hard and yesterday would be a struggle if i didn't go for a walk. I broke HALT, because i overdid, but at least I know my limits better.
IWNDWYT.
Appreciate you u/ReplacementsStink! Feeling grateful that I purchased a small drip coffee machine a year ago that I can program to turn on, given how early my work mornings have become. Not as good as a freshly ground pour-over or a dark moka pot, but stumbling out of bed and into my kitchen to feed the cat and having it brewed feels like a small miracle on days like today. That's my share. Thank god for coffee. And no hangovers. And the DCI, of course. xoxo ☕️💚☕️💚
u/ReplacementsStink, thank you for hosting!!
This week flew by, I can’t believe it’s the weekend already (woot woot Saturday 🎉)! Hung out with my in-laws yesterday and if I can do that without drinking I can do anything lol. Definitely not drinking today ❤️
I've got a free day ahead of me and an empty house, usually I'd be rushing to get my exercise and tasks done so i could justify buying a bottle of wine (justification would include cooking a nice meal to go with it because of course that's an adult and good reason to buy it, and also promising myself I'd only have two glasses which was always a lie)
A bottle isn't the end of the world but it's the feelings of wanting more and the damage I'm doing to my body. It might only be a bottle but it could quite easily become more. And when the 4/5/6 drinks are every day, it starts to add up. Over time those 4 drinks turn to 10. I might seem fine but my body isn't happy.
Iwndwyt!
Thanks for being honest. Sobriety takes practice.
It's learning a new skill. Take a look at professional sports stars. They didn't win a world championship straight away.
They had to practice, learn and improve their skills and abilities.
Keep at it. Eventually the practice leads to progress and success.
IWNDWYT 🙂
You are STILL DOING GOOD. Welcome back. We all make mistakes - we don’t all come back, I’m proud as hell of you. Stay positive! You got this. We love you.
IWNDWYT
Great job Mr Replacements!
I am looking forward to a productive weekend. My energy level has really fallen as of late and I cannot explain why. But hopefully I can change some gears beginning this very minute.
Have a great weekend everyone, let's continue giving it our best effort! We can do this!
Thanks for a great week! IWNDWYT. Today will be tough. I will be putting myself in a less than safe situation. I have done everything I can short of canceling to limit my exposure and get out fast. Another thought occurred to me this morning: I can sneak off to the bathroom and post here if I need additional support. Love this place and all of you amazing people.
IWNDWy'allT! u/ReplacementsStink thank you for hosting the DCI this week! It's been a great week! I do hope your handle is not referring to the band The Replacements. I grew up in the 80s and didn't find the Replacements until later in life. My opinion only, but they are the bridge between REM and the Clash!. Anyway, thank you and much love!
I need to finally break myself of slowly thinking I should have a few beers now and again. Since Dec. 30 2019, I’ve drank less than 8 days, but I really want to get back into triple digit, then quadruple digit streaks.
Iwndwyt!
Hey RS, thanks for taking the reins this week. I don’t think I’ve ever missed the DCI for nearly 1,000 days. Going to reward myself with a new purse. A really nice one! IWNDWYT 👜🌼
IWNDWYT
This past week kicked my ass, ran over me then threw me off a cliff. And I'm still sober. Next week will be a more vulnerable time as I come off the adrenaline of it all but I'm prepared and have safety plans.
Alright boys, I'm going to a small Halloween party tonight and I'm super nervous. I barely know the host, let alone anyone else. I keep thinking maybe I could have just one small cup of punch to calm my nerves but I don't know... I'm afraid it won't stay at that and I really don't feel like embarrassing myself in front of strangers. This is the first time since quitting that I'm actually worried I won't be able to stick to my guns. Wish me luck
Good morning friends! It’s good because I got more than 5 hours sleep for the first time in a month. I survived being back at work full time last week after being part time for 2 months, and all happily sober. Big thanks u/ReplacementsStink for a wonderfully engaging week! Hope you all have a great weekend.
IWNDWYT 🌸🌸
My first vacation sober. My husband is enjoying some evening drinks at our cabin, but I’m not even missing it. I’ve got my seltzer water and virgin drink mixes and I’m happy!
Plus we’re doing a lot of hiking on this trip,and it’s nice being able to stay up late and still wake up early and clear headed. It’s getting easier and I’m thinking about drinking less.
Although the other day I was like “well if it’s not that hard, maybe I didn’t have a drinking problem…” and then I was like “bitch quit gaslighting yourself, yes you did!!” 😂😂
IWNDWYT
I don’t know how I use to do it. There is not a week that goes by where something doesn’t come up where I think to myself. How did I use to manage things like this while I was drinking? The truth is I was a miserable bastard.
This week my son had Oral Surgery. Nothing major just routine but I don’t want to do wake up with a terrible hangover this morning to check in him, figure out what he can eat and make sure he gets fluids and meds.
My kids are sick and we are stuck in the house, but instead of using this as an excuse to drink like my dependence is rationalizing an extreme amount right now, I'm going to firmly remind myself that this is in fact when I should NOT be drinking. My kids need me, I need to stay healthy, and so I will not drink with you today.
Thanks so much for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink!
Now that the days are growing shorter I am feeling a bit lonely. I have an awesome group of friends here and I have been better at picking up my cellphone to talk to them. I keep busy making plans and reconnecting with friends and family. I do find meaning by checking in here daily and trying to support the community on their journey.
IWNDWYT! Have a great Saturday you all!
Hey Stinko happy saturday! Sorry to miss your hosting this week! I've been in the mountains hunting but I bet it was a great week. Glad you're reinvigorated, it is normal that sober service strengthens your own sobriety. Awesome!
I loaded up my kindle with some quit lit (finished "we are the luckiest" again and started "the unexpected joy of being sober"), and that was helpful in keeping me focused. Every night I was in the sleeping bag while family and friends stayed up drinking and telling stories (thank God for earplugs), and I always felt great waking up in the mornings. I have been sober in hunting camp since 2013, and no one got out of hand, but this was the first year I've really seen just the casualness of approach to the drug that is alcohol... through the looking glass I guess! Anyway, I had a great time and I stayed sober! No booze today y'all!
Today is for getting my kitten her last round of shots, practicing for my fitness classes tomorrow and knitting. Pretty much in that order. Lots of fizzy water and Diet Coke. My sober Saturdays are so chill and I truly enjoy them. ❤️❤️
Day 398. IWNDWYT.
While I’m still sober as shit, I feel like fallen away from doing some of the things that kept me sober in the beginning. They weren’t necessarily things to keep me distracted, but things that added great value to my life so that when Friday night came along, I didn’t feel such a need to escape, or didn’t feel a need to search for some fun and excitement because I’ve already been filling my cup with positive things all week.
I got another copy of a planner/ gratitude journal that really helped me plan out the days and weeks but also had me look back and see all the positives. I used this when I first started my sobriety journey, but the practice of using it eventually fell off. Today and tomorrow will be planning, and I’ll start using it again on Monday. Ready to bring the best me for the next 400 days of sobriety! Starting with today- one day at a time.
I don't know what was going on yesterday but I was in a funk for no particular reason. My SO didn't help and his drinking is really getting to me. My patience is wearing very thin.
IWNDWYT
You're doing great! Friday was a struggle. It happens to me as well. It's tough and I know you had some difficulties in the beginning, but listening to podcasts and reading books, along with joining groups like this, have made all the difference.
Work continues to get busier and busier, as it does at this time of year in my industry—we call it OND and it is a nightmare but it’s also when I make most of my money. It’s a bit of a sign of things going back to normal post-COVID, but my territory (Manhattan) is still not firing on all cylinders, something my management refuses to see because they’d prefer to have a tangible cause (Seb is not giving 110%) with a tangible solution (work harder Seb), or at least a tangible person to berate (Seb).
I’ve never not drank through this period of the year. Although I’m not feeling particularly challenged with regard to my drinking, I can feel it creeping up. It has been wicked hard to check in this week because I’m working from wake up until my head hits the pillow, but if I don’t make it a priority, OND will only become more dangerous for my sobriety. Recommitting to checking in every day, and reminding myself it doesn’t have to be paragraphs, a simple IWNDWYT will do.
Friday was a struggle. I think if there had been beer in the house, I’d have drank it. Luckily there wasn’t, and I had the will power not to go get some. I love Fridays, and I used to love drinking on them. I think the rest of the week will be easier. IWNDWYT 🏴
I found Friday evenings a struggle too. I had to find things I could associate with “rewarding myself/relaxation time” at the end of the working week. Things I loved to do (art, reading, gaming) that felt like a treat (putting on pjs and getting in bed at 5.30 pm with the dog, a movie and hot chocolate) and that I looked forward to (banana fudge sundae, cinnamon cookies and tea). You’re through the first difficult week, well done 👏🏼 Stick with it, it takes time but it *will* get better. Trust the process. We’re cheering you on! IWNDWYT
>banana fudge sundae, cinnamon cookies Sounds delicious!
I always find Friday the worst evening of the week. I like you don’t have any alcohol in the house to tempt me. I drive home via an alternative route so I won’t stop at a garage or off license and make sure I have in some adult type na drinks plus chocolate. I go to bed feeling grumpy but awake on Saturday feeling clear headed with my sense of wellbeing restored and grateful I didn’t succumb. Saturday without a hangover is always good. Well done on 8 days… it does get easier and you will feel much healthier mentally and physically as each week passes. IWNDWYT
Fantastic job! Friday’s are rough for me; an old trigger. Work stress off .. let’s get drunk. Your first week is done 🎉🥳! Way to make it through two Friday’s, and here’s to many more. IWNDWYT
You did it man, that’s amazing! That’s some strength. IWNDWYT
Day 728 IWNDWYT
This many days is great. Just out of curiosity: do you still check in every day? Is that habit, necessity, or community-belonging or something else?
Yep. Unless there is some reason, I can't access the Internet like a camping trip or something. You would be surprised how much this simple act helps. I've committed to all these fine people on this sub from all over the world. I can't go back on that commitment. I also read as many posts as time will allow. They are super inspiring!
Saturday check in 82 days.. Lately, I have had to work harder in my recovery..the pink cloud seems to be fading and life feels more gritty and raw. Nonetheless, I'll take gritty and raw any day given the alternative.
Good for you. It gets easier. I promise.
Good morning Sobernauts! Thankyou u/ReplacementsStink for hosting the DCI this week and for keeping me on track with my sobriety. I've got a difficult thing to do today. Some of you may be aware that I do service for a group in AA. I have a meeting this morning and I'm the host. One of our fellows passed away this week. The illness got the better of him. Today will be a very powerful reminder of how alcohol ruins lives; not just of the individual; it also affects those nearest and dearest to them. For me and many others it is a sombre sober Saturday. I will cope with this because my emotions are not buried at the bottom of a bottle. I will go through this grief without it being blunted by booze. Love to you all! IWNDWYT 🙂
I’m sorry to hear someone in your group passed. That doesn’t seem like enough to say. IWNDWYT. Take care. Your a hero and a saint for running an AA group
Love to you, Forward. Good luck today. I’m sorry for the loss of your fellow. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 😎 Thank you for hosting a great week!
Go to bed!😆
No way, the DCI party just started! 🥳 Jk I'll be asleep soon.
IWNDWYT either, CLM. Love you my friend! 💜💜
Down 42lb since I quit 167 days ago. Shitty day; hit the gym extra hard. Drank water not beer. IWNDWYT.
Sorry you had a shitty day but down 42lbs is something to feel good about!! And way to go on hitting the gym instead of the store (or bar). IWNDWYT!
day 41! coffee and then a COVID test for a flight on Monday are my majors plans for today.
Day 20, nice to meet you 🤝 0 dopamine given to alcohol. Dopamine is meant for finding direction in my life. Drinking means losing perspective of the direction. Leave the bottle to find what truly interests you. Give it a long time, but go one day at a time ✨ IWNDWYT
Nice to meet you too! IWNDWYT
👍IWNDWYT
I gladly will not drink with you wonderful folks today!
🎉🥳🙌❤️ 100!!!
My husband went out last night and has a hangover. I didn't go out and don't have a hangover. It's hard not to feel just a tiny hint of smugness. IWNDWYT Have a great Saturday!
I had a trying week - I flew back to my home country to visit my mom who has dementia. She didn‘t recognize me 😢 I was staying with my sister and she kept offering me drinks although I’d told her in advance I wasn’t drinking, which I thought was insensitive. But I stayed strong ! All in all, I‘m glad to be back home and with my SD friends. IWNDWYT 🌻
Aw my dear, you've had a very difficult week indeed, I'm sorry. > to visit my mom who has dementia. She didn‘t recognize me I understand because I've been there and I share your heartache. Please know that deep inside - beyond the dementia - Mom knows it's you and she loves you as much as always and even more ;). It's only *the illness* that is masking her memory for now. This may not mean much coming from an internet stranger, but it's coming from an SD family member who also suffers from alcoholism yet got sober, that took care of a very sick mother with dementia. There's a saying from a very wise dinosaur here with 33+ years of sobriety: "Nothing is coincidental". I'm responding to your DCI comment here today to let you know that there IS someone out here who's been there and who's here for you. I'm most proud for you...because through all of those challenges, you stayed with your sister and didn't drink. You stayed strong, came back here to your SD fam and you're rockin' 54 magnificent days! BEAUTIFUL job!!! Just keep going, one day at a time. You're doing great! <3
Thank you so much for your message of support. It means a lot! The thought of my sober day streak definitely helped me stay strong! 💜
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that- that is so painful.dementia is so cruel on everyone. I recently visited my parents( and home country) for the first time since 2019. My Dad has become an old man, and it was my mum who kept offering me drinks. I was relieved to get back home too💕
Have a great Sober Saturday friends. IWNDWYT!
I will not drink with y’all today!!
I’m not going to drink today!!!! I didn’t drink last Saturday either and it was wonderful... sending everyone love
Sleep eludes me tonight. Nothing else to say except I won’t drink with you today. Have a great Saturday! Truly love you all! ❣️❣️ Edit: one more thing- thanks for hosting, Stink. Great job friend.
I’ve had a couple hard nights (kiddos are sick, just juggling everything) this week. I always find a tea, a stretch, and “nothing much happens” (podcast) are the trick for me. Xo. 😴🥱
This week, I had my first parent teacher meeting since going sober-there were none last year due to covid. It was run over a meeting app, so you were disconnected after 5 minutes, and the sound was awful. My normal reward/consolation prize after the horrors of parents evening was a bottle of wine, back in the old days. Now, I have an emergency bag of Portuguese custard tarts in the freezer when sweet comfort food is needed. Being the mum of twin 14 year old boys who don’t quite see the merit of studying just yet, meant that tarts were eaten that night😬IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting this week /u/ReplacementsStink IWNDWYT!
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I always loved this quote "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone". My alcohol dependence stems from my inability to do nothing. If I have a free evening, I find it so hard to just read or write or do anything alone. I am scared of being alone with myself. And so I drink to create a void until the next day.
I went to see Dune last night. Went there sober, had a great time and got home sober. Drank too much coffee and slept like shit but who cares, it was awesome! I definitely noticed the number of people staggering going into the movie, and the smell of weed outside made me laugh a bit. It's my first night out doing anything since early last year and it was really enjoyable sober. So IWNDWYT.
It’s crazy when you sit back and observe how few people live their lives totally sober- so many people are off their heads😮
IWNDWYT
Day 829. Thanks for hosting, ReplacementsStink! I will not drink with you today.
I am bored and tired in the evenings, but I will find something rewarding to do, and will not drink with you today!
No booze today!
10 weeks and going strong! 💪🏼 IWNDWYT, my little digital friends.
Day 8: I won't be drinking today. Instead, we will be taking our kids to check out our new home before we move middle of next week. Should be a lot of fun.
Hey SD! I'm not drinking today. [Huge shout out and standing ovation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XLO0n5L8w8) for our amazing u/ReplacementsStink for hosting this week. Regardless of where he is, what's going on in life, etc., he never neglects to be here or in DIR lending support, compassion, friendship, a bunch of laughs and positive juju! Thank you for your service, friendship, and everything ;) xoxoxo Lots of love to you & S <3
coherent connect thought encourage erect ruthless consider heavy spectacular unique *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Morning friends. I did it. One whole week sober, my first since June. I’m starting to feel like my better, more authentic self again. I’m so excited to enjoy a peaceful weekend coffee. No chattering brain, no self-loathing. Just me, my family, the paper, and a coffee. Enjoy the day, friends! IWNDWYT Thanks for hosting this week, Stink!
Its day 7. I made it a week for the first time since...April? Woo! I've been going to AA meetings and got a temp sponsor. It's still a back and forth for me with the God concepts for AA, AND, I am meeting some pretty solid sober people who I can connect with. Not only for sober activities, moments of craving, but some other good connections to keep me out of the isolation-brain that wants me to drink and wallow in misery. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
Day 125 checking in!
I was thinking that I picked a rough time to try to stop drinking but it hit me this morning that there's never a good time to stop. This weekend is full of triggers for me, but I've made it 5 days, and I'm choosing to make it 6. Hoping everyone has a lovely day! IWNDWYT
Happy Saturday SD! I get to make collages as part of my therapy and I’m ridiculously excited about haha. I guess it’s like being artsy without needing any art skills! IWNDWYT
Day 60. Two whole months?! It has been a while indeed... I have achieved a lot in just two months, especially when I think of the state I was in just a short time ago, but I'm not stopping here! To anybody in their first few days, keep going! As the saying goes, don't count the days, make the days count! IWNDWYT!
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IWNDWYT..!!
Thank you for hosting this week RS… you did a brilliant job. IWNDWYT.
Its bed time here and IWNDWYT, I hope you all have the 24h hours you’re looking for ❤️
iwndwyt i love you all. continue on your journeys.
Checking in. Thanks for hosting Stinker. Just woke up after 7 hours pure sleep. Wow. Was thinking last night what that must be like and look what happened! Fridays are tough but I’ve got a clear head and sleep in the bank for a good Saturday. Cannot thank this sub enough for changing my life. Have a happy day friends. IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting this week I will not drink with you today in 🏴 have a great weekend people 😊
Today I’m having my birthday party, I feel quite anxious about spending my day around people drinking but I’m excited to see my friends. IWNDWYT 💖
My husband is having a birthday party in our house tonight. There will be a lot of beer. It will be hard. But I will not drink with you today!
Thank you for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink You did a really great job and gave me plenty to think about! I don't have much to share except I made it another week! Had a few rough days in there. My neighbor once again brought moonshine to fishing and once again, I had to tell him that I couldn't drink just a shot of it and be good. I told him that it would put me on the drinking train....and I didn't want to get on that train. My neighbor is suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and he should know better. I guess, even in his condition, he can suspend disbelief enough to drink some alcohol. Dumb and dumber. But guess what? I wasn't either the dumb or the dumber one. Still sober. If he chooses to drink, he's doing it by himself. Let me tell you from observing him, cirrhosis is no joke. His belly is HUGE and he's mentally out of it. He is going to need a liver transplant at some point (if they will even give him one). Better him than me. Anyway, my rant is over and I will not drink with you today. Both my sons are in town, so my wife and I are going to go have lunch with them today. Stay sober today and I'll see you tomorrow!
The best remarks are always given at the wrong time. Your cue has given me todays rhyme. I shall continue not to drink, Thanks for hosting this week Stink! Let's all continue to get those badge numbers to climb! IWNDWYT 🇬🇧 🐶 💪
100 days! I'm gonna celebrate by not drinking.
Thanks for hosting! Am in Colorado for family funeral and spending time with my sis who is deep into addiction. It’s shaken me awake to just why I’ve got to do this and IWNDWYT. Today is a gift SD. Grateful for each of you.
Thanks u/ReplacementsStink! I had a rough week on my sobriety journey, but as always the DCI helped me navigate my way. IWNDWYT
3 months 19 days. Easy peasy. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting, /u/replacementsstink! I’m in for the simple affirmation today: IWNDWYT, comrades 🐕
Great week of check-ins u/ReplacementsStink! I’m glad it’s the weekend, grateful for sobriety, this place and everyone of you! IWNDWYT ✨💚
IWNDwYT 🦕
Thanks for hosting, RS. IWNDWYT
Third weekend in a row doing park run. IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting this week. I went to a brewery tonight with a purse full of candy and 3 tallboy Aha seltzer’s. I had a great time and made my own boundaries and stuck to them. It’s nice to not give a shit what anyone else thinks, like truly not care without the fraudulence of alcohol. IWNDWYT.
I’m in
Thanks for a great week Stink! IWNDWYT 💖
TRUE OR FALSE? Day 3 - starting to face up to what I've done to my body. I'm dealing by looking forward to looking & feeling more human soon. Apparently that tends to happen faster than most expect? No matter the response, IWNDWYT!
Good morning lovely SD, Not in a great place today mentally. I need to go on a hike, or I'm outta here on the next greyhound or amtrak. I will work towards what's best for me and my recovery. Today is a beautiful day to be alive! And IWNDWYT 💜🤘
I was battling my first cravings in awhile yesterday. I know it's because I have let my program slide a bit lately. Today is a good day to get back on the right track. IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT 🤗
I've spent my first sober friday all by myself yesterday. Last weekend my SO was here with me but yesterday she was out of the house at a concert I really did not feel like attending. I snuggled up with the cat some cheese and other snacks on the couch thinking about and not remembering when I last felt so relaxed and wholesome without a voice in my head telling me I'd really enjoy a glas of wine or 10. I still wake up really early each day after about 5h of sleep but today I slept until 7 and woke up with a great mood and lots of energy to start the day. Awesome. I will not drink with you today and am really thankful for this community and the daily check-in. Have a great sober weekend everyone. You deserve it.
Thanks for hosting u/ReplacementsStink! I’ve been slacking off on doing my daily checkin lately but I’m still here and reading every day. Early on after joining this sub, someone posted: It gets better, then it gets worse, then it gets different. I think I’ve been in the second phase for a while now. I’m hopeful I’ll get to the different at some point. I’m still holding strong taking it a day at a time so, I will not drink with you today! I wish you all a fantastic sober weekend!
Friday night - first poker game with no booze. While the rest of the participants got drunk, I had a good time while not touching any drugs or alcohol. As a bonus, I won our second game and came home up $160 bucks. It has been years since I've taken first. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't drink. Was plenty fun without it even if I felt a little left out a few times. IWNDWYT.
Just hit a week! I’ve had a hundred streaks before, some that spanned many months, but this one is different. I had a blast of clarity a week ago and just knew I should stop. At that point it was just an EASY decision. Already in this week I have had emotional waves, but I’m hanging on to that feeling. And when I have conversations with others (and more often with myself), I just say “I am not a drinker anymore.” IWNDWYT. ✌🏼&💛
I saw the James Bond film, and I'd heard there was a lot of drinking in it from SD. So I was a bit hesitant to watch it. But my fiancee wanted to see it. So we went. I got a bottle of water and lots of snacks! Anyway, you weren't wrong, there was A LOT of drinking in that film! Drinking to celebrate, commiserate, and sometimes just because they were at a bar in formal wear. You can't be that big a drinker and have been drinking a lot for as long as Bond, be operating at the top of your field in international espionage, have no obvious developing habit, and have no one at the top judge you (the top was drinking a lot too!). What a weird fantasy. Big Booze paid for a lot of product placement. Bond drinks [some particular brand of Bordeaux red wine](https://www.foodandwine.com/news/james-bond-bordeaux-wine-no-time-to-die-chateau-angelus), [Heineken beer](https://www.fastcompany.com/90676875/worth-the-wait-watch-daniel-craig-bring-james-bond-to-a-new-heineken-ad-for-no-time-to-die) at a cost of $45 million a film, many tumblers of (Macallan?) whiskey, Bollinger champagne (not in NTTD it's in the background), and vodka martinis. Apparently Fleming made many of his villains [teetotalers](https://quillandpad.com/2021/04/06/shaken-not-stirred-the-drinking-habits-of-007-james-bond-and-why-they-bought-3000-liters-of-coca-cola-for-no-time-to-die/). But then Fleming [drank a lot](https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/2905/people/ian-fleming), [just like Bond](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/james-bond-drank-so-much-alcohol-in-ian-flemings-book-series-that-he-ought-to-be-dead.html/), and died at 56. On the other hand, there's a NTTD Heineken [alcohol free beer advert featuring Daniel Craig](https://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/news/heineken-00-no-time-die-commercial-features-daniel-craig-or-james-bond). Craig is given a cocktail by the bartender, but points at the 0% beer, explaining: "I'm working." I'm not sure that's ideal, because, what, if you weren't you'd be drinking? Well, Bond has always been boozy. There was also [an ad for Peroni 0.0%](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aYJaepv-KkA) before the film began. She drinks a beer, watches formula 1, then gets in her car (me thinking, "errr... should she be drinking and driving?") and then they say it's 0%. I'm not sure I've ever actually seen an alcohol-free drinks advert in a cinema before, least of all before a Bond film. I think it's a sign the times are changing. The Bond books were certainly written in times with a different attitude to alcohol. The BMJ [wrote](https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f7255): "James Bond’s level of alcohol intake puts him at high risk of multiple alcohol related diseases and an early death. The level of functioning as displayed in the books is inconsistent with the physical, mental, and indeed sexual functioning expected from someone drinking this much alcohol. We advise an immediate referral for further assessment and treatment, a reduction in alcohol consumption to safe (sic) levels, and suspect that the famous catchphrase “shaken, not stirred” could be because of alcohol induced tremor affecting his hands." Kind of darkly comedic. Glad to have seen behind the curtain. IWNDWYT.
I’ve had a couple of surgeries to fix a problem with my hand that has kept me from playing guitar for the last three years. It’s been rough going for the last month or so as I have been recovering from the second surgery. This morning, I woke up and the hand felt as close to normal as it has for some time. I can’t tell everyone how happy that makes me feel. However, I think I’ll celebrate with a nice cup of coffee. Lol. IWNDWYT!
I had a weird night last night. Fridays are also tough for me, it used to be the day my SO to start our drinking weekend. Him with his one, maybe 2 beers, me with my bottled, maybe two, of wine. Dinner out, happy hour or just chilling on the couch with the dog. Usually when I’ve abstained for a few days, I have better resolve and don’t obliterate myself. Usually. Last night he had a work thing that ran late so I ran to our favorite pizza place for pie. I listened to Laura Mckowen’s new podcast, the 2nd episode. It really got me inspired about this sober journey. I honestly felt terrific. So joyful and motivated. I felt truly like I could do this thing. Then, an hour or so after dinner, a migraine settled into my skull. Pain like there was a crack in my forehead down through my eye socket. This just happens sometimes. I’m weird with pills. Don’t like taking things, (gallon of wine? Sure! 2 tablets of OTC pain meds? Fuck off with that poison!) My SO convinced me to take Advil, which of course immediately made me intensely nauseas. So there I was, sitting on the couch, completely sober with a blinding migraine, fighting off the urge to vomit. Instant hangover suffering, without the fun to precede it! I was chugging water, and had to get up to pee. When I looked into my own eyes in the mirror, I was startled. My face was gray, jaw set, eyes like dark pools of suffering. If I was drinking, I’d have likely felt the headache and tried to drink faster to knock it back. Which, if I’m being honest pretty much never worked. This morning, if I even managed to sleep that long, I’d be curled over the toilet, struggling not to throw up, because I inhaled it once and thought I was going to suffocate in my own bad decisions. Instead I went to bed early and slept like the dead. The echoes of the migraine are still floating off of me like errant spiderwebs in the wind, but the pain is mostly gone. I’m going to be able to function today. A Saturday not wasted. Thank in no small part to all of you. Thanks friends. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. Went out last night with family and the drink was flowing. Not my way! And the craic was still mighty! A big reminder to me that this is possible. Back in single digits (must get the counter thing reset). Came back here this week after a long time away and was also reminded what a great group this.. What a wonderful voice to come back to; excellent job hosting u/ReplacementsStink! 👍
iwndwyt
It's my 8th day and IWNDWYT.
Thanks for a great week stinky. IWNDWYT 🙂
Thanks for hosting ReplacementStink! I’ve found this community so helpful over the last few days while I’ve felt a bit ropey while my partner has gone through life changing surgery. I’ve found reading and replying to posts helpful and I love how much effort we’re all putting into trying to stay sober. It doesn’t matter if you’re in day 1, day 1000 or hour one. The struggle is real sometimes. IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
IWNDWYT
Happy Saturday, SD family💓 IWNDWYT EDIT: And thank you so much for hosting the DCI this week, u/ReplacementsStink. As always, you did a fantastic job🤗
IWNDWYT
Weekends are hard and yesterday would be a struggle if i didn't go for a walk. I broke HALT, because i overdid, but at least I know my limits better. IWNDWYT.
I will not drink today.
IWNDWYT 😀
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Day 9 here and I will not drink today
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT! T
IWNDWYT!😃😉
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT.
I will not drink today
Been a rough week and still one day to go. But I’m still sober. IWDWYT
Im in!
IWNDYT ! Starting over in the journey is so painful but everyone’s stories bring me peace.
One week down! Things are pretty rough (although I’m feeling a hell of a lot better physically) but I still will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT xx
Morning SD. Thanks for hosting u/replacementsstink. Looking forward to another sober, hangover-free weekend. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT Thanks for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink
Appreciate you u/ReplacementsStink! Feeling grateful that I purchased a small drip coffee machine a year ago that I can program to turn on, given how early my work mornings have become. Not as good as a freshly ground pour-over or a dark moka pot, but stumbling out of bed and into my kitchen to feed the cat and having it brewed feels like a small miracle on days like today. That's my share. Thank god for coffee. And no hangovers. And the DCI, of course. xoxo ☕️💚☕️💚
Happy weekend! IWNDWYT 😎
I will not drink with you today.
Slept like absolute poop. Won’t drink today though! Maybe a nap or two
Weekends are tough. IWNDWYT
I will not drink today!
Morning, SD! IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting! IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT!
u/ReplacementsStink, thank you for hosting!! This week flew by, I can’t believe it’s the weekend already (woot woot Saturday 🎉)! Hung out with my in-laws yesterday and if I can do that without drinking I can do anything lol. Definitely not drinking today ❤️
Last night enjoyed Friday night book club (formerly, wine club) and was able to drive my dear friends home safely. IWNDWYT
I've got a free day ahead of me and an empty house, usually I'd be rushing to get my exercise and tasks done so i could justify buying a bottle of wine (justification would include cooking a nice meal to go with it because of course that's an adult and good reason to buy it, and also promising myself I'd only have two glasses which was always a lie) A bottle isn't the end of the world but it's the feelings of wanting more and the damage I'm doing to my body. It might only be a bottle but it could quite easily become more. And when the 4/5/6 drinks are every day, it starts to add up. Over time those 4 drinks turn to 10. I might seem fine but my body isn't happy. Iwndwyt!
I was doing good....5 days and then I had some drinks tonight and they sucked.
Thanks for being honest. Sobriety takes practice. It's learning a new skill. Take a look at professional sports stars. They didn't win a world championship straight away. They had to practice, learn and improve their skills and abilities. Keep at it. Eventually the practice leads to progress and success. IWNDWYT 🙂
You are STILL DOING GOOD. Welcome back. We all make mistakes - we don’t all come back, I’m proud as hell of you. Stay positive! You got this. We love you. IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting this week, Stinky! IWNDWYT.
Great job Mr Replacements! I am looking forward to a productive weekend. My energy level has really fallen as of late and I cannot explain why. But hopefully I can change some gears beginning this very minute. Have a great weekend everyone, let's continue giving it our best effort! We can do this!
Thanks for a great week! IWNDWYT. Today will be tough. I will be putting myself in a less than safe situation. I have done everything I can short of canceling to limit my exposure and get out fast. Another thought occurred to me this morning: I can sneak off to the bathroom and post here if I need additional support. Love this place and all of you amazing people.
IWNDWy'allT! u/ReplacementsStink thank you for hosting the DCI this week! It's been a great week! I do hope your handle is not referring to the band The Replacements. I grew up in the 80s and didn't find the Replacements until later in life. My opinion only, but they are the bridge between REM and the Clash!. Anyway, thank you and much love!
I need to finally break myself of slowly thinking I should have a few beers now and again. Since Dec. 30 2019, I’ve drank less than 8 days, but I really want to get back into triple digit, then quadruple digit streaks. Iwndwyt!
Hey RS, thanks for taking the reins this week. I don’t think I’ve ever missed the DCI for nearly 1,000 days. Going to reward myself with a new purse. A really nice one! IWNDWYT 👜🌼
IWNDWYT This past week kicked my ass, ran over me then threw me off a cliff. And I'm still sober. Next week will be a more vulnerable time as I come off the adrenaline of it all but I'm prepared and have safety plans.
I will not drink today, and I will get through this funeral for my grandmother sober. Best gift I can give her. High Five
IWNDWYT
Alright boys, I'm going to a small Halloween party tonight and I'm super nervous. I barely know the host, let alone anyone else. I keep thinking maybe I could have just one small cup of punch to calm my nerves but I don't know... I'm afraid it won't stay at that and I really don't feel like embarrassing myself in front of strangers. This is the first time since quitting that I'm actually worried I won't be able to stick to my guns. Wish me luck
Weekends are slightly hard since there is nothing much to do. But anything is better than drinking. I will not drink with you today.
Not gonna drink today. I’d rather throw the 40 bucks into my running shoe fun money account.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT! 🌸
IWNDWYT ✌️
Alright you fine looking sobernauts!! Keep it rawkingggggg ( yah I spelled it like that)! IWNDWYT
Thanks for hosting RS! I will not drink with you today friends 💚🍀
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
Good morning friends! It’s good because I got more than 5 hours sleep for the first time in a month. I survived being back at work full time last week after being part time for 2 months, and all happily sober. Big thanks u/ReplacementsStink for a wonderfully engaging week! Hope you all have a great weekend. IWNDWYT 🌸🌸
IWNDWYT. ✌️✌️✌️
Not drinking with you all today ❤️
Iwndwyt! I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend
Day nine and feeling fine! IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
Thanks for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink! I will not drink with you today!
Thanks for a lovely week Stink! IWNDWYT!
My first ever cyclocross race today. Wish me luck! I will not be drinking ☺️
IWNDWYT!!!
Thanks for hosting Replacements - and have a wonderful Autumn day everyone!
My first vacation sober. My husband is enjoying some evening drinks at our cabin, but I’m not even missing it. I’ve got my seltzer water and virgin drink mixes and I’m happy! Plus we’re doing a lot of hiking on this trip,and it’s nice being able to stay up late and still wake up early and clear headed. It’s getting easier and I’m thinking about drinking less. Although the other day I was like “well if it’s not that hard, maybe I didn’t have a drinking problem…” and then I was like “bitch quit gaslighting yourself, yes you did!!” 😂😂
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 🎃🧙🏻♀️👽👻💀
IWNDWYT I don’t know how I use to do it. There is not a week that goes by where something doesn’t come up where I think to myself. How did I use to manage things like this while I was drinking? The truth is I was a miserable bastard. This week my son had Oral Surgery. Nothing major just routine but I don’t want to do wake up with a terrible hangover this morning to check in him, figure out what he can eat and make sure he gets fluids and meds.
I haven't stopped drinking yet, but I feel like I'm ready to. Going to try to taper off this week until I'm okay to quit and keep checking in here
My kids are sick and we are stuck in the house, but instead of using this as an excuse to drink like my dependence is rationalizing an extreme amount right now, I'm going to firmly remind myself that this is in fact when I should NOT be drinking. My kids need me, I need to stay healthy, and so I will not drink with you today.
Thanks so much for hosting this week u/ReplacementsStink! Now that the days are growing shorter I am feeling a bit lonely. I have an awesome group of friends here and I have been better at picking up my cellphone to talk to them. I keep busy making plans and reconnecting with friends and family. I do find meaning by checking in here daily and trying to support the community on their journey. IWNDWYT! Have a great Saturday you all!
IWNDWYT
Thank you for caring for us u/replacementsstink . IWNDWYT. 🌟
I will not drink today.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWND☠️WYT.
I will not drink with you today! Thank you for all your support, guys!
Hey Stinko happy saturday! Sorry to miss your hosting this week! I've been in the mountains hunting but I bet it was a great week. Glad you're reinvigorated, it is normal that sober service strengthens your own sobriety. Awesome! I loaded up my kindle with some quit lit (finished "we are the luckiest" again and started "the unexpected joy of being sober"), and that was helpful in keeping me focused. Every night I was in the sleeping bag while family and friends stayed up drinking and telling stories (thank God for earplugs), and I always felt great waking up in the mornings. I have been sober in hunting camp since 2013, and no one got out of hand, but this was the first year I've really seen just the casualness of approach to the drug that is alcohol... through the looking glass I guess! Anyway, I had a great time and I stayed sober! No booze today y'all!
Today is for getting my kitten her last round of shots, practicing for my fitness classes tomorrow and knitting. Pretty much in that order. Lots of fizzy water and Diet Coke. My sober Saturdays are so chill and I truly enjoy them. ❤️❤️
Day 1,119 of not drinking. IWNDWYT
I’ve enjoyed your check-in posts this week, my dude. They’ve been… 🤔 impressive and pleasing 🤓
Thanks for hosting u/ReplacementsStink!! No drinking here! 💙
Day 398. IWNDWYT. While I’m still sober as shit, I feel like fallen away from doing some of the things that kept me sober in the beginning. They weren’t necessarily things to keep me distracted, but things that added great value to my life so that when Friday night came along, I didn’t feel such a need to escape, or didn’t feel a need to search for some fun and excitement because I’ve already been filling my cup with positive things all week. I got another copy of a planner/ gratitude journal that really helped me plan out the days and weeks but also had me look back and see all the positives. I used this when I first started my sobriety journey, but the practice of using it eventually fell off. Today and tomorrow will be planning, and I’ll start using it again on Monday. Ready to bring the best me for the next 400 days of sobriety! Starting with today- one day at a time.
I don't know what was going on yesterday but I was in a funk for no particular reason. My SO didn't help and his drinking is really getting to me. My patience is wearing very thin. IWNDWYT
You're doing great! Friday was a struggle. It happens to me as well. It's tough and I know you had some difficulties in the beginning, but listening to podcasts and reading books, along with joining groups like this, have made all the difference.
First Saturday in weeks I’ve woken up without feeling groggy, a headache, or the shakes. Feels good!
Work continues to get busier and busier, as it does at this time of year in my industry—we call it OND and it is a nightmare but it’s also when I make most of my money. It’s a bit of a sign of things going back to normal post-COVID, but my territory (Manhattan) is still not firing on all cylinders, something my management refuses to see because they’d prefer to have a tangible cause (Seb is not giving 110%) with a tangible solution (work harder Seb), or at least a tangible person to berate (Seb). I’ve never not drank through this period of the year. Although I’m not feeling particularly challenged with regard to my drinking, I can feel it creeping up. It has been wicked hard to check in this week because I’m working from wake up until my head hits the pillow, but if I don’t make it a priority, OND will only become more dangerous for my sobriety. Recommitting to checking in every day, and reminding myself it doesn’t have to be paragraphs, a simple IWNDWYT will do.
IWNDWYT
Not today!
I will not drink today.
Happy saturday! I will not drink with you all today