Checking in… the 8th will be 60 days sober. Flew by. Cravings went away after 2-3 weeks but overall things have been okay. The problem I’m wrestling with now is that my mind is somewhat convinced since I held 60 days I can handle it - but I know that’s false, and in a way, harder / more dangerous than the initial cravings after a couple of weeks. I don’t believe I’ll relapse, and I know I can keep pushing forward, but the last week or so has been a bit tougher because of the trick my mind is playing on me. Holidays are going to be rough because alcohol was / is such a big part but I know I’ll make it though; I didn’t come this far just to come this far. Onward, upward. 
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Its common to have those thoughts. Its surprising how many people trick themselves into drinking at one year sober.
I tricked myself at 9 years 11 months. It was very hard to come back. Way harder than I thought it would be.
Don’t fall for it. Its a trap!
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Nice work 
I’m 100 days today. I’ve been here before so I’m not in uncharted territory. I find that the relapse happens long before you pick up so keep your guard up and watch for the signs.
I’ve done a couple of sober Xmas and I can honestly tell you I will never binge drink over the holidays again it’s so much better sober. The first one can be tricky the fear that your missing out while everyone is “enjoying” some well deserved downtime and celebration is something you’ll only have to deal with once as once see how much bett6things can be you’ll never want to spoil it ever again. I’ve wasted a good few holiday periods but the sober ones? So much more satisfying and memorable. Plus you get to feel all smug when ever else is rotting from overdoing things and your fresh as a daisy.
There’s usually a good support thread here over Xmas where we get together and catch up, share the positives and pat each other on the back for making the most out of a time that can be really special.
Commit here and now that you & I will meet on that thread over the holidays 
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remember what it was like when you were drinking. it’s that you won’t stop once the holidays are over. then what? go through all the struggling of getting sober again all over again?
just doesn’t seem worth it to me, that’s why i don’t pick up again. too much of a pain to kick the habit once i’ve started, so i just stay stopped.
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These are thoughts that will pop into your head from time to time . It’s your addict mind yapping and trying to drag you back in. Don’t let that little voice trick you. Remember all the other times you thought you were in control but you weren’t. It will be the same way if you go back this time as well.
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Well… made it to 60. Nagging thoughts still abound but sparing. A bit tough tonight as my niece got engaged and the occasion is certainly a booze filled one. Made my excuses as to why I had a coffee in my hand but really had no interest in staying after about two hours. House full of late twenty-somethings enjoying their time but my time is over. I had to leave. My son was there so it gave me an excuse to get him home. Sure do miss it now, but know I’m better for it. Sixty days was more do-able than I expected but it’s actually gotten harder lately. I’m still on the right path but tonight was hard. Three months ago I’d have shown up with celebratory brewery only beers and would’ve been at the center of that party. I’m away from it now, and tomorrow is a new day. Have recently started really making dents in house projects and to-do things around here to fill the void - has been fun and it’s nice finally getting through things I’d been staring at for months. Even working on some larger DIY stuff I’d never have tried to tackle or thought I could do before. Not looking forward to the coming holidays, but I’ll make it through. Just have to find ways to pivot. Problem is the family is a BIG drinking family and we get after it for hours on end. I can hang a couple hours sober but after that I don’t know yet. No other choice, but it’s going to be no small feat. Thanksgiving usually starts at 8 am before the football game, then we’re still tying it on at 9 or 10 pm. We’re professionals. Ugh. One day at a time. 
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The holidays can seem harder, but its really no different than any other time of the year.
It didn’t matter what time of the year. I drank. Day of the week? I drank. Holidays? Sure, I’ll drink. Tuesday in Aug. Let’s drink!
Be extra careful about where you hang out and who you hang out with.
Stay focused to what you gaining by not drinking. Keep up the healthy sober projects.
Sobriety is fragile, especially in the first year. We have to protect it!
Congrats on almost 60 days!
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Thanks. You’re right - when I was slugging beers 6 of every 7 days the excuse could’ve been that we had electricity or that the sky was blue. Holidays just gave me a reason to find an extra gear and drink MORE so I guess the only real difference is that there are others around me drinking - but I had no issue drinking alone for the 10 and 11 mos leading up to the holidays. I do look forward to not being a complete zombie on Christmas morning or Black Friday though.
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