@Misokatsu like a fair few of the ladies have said we’ve masked using a substance to fit in, there is nothing wrong with the sober you… Time to embrace the lady that’s been pushed aside. We are shy, introvert unique people and you know what most people are your friend for that reason. Time to cut that knot and be a free, sober you! Your worth it… Your kids can see it, your partner can see that person. Well done for doing a social date thing sober and your friends wanted you there also.
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You did it @Misokatsu, you went out with friends and came home sober. That’s an awesome achievement! Give yourself a pat on the back for putting you sober self out there. I know exactly how you feel, I was the same way. I couldn’t go out with anyone if I didn’t have drinks to help me socialize. What helped me was the TS zoom meet ups. I used that to practice and knowing everyone on there were not only strangers but they didn’t have any substances to help them socialize either was a huge help. Granted I didn’t say much at the start but that changed after a couple times. What I’m trying to say is, keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and it will get easier.
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Welcome to our community @RainbowUnicorn. My name is Lisa and it’s nice to meet you. I’m so happy you found us. Checking in here daily is a great form of accountability. I look forward to getting to know you.
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So happy you stayed sober after last night. I read your post last night about going out with a large group and i thought it sounded dreadful. I hate going out in big groups. Even if it’s 6 or 8 people of close friends. I always seemed to get the seat in between people having conversations on my left and people on my right having conversations and I kind of always had to try and join in a little over here and then try and join in a little over there. And so I drank a lot because I always felt socially awkward. Still do. I wish I had started at 40 to learn not to hide behind alcohol. 40 is definitely not too late. And neither is 60 I hope.
Have a great sober hangover free weekend.
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Congratulations on getting the 7 days under your belt. Have fun with your grandson.
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A BIG congratulations Joy!! That’s amazing and so are you!! 
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Thank you so much
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Thank you @Mno, @M-be-free49, @Misokatsu, @Dazercat, @PinkyP, @marcusmaximus2000, @Desire2ChangeToday, @Mbwoman & @Lisa07 for traveling on this recovery journey with me. All it’s taken is one day at a time to get to 500 days alcohol free.
Happy Birthday to your son @Mbwoman 
Blessings and sobriety y’all!
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Thanks so much Courtney.
Blessings and sobriety!
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Thank you!!
@Sanuk welcome back, wishing you well in your recovery
@Will3 Congrats on half a year!
@FeelingBetter Congrats on a week 
@Joy woohoo congrats on 500! 
@Charlie_C Congrats on a week
@RainbowUnicorn Welcome, checking in here has done wonders for my sobriety, hope it helps you too
@Misokatsu I’m sorry you felt like that, I’m useless socially so I really feel your sadness, but you didn’t let it stop you from going, and you stayed sober, so I hope you can atleast be proud of yourself for that 
@Jenni Congrats on a week
@Mbwoman congrats on a week to you also:tada:it sounds like you know what you need to do 
71 days.
Walked late this morning. I’m finding myself waking up later all this week, could be the darkness, or SAD, or most likely both, since they go hand in hand.
I attended my hospital appointment, was very quiet to be there on a weekend, did my test and there is definitely an improvement in my bladder function will see a Urologist probably for the last time and be discharged, it’s been a long road, I’ve been under Urology since 2010, had a few stays in hospital, a handful of surgeries, and things are definitely better than they were back then.
I didn’t get out for a 2nd walk, but with the walk this morning, and the walking at the hospital, I’ve racked up 10354 steps so I’m good with that.
I’m not doing so well with my diet. Have decided to restart Monday, since I have leftovers for tomorrow. I don’t want to weigh on Monday but I probably will, but then I’m not going to weigh until Xmas morning, because it seems that knowing I’ve lost weight, can be a trigger that leads to the ‘I’ll just have one insert food of choice here’ thinking, that then escalates to having a takeaway multiple times in a week and buying junk food from the garage every day. Then being filled with regret, remorse, and self-hatred because of it. It has to stop, I’ve got 6 stones still to lose plus whatever I’ve gained this week 
I hope you’re all having good weekends. See you all tomorrow
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Day 6 is going well. Helped the neighbor after he bashed his head open (he ended up getting staples), made 2 cheesecakes, laundry is done and the pups are bathed. Pretty productive for a Saturday, when I normally would already be on at least my 3rd drink. I’m pretty proud of myself 
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Day 5
First days were not very difficult, felt very awake and light. Normally when I cook, everything feels heavy and now I feel like a ballet dancer when I move through the kitchen and cut the veggies. But last night I had my first nightmare where I was drunk and couldn’t move and see foggy. Woke up very tired, as if I had a hangover. So weird.
This afternoon I was at a cheese store where I often bought wine. Was happy I replied with ‘no, thank you’ to the question if I need anything else but cheese. And then she offered me to taste a glass of wine 
I reacted quickly that I didn’t want to drink this weekend. Was really proud of myself when I walked out the door. After that, I picked up my son who was on a playdate with my neighbors. They also offered wine too, which I friendly turned off. They made a comment and frowned their eyebrows, but I didn’t explain myself. I said apple juice is just fine, or something.
I read on this forum to give the voices that wants to seduce you to drink a name. To yell and curse at him or her when he/she is bothering you (my interpretation, not out loud of course). I practiced that on my way to the cheese store and call the voices Richard. My ex boss, a real bully to his employees. It worked! Twice! So thanks whoever gave that tip!!!
Wishing you all a lovely evening!
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I agree, Donna, I love other people’s quirks but I have always felt it hard to accept mine. @Misokatsu I’m right there with you. I’m sorry the night left you feeling sad, but I hope it won’t prevent you from trying again. Since moving to a new community I’ve really struggled with it and the few times we have socialized with my husband’s coworkers it all centered around drinking. And even when it didn’t as much, I was very focused on it to ease my social anxiety. So far I have a couple occasions under my belt of doing it sober and it will just take practice, like everything else. Give yourself a hug from us and hang in there.
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This is the first thing I see when I get home from a long day at work and it’s absolutely made my evening. You’ve inspired me from the first day I came to this app /community and you carry on doing so. I really don’t have the words 
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Checking in.
The week was hard. I’ve been able to reconnect with an inner peace yesterday night after my workout. Remembered that this is not a sprint, I don’t have to run away quickly from intrusives thoughts or cravings. I can breathe in and reflect on it or go on.
Wish you guys a cool weekend!
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Day 309
Happy sober Saturday!
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Checking in, day 16. Sober is starting to be the new ‘normal’ and it’s more than great.
I had a good day, took a great walk in the forest with the family and then went for a walk with my dog. I realized, that recently I was just doing the same things while working out without developing, so now I increased reps and moved forward to the next level - it was exhausting af but felt really good.
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Day 75: Started out rocky but getting better. We went for a drive to enjoy the sunny day and get out for a bit and it felt good to clear the mind clutter. We have rolling farmland around us and I saw lots pretty cows, horses, goats, sheep and chickens and my first bald eagle of the season. I want to get out and do some bird watching along the river and wetland areas soon. I have every opportunity to go out on solo trips, I just need to find the will and just DO it! Release my fear and get out in nature on my own. Holiday approaches next week, and I’m really enjoying planning the food and look forward to time in the kitchen. I’m so grateful my hands are cooperating and I seem to have a decent pain management and physical therapy system going, all based on my own research, and of course help and encouragement from folks here. Thanks! Sending big love to TS fam.
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