Right on, Marc! Well done on your 17 days! What I might suggest for your party is to include in your plan a way to take breaks, an escape plan so to speak. If you are feeling overwhelmed, have and have a safe, quiet space in your home, make that your sanctuary and use it. If you need to take a walk for some fresh air or just step out, do it. Feign a headache or just say “I’ll be right back” or simple slip away in the bustle of it if it’s a large gathering. You have to choice to do anything in your power to keep yourself safe and to not drink.
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Thanks for this… I will add it to the plan. It’s a really good suggestion
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I do 
I’m in my jammies and the pizza is almost done.
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And I’ll just add that we have old friends we haven’t seen in quite a few years coming to visit this weekend and they will be drinking at times with my husband. It brings back memories of our times together, always a glass or bottle in hand. They’re decent, mature folks and have left their party ways behind long ago so I am not concerned about any reactions from them but I am aware of some romanticizing drinking. Reminiscing about the past. It will be great to see them on new terms as we are all at different places in our lives. But it’s important for me to be self aware, recognize my thoughts and feelings and understand where they’re coming from but keep my self strong on my current path. Self awareness is so potentially powerful and it sounds like you’re well on your way. 
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Day 15 and thriving
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Day 10 and another good day, no craving today, sunny here so was on my balcony reading with my cat, eating healthier as well and journalling, occured to me on a walk in the countryside today that ive never really enjoyes the act of drinking, and found guilty (maybe because i grew up in a house of alcoholism?) Therefore associated alcohol with chaos, anyways sure helps to not also… also occured i drink as im shy and have terrible social anxiety, again i can work on that with my psychiatrist, glad ill be seeing him friday with a new med (and life!) Plan … hope all you lovelies are well 
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@Girlinterrupted congratulations 
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I called them and they told me to make a new email and retake the assessment
I did it just this morning and passed
I’m not in yet
But I’m trying
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Day 13
Stay strong everyone
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4y 11m 15d
I’m really hurting/missing my Dad.
He was here visiting for 3 weeks and left a week ago. I’ve woken up teary-eyed the past few mornings when I get up and remember he’s gone back home.
I called him yesterday morning to tell him I miss him and I’ll probably call again later today. Just hurts right now.
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@Scorpn so sweet of you to say that to the workers (I know you made their day and lightened the negativity being spewed at them). Happier that you took your own advice. Hey love you are doing a fantastic job and you will kick the smoking habit in time too – don’t give up hope
@jjcarson92 welcome back to the TS Site – doing great on your sobriety journey. What an awesome commitment (5 mile daily walk) – I love it. Congrats on your CDL license and good luck with the school bus driver gig (more power to you – all them kids 
)
@Bomdhil glad to have you on this thread Thomas !
@james83 congrats on 12 days my friend – Great to plan ahead when you have to be in a “drinking” environment. Maybe call the place ahead of time and ask for their non alcoholic offerings. If you find na drinks to be triggering then do stick to lime and soda or ginger beer or virgin cocktails (which are mainly fancy juice). Good plan to duck out early if need be.
@Venga030 Welcome to the forum Marco. Way to go on 3 days of sobriety – this is an amazing community to help you. Also, possibly try meetings and doing activities that will keep you focused on things other than urges. You don’t have to worry about your English – It is perfect and we can understand you completely. We are here for you and hope to see you around
@Becsta AAhhh – I do know that limbo sleep – I’m know I don’t feel fully rested but do feel that my body did get some recovery time. Keep at it – proper sleep will come. Have you tried melatonin, magnesium before bed, warm bath, lavender oil on your pillow or as a diffuser, a mindful body scan with deep breathing— some or all of these have helped in .
@RosaCanDo Thank you so much for sharing that story – Really needed to hear that today. I do hope your insomnia gets better.
@Rockstar24777 So thrilled for you getting some sleep!!! OMG that is so awesome. Lets hope the antidepressant meds start doing their thing soon too.
@Nowenbrace Congrats on 100 days my friend (now 101) – you are doing fantastic – keep up the amazing work.
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@Catmama23 It is super hard and you are doing it! I just realized that I haven’t had my eyelids twitching for a minute now – I know at 4 months I was still experiencing it. Funny how when you start healing you almost miss the positives – Hang onto your sobriety – the excruciating work will pay off 10 fold. Becoming sober is NEVER going to be the wrong decision. You are strong my friend.
@Marc3 It’s good that you are thinking ahead and trying to attack whatever questions/ feelings may arise from the weekend get together. You have shown incredible strength so far and I know you will be able to handle this as well. Have your own pitchers of mocktails ready (who knows everyone may just want what you are drinking). I know many have posted on threads here for handling social gatherings (may want to read around)…best of luck my friend.
@Noshame –WOOT WOOT! I am so excited to read this. Sorry it’s been such an ordeal but hey first step is done – you passed. My fingers and toes are still crossed for you my friend – hoping for some great news
@TMAC I’m sorry - I do know how you feel and even though I am 45 I still need to have a “decent” conversation with my mom daily (hell - I work with her and still can’t get enough). You should try to get daily calls (possibly face time) - it will be great for the both of you and maybe even your doggie?
Checking in quickly – didn’t realize the time and I need to go pick up my brother… I’m still sober – a bit out of sorts today but figuring that out and giving my mind a break so to speak (maybe i’ve put too much of a load on it)… Have a fantastic afternoon my friends - stay strong
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24 days,
Feeling great. Made a decisions to go back to school. Ive realized no matter how often i change jobs to get away from bad influence the feild im currently in is just prone to drinking. So im gonna get out and do something that helps people
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Hiya thank you, hope your journey is going good as well … and having a good day.
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Thank you, hope your haveing a great day
That really hit me deep, thank you very much for your kind words @mx_elle
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Thank you Mno hope your having a cracking day
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement! Diet Coke for me and off to the gym after an hour and half to get those endorphins I’m missing. Turning down free champagne has never felt so good
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LOL –
Such an empowering feeling!!! Enjoy the endorphins when they kick in 
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Checking in sober
I had my freaking first outdoor pool swim of the new season today! It was 14,5 degree air and tonight it will be around 3 degree in Germany. Anyway - I also had the cold shower afterwards (cold is for free, warm costs extra, so I am doing a “Kneipp” treatment everytime after swimming at this location). I bought a seasonal card, so I can even swim 2 times a day if I want to. No limits.
Feeling refreshed and strong 
Love temperate flashs to feel my body.
Super busy with a special project at work. It’s fun, I love exciting and successful work.
Due to the toxic environment, I asked my boss today concretely to fire me, but they definitely won’t! This would give me some time to recover from this situation and find new ways. Anyway…
Will finish this project in 2 weeks, followed by some holiday for 2,5 weeks. So let’s go on applying. Had a very open communication with some coworker who knows me well since a few years and he gave me some helpful feedback of how my work and personalty is effecting from his pov. 
I wrote it down to not forget it.
Much love 
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