The fantasy of drinking…oh it will help me relax or make this issue go away or make me more social etc…versus the reality of drinking…being a drunken mess, fighting with whomever, wallowing in our issues, and so much more…
Once I was able to separate the 'this time it will be different ’ from the reality of knowing EXACTLY what a mess alcohol made me…once I got that, it helped me stay on track. There is nothing new or pleasant awaiting you if you drink.
Thank you so much! I feel pretty proud of myself for this 1 week 
and glad to know that I’m not alone with those thoughts. You’re dialogue is exactly what my mind is doing today. Just have to play the tape to the end lol
Hmmm I like that. That’s exactly what I need to understand and get. I need to seperate the fantasy from the reality. It’s like I know what’s going to happen if I use but in the past I would never listen to it. I try to play the tape to the end but sometimes that urge overpowered me. I need to slow down I think and learn to say no to my unhealthy using thoughts.
Slowing down is good. I keep a list on my phone of what drinking really is about
…it helps to read it thru when I start thinking about the fantasy. Maybe it will help you a bit to do the same? Can’t hurt!
Some of my list…
No hangovers ever!!
Treating husband with respect and no drunk fighting
Self respect gets a major boost
No more internal conflict about drinking and if/how can I cut down or stop
Not getting sexually assaulted while passed out or drunk
Restful restorative uninterrupted sleep!!!
Major pride in myself and all that I have and can accomplish
A sense of peace and calm every day
No more embarrassment and shame because of my behavior
No more drunken side swipes on my car or driving into ditches or trees
Forgiving myself for past mistakes and terrible judgement
No wondering what I did or how I hurt husband or others while drunk
No treating people I love, including myself, poorly while drunk
No drunk driving and possibly hurting self or others or jail
No upset stomach from drinking
No anxiety and near constant agitation when hungover
No dark suicidal thoughts
No shame around neighbors if I was loud and yelling or loud music
No blackouts ever
No overwhelming shame at my behavior
No oversharing with strangers while drunk or making plans I will need to cancel
Not having to check my phone in the middle of the night to delete social media posts - no drunk texting/emails/posts/calls
Not be bloated and puffy and look haggard
Clear skin and eyes
Major pride in myself and a boost in self esteem
No hangovers ever again
No more excuses or lies
Peace of mind
My god lol that’s my story to a T. The last long while before I quit I’d spend most of the money I had and then I’d be eating food from the dollarstore until next payday… then do it all over again. Ugh 
I dont miss that
Thank you SO much for your post! I think I will give that a try. You have a great list there of good reminders of why not to drink. I will spend time today and make a list for myself too 
Thank you so much!
Checking in, Day 600
more than welcome @GVLNative great to catch up. A day off - what do you plan? Much needed rest I hope. You are going strong 
Day 45
All-day doing one Job application and CV, reading it out loud applying changes over and over, but I am super happy with it, and that I stuck at it. 46 days ago I would have submitted crap regardless as would not have had the energy or headspace to work on it.
Woke up ridiculously early so did my alcohol affirmation video. Accidentally discovered the Wim Hof breathing technique for 4 rounds on YouTube, WOW it’s pretty amazing, felt so clear-headed and focused afterwards - powerful. Had to watch the tutorial first for technique. Has anyone else tried it? Going to try and fit this in daily do recommend.
@Hazy congrats on 1 month, hope the IBS calms down for you.
@Amanda.0617 wow 270 days thats inspiring especially when you say how good things are
@Bomdhil 16 days ! good news on diminished cravings
@Girlinterrupted good luck with PTSD therapy and hope you get a better night sleep
@C_8 I love those GIFS so funny
@Desire2ChangeToday - now that’s good double vision
@Clarity well done on hitting 60 and what a perfect mug
@Butterflymoonwoman 1 week congratulations get the money worries, all I think is I will be more broke if I drink.
@BobIsGone that fighting talk gets around
Hope I have not missed any milestones. Have a great Thursday all 
Thankyou. .!.. totally calmed down thank goodness,realised I’ve been eating all high FODMAP foods! .celery, houmous and sultanas on my porridge…all no no’s…keeping on low FODMAP foods now,thinking the inflammation I’ve been having in my finger and thumb joints is because of intolerance to certain foods…
My first ever Gif see if it works !
Its a mircle dont know where…dont know how… but its there
Day 2 . Checking in . Trying to be strong! Hugs 
Day 60 down! So happy!!!
Day 530 - Yesterday, I had a moment where the thought that I could get fucked up had crept in my mind and laid an egg, most insidiously. The thought also popped in my mind that if I did, and came back, it would be ok, because that’s part of the recovery process, right? The body forgets the pain that I went through to get here, but the mind remembers. I didn’t act on those thoughts because I don’t want to let myself down & I don’t want to let my family down, and I know that in a day, I wont feel the same. Anyhow - still sober.
Best wishes to you friend. Success and strength and trust in the doctors to do what’s needed to have you mended…
Day 5 check in, and i couldnt have gotten this far without god i pray a couple times a day for him to wash my negative thoughts and to thank him for another day and if it wasnt for my sponsor who knows but today im doing great my mind is my own and thats a great feeling music has been helping me alot. I gotta handle some court stuff this month but after that im back to work. Thanks for this place its good here and safe ive been reading the comments i missed a meeting tiday but coming on here gives me salvation you guys are all oart of my recovery seeing years and hearing your stories is really motivating and i appreciate you guys and all the love