@James Good morning sober buddy I went through a bout of depression and had to refocus I started feeling like I needed to reward myself for staying sober thus far and it just killed my motivation I lost sense of the true reason I was stopping in the first place I realized I’m stopping to better myself to live my life remembering the amazing things ive done instead of being trapped in a bottle drunk doing things totally out of character . I too have to realize I got up did laundry made breakfast took a dip in the pool with my son worked in the garden went to work just as you said the small things I accomplished should be stated because had I done my old ritual I’d be getting off work sipping the last drops from the many bottles of booze that covered my car floor and waiting for the morning restaurants that serve liquor to open so that I could keep consuming more drive home risking the lives of myself and the people in my community I must say I had a few hard days this week and keeping away from this sober community really made me feel empty inside I’m very grateful you accept me as a friend and have given me another person not to let down and to dig for strength to stay sober for I’m looking forward to having the first fourth of July weekend sober I’m so happy I’ll be able to have a memory of a holiday instead of waking up from it not remembering it at all I hope all is well in your walk through the valley of sobriety I’m rooting for you 
I left my phone home by accident & went away for the weekend with my brother & nephew; I felt so lost without it! I just showered & settled in & getting back to you. I am SO HAPPY that you stayed strong & on course! So is your son, even if he cannot realize that yet. I am SO PROUD of you! God WILL reward you!! I missed you! Thank you so much for your support, I really need it. I was tempted this weekend, so much, but I refused to give in. I bought some O’Douls & lime 
& I actually enjoyed it so much. I am sorry you suffer with depression, as I mentioned already, so do I. It truly brings a huge smile to my face knowing I have you as a friend! I know that may sound off because there’s so much we don’t know about each other, but there is so much we do know about one another. We are both parents, alcoholic dependent, suffer with depression (even if the ones closest to us don’t realize it), & we both have much regret for our past actions. I completely relate with the whole putting yourself & others in danger. That scares me more than anything else; & when I think about consuming alcohol, I think about that mostly. Also, I know that if I drink, the chances of my children drinking are highly increased. In addition. life is so challenging, lack of respect for one another, driving & road rage, work & money… I can go on & on, but my point being is that with all of these stresses in life, it’s hard enough to stay calm & make good decisions while sober, which makes it is completely impossible to make sound decisions when intoxicated or buzzed. These are some of the things I reflect on when I feel tempted. I am sharing this with you because I am hoping this may help you stay strong as well. Well my sober buddy, Awesome & strong woman, I have to get some rest for work tomorrow. If we don’t talk before the 4th I wish you & your son a very happy & 4th of July! 
I love this forum!! Only joined yesterday and this is my first post. It’s one of the best feelings in the world waking up sober isn’t it. I’m only on Day 2 with no booze and Day 4 with no drugs but I feel with this forum and the support here I can really do it this time. Wishing you all good things! Have an amazing week everyone!! 
Congrats on 2 days one step and day at a time welcome to the community yes you are in a safe and supportive place we are all here for you keep up the good work.
My sober buddy I’m proud you did not hit the reset button:+1:
we will learn each other well over the years dont you worry id like to keep our friendship open and honest so we can grow stronger as a team and James I know its hard but ive gotta be honest with you drinking non alcoholic beer is no better then having a beer itself I know small steps but you have got to keep yourself away from things that tempt you into drinking personally I feel like they are a crutch and also keep your taste buds craving the sweet taste of Heineken (was my favorite lil FYI:grin:) seriously buddy I’m going to be here with you but please promise me you will stop the gateway drink let’s challenge each other to a who can make the best soft drink or tea or anything but O’Fools:angry:
its not good for you… OK sorry I had to jump down your throat about it because I truely care about your sobriety and want the best for you:kissing: The depression actually kept me from the forum I tried to just stay away if it were not for your encouragement in my mind i wouldn’t have got back on but I knew there was someone feeling just as I was and if I stayed strong id be able to encourage the next person so today and everyday I’m going to challenge myself to encourage someone by just sharing my story … Coming soon:smile:im just getting off of work but wanted to respond to you my buddy in the fight for sober life please please please dont be discouraged by me flipping out about the faux beer I really believe it can cause a reset have a wonderful fourth to you and your family:fireworks:
and thank your wife for being a rock and your backbone and sticking around with you that’s a real woman:innocent: … Im making lemon freezes for my drink over the weekend fresh lemonade sonic ice with raspberries straight from the bush 
Hey my sober buddy Janell! No worries, you can give me advice anytime! I know you’re looking out for my best interest. Thank you for that! I have been so busy with the 4th & all. I watched some awesome fireworks displays & I am happy to tell you that I did not have any alcoholic beverages inspite of my temptations & the fact that there were countless beers & liquors available. I came out as an alcoholic to family, friends & to people I just met who were offering me drinks; everyone was very supportive. I truly hope you had a wonderful 4th & you too reframed from alcohol. I am so sorry my responses have been sluggish, I just had so much going on. I have been staying busy to keep myself from temptation. I have gotten so much accomplished. I have been talking about myself, but I really want to know how you are doing! I hope you’re doing your best to overcome this addiction & depression. I wrote some things down & placed it on my counter to read daily. I hope you may like the idea & try it for yourself, unless of course you have done so yourself already. I will share some items with you:
Pray
Stay sober & resist temptation
Exercise
Eat healthy
Smile
Make someone else smile
Learn something new
Be responsible
Treat everyone with respect
…
I hope that if you don’t already have a wonderful list similar to this, that you create one which is tailored to your situation & that you read it daily & do your best to live by these standards.
I do appreciate my wife & kids very, very much. Truth is my wife drinks too much & a part of me quitting is to be a positive influence for her so that she could put the bottle down. I told her about this community, my sober buddy, you, & the fact that I have been sober for 10 days or so. She is inspired to quit & is coming on board with us in this wonderful, wholesome journey to sobriety & clean living. Okay, I will stay away from the O’Fools :). I had a chocolate shake instead & I loved it! It’s a deal my partner!
Miss talking with you! Hope you are staying strong! Hope you & your son had an amazing Independence Day!
James
Hello @Tiny1, my buddy. I hope everything is okay. Please convo me soon just to let me know everything is okay. I worry about my buddy when I haven’t heard from her. Tty soon I hope.
James
Hey James sorry I haven’t gotten back with you I have been busy i signed up to work for the holiday and its been crazy. Sooo… The fourth for me and my so hands down best holiday I’ve had and sober might I add 
i remembered everything that happened I soaked in the pool and ate like a pig lol now I’m researing gyms so that I can start working off this sober weight 
I think its absolutely great that you have inspired your wife to join the sober bus its amazing. Funny you mention the things you put on your counter I have them written on my bedroom mirror . As far as the depression goes its really the thing I’m fighting most about myself ive just come to the realization that I can only be who I am and having social anxiety disorder brings on the depression . I staying steadfast and researching doctors so that I can get a mental evaluation just so that I can learn me completely. I’m just not looking forward to the outcome . I did have an anxiety attack on the forth but it was from the fireworks I’m just not the risk taker I thought I was lol but my son he had a ball putting on a fireworks show for our neighbors. I’m so happy to hear I didn’t upset you about the o’fools 
I made white cranberry peach spritzers with fresh raspberries from my garden my family enjoyed them during dinner but when it was drinking time they quickly brushed them to the side 
it kinda crushed me but I totally understand it. I’m still not ready to find a sober group yet but I know I’m going to be forced into it soon. I did get some great news since we last talked… I was stressing about not being able to drive for two years because I refused to do a breathalyzer but I received a notice saying it’ll only be one year that my licence is revoked I’m so overjoyed I cry just thinking about it . not to change the subejec but ive gotta know is the pug in the picture your puppy? He’s just so cute I want to hold him or her . I apologize it took so long to get back with you and I’ll try better to respond more frequently my sober buddy I hope this response finds you on a good note the inspirational quote for me today I’d like to share with you it somehow gave me strength in knowing what I’m going through now will be a victory in my future " Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you. " and thank you sooo much for looking out for me it really feels good knowing I have a true partner in sobriety 