Not a ramble at all James…I asked anyway didn’t I? These seem like really good resources and really good places to start. I know the Nigel Jones book, and I’ll look the others up definitely. There is a journal function on Sober Time isn’t there? I sort of half heartedly did it last time I sobered up, so I’ll be sure to make a more concerted effort this time around.
I’m based in the leafy hills outside of Manchester, England. I’m sure there’ll be meetings around here but I’m not convinced I’m ever likely to go to one if I am absolutely honest. Maybe I’ll change my mind in time.
Also, stopping going to the pub is a big one for me. I go 3/4 times a week and tell myself it’s purely for the social aspect. That element of talking about our days together, and unloading what’s been going on has undoubtedly been therapy for me over the past few years. Last time I sobered up I just stopped the booze aspect of it, but still went the pub, albeit less often. I think I’ll have to stop completely with that too for now. I had no issue telling everyone in there I’d stopped drinking.
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Hi from Scotland weather not bad here im a keen gardener grow everything from seed good for the old mental health , yea try to get to a meeting will make things easier wish you well
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Glad you are setting it out there and looking for new ways to make it stick. I will add my positive experience with quit lit to the others as well. Allen Carr’s book and Annie Grace’s, This Naked Mind were both really helpful for me. So were Caroline Knapp’s, Drinking A Love Story and Nancy Carr’s, Last Call. Reading was healing for me. As was gardening, nothing like losing yourself in digging in the dirt. 
Also as others have said, keeping the focus on the day at hand really helps me stay grounded and stay right here, right now. I know I can be sober right this minute, and that helps keep my mind from spinning out.
You might also look for some meetings, they help a lot of people immensely.
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Hey Jimmy that’s exactly me. I just can’t get a running start with my sobriety . Again I’m starting over but with a morning post- pledging to stay clean just for today . God bless, my friend. We are not alone in this battle.
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Spring is a beautiful time to start a new sober life, as everything else around is showing new buds and flowers. This type of change is wonderful.
I used the spring rebirth and plenty of outside support to get me going right and keep me on track in early sobriety.
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That’s really cool Ray! I’ve sewn a few things today, but the gardening today was mostly the unglamorous stuff that just NEEDS doing. Jetwashing patios, repainting raised bed etc etc. but yes I try to grown as much from seed and bulb as is possible. Where in Scotland are you? I’m driving up to Alloa and Dumfries tomorrow!
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My advice? Keep yourself busy and make a plan like @Tragicfarinelli already has mentioned.
I did so myself and still use it, you find mine her:2 years sober and what helped me to get there: Sober for more then 5 years now. I still come here a lot it keeps me accountable and focussed.
There is a very active daily check in tread, feel free to join! Checking in daily to maintain focus #64 If you have any questions feel free to ask!
And welcome here ofcourse!! 
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I’d wish you luck, but the truth is, it’s no matter of luck at all. The power to become sober and to thrive is in your possession already, all it takes is a willing heart and an open mind, and I know you got that. Let’s do this!
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Good Luck! I was sober for almost a year but fell into the same patterns. I am now starting over at 5 days. I also put myself into Intensive Outpatient Therapy and am starting AA meetings. One day at a time!
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How is your sobriety going this week?
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Im in South Lanarkshire in Netherburn its out in the sticks near Hamilton , was born in Rutherglen near Glasgow
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How are u getting on Jimmy? 
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Thanks so much for asking. I’m actually kinda glad that I’ve been too busy this week…driven around 2500+ miles for my job this week so barely stopped whatsoever. But I’m keeping on! X
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Beautiful!!! I am VERY jealous. What a gorgeous part of the planet x
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Thanks very very much for asking. It’s going okay so far. Lots of temptations, but luckily I’ve had so much work on this week I’ve barely stopped!!
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Jimmy that’s great stay busy!! I found having some chocolate candy on me like M&Ms or a Snickers/Milky Wat bar helped me deal with urges. The sugar sweet in the candy fooled my brain and toned down the urge.
I was also told to be aware of H A L T - hungry angry lonely tired, and to correct any deficiencies I could identify. Keeping with sober and non using people was another big positive.
Keep on truckin !!
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Back again 
Withdrawal is hitting hard today. Smashing headache. Superb muscular aches. Actually limping about like an old man, so the fitness kick will have to wait until I’ve gone through this phase I guess.
Doing my best to rest when I can, and eat healthily. Also, trying not to think too long term, but instead trying to just get through each hour.
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Congratulations on your 10+days! You deserve to feel amazing sober!
It’s great to post on this app. It really does help with the accountability. AA is the best and most wonderful program I’ve ever done. The support and comfort I get from those too who suffer but made the decision to change that suffering is unmatched! Keep up the good work. There’s a small handful of people who quit once and that’s it but for most of us it takes more. I’m proud of you for stepping up and making the best decision you’ll ever make in your life!
Enjoy the sunshine and garden! That is a great way to shift perspective and focus on something good and positive and fulfilling during your days being and becoming sober.
Much love
🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
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Welcome back. Those withdrawls are the worst but luckily you know what to do, and you know it will pass. Take good care of yourself today and find something good to distract you. You can this.
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Thanks so much.
Today’s distraction comes in the form of music. I just drove to my studio which means going past two of my local pubs. Was unusual not to pull in and have 4 pints.
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