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Essentially Flyertalk / Re: ReCATery (aka Sober Cats,800BETSOFF Cats,Like Chocoholics but for BoozeCats,etc)
« on: Today at 09:30:34 PM »every time you post about your journey, I learn something new.It's been over a month since drinking booze of any kind and to be honest it is pretty awesome. Changed up my diet as well and have dropped almost 30 lbs already. Not saying I'm never going to have a drink again, but at this point I don't see why I would. It is amazing to me how much more clear my head is on a daily basis not having to clear the fog from the night before.I haven’t had a drink in 9 years, and I still don’t claim to have quit drinking “forever,” instead I am just not drinking today. I get that it sounds corny or even disingenuous, but that’s really how I try to approach it.
I’m pretty out-of-the-closet about not drinking, and I label myself a recovering alcoholic. Everyone at work knows, and I even tell my clients if I am at a dinner and they ask me if I want a drink. Society today is much more accepting of good mental health practices, thankfully. For me, being “out” about it actually makes it way easier to not drink because no one ever asks me to drink anymore or ever attempts to put any pressure on me….and my friends/family would not be cool with me drinking. I also do not spend anytime at drinking events unless I have good reason to be there (hear a band, support a friend for their celebration, watch a game.”)…no “hanging out” while others around me get loaded.
The not-drinking is great for my health, but I had (and still have) a lot of work to do to live my life in a way where I don’t feel the need to drink…be more even keel, accept what I can’t change, make amends quickly whenever I am at fault, etc. For 20+ years (age 18 - 40) I was a functioning alcoholic and didn’t mature emotionally like a non-drinker…I skipped leg day on my emotions for 20 years. It takes me time to learn those life lessons and practice new behaviors.
great stuff from everyone in this thread.
