6 months. I wasn't sure on August 6th that I would make it. But today, I reached this goal I've had my eye on for a while! Yippee!! It's certainly been a journey. Not an easy one, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. And lest I have anyone think this is easy or a journey near finishing, it is NOT!
The cruising reference comes from the fact that Dennis and I went on a Disney cruise for our (early) 15th anniversary without the kids last week, and it was delightful!
I have a few apps to help me along this journey - the one above is a bit more sobering than the first one is (pun intended). To see the numbers of how many glasses of wine, how much money, how many calories, how many days/hours/minutes I've succeeded... Just wow. And it reminds me to be proud of myself.
So, at any rate it is something to celebrate! I was nervous about going on the cruise, until I realized that I couldn't pick up my 6 month chip from AA until I got back. A friend sent me a picture of her 6 month chip, which I promptly made my phone screen saver so every time I started having a craving I just looked at it. It worked well! And I picked up my 6 month chip today. And I will pick up another Tuesday night at a group I hope to make my home group. I don't think I can have too many reminders around me!
I'll tell you, I had some serious cravings on the ship. Stronger than I've had a in a while. In hindsight, I don't know that they were cravings to drink as much as it was that old muscle memory / habit. This was the first "adult" vacation I've been on that I was sober on. Cruise = drinking, right? Yup, in the past. This time, not so much. And our bill at the end was quite reasonable, lol! I talked to myself a lot those first few days. A lot of reminders of how far I've come, questioning whether a cocktail was worth having to do 6 months over (no), etc... And I managed. I found ways around and I'm slowly training myself that I have to have a new normal now.
So I made up for the drinking with enjoying lots of good food... seafood galore (see above)! And a lot more sugar than I normally consume. That is one thing I'm seeing about recovering, is that my addiction or cravings have moved from alcohol to sugar, so that is my next focus. I gained about 5 pounds from the cruise, so need to start focusing on getting that off!
At any rate, now that I'm 6 months sober (alcohol) and 4 months caffeine free (well, okay about 98% caffeine free) It is time to start figuring out the sugar aspect of things. I'm contemplating cutting out refined sugar for Lent. We will see. Small steps. That is all I can take. But I can do them carefully and successfully!
I'll leave you with a few pictures from the cruise... blessed to have an amazing husband on this journey with me, and I hope for many, many more years together of celebration!!!
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| On the Disney Magic on our deck |
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| At Rum Point, Grand Cayman |
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| I love this picture of Dennis... he is so relaxed and happy. Rum Point, Grand Cayman. |
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| Captain Jack Sparrow! |
4 comments:
Sarah, I haven't been around much on the blogs over the last year or so and only sporadically the last month for inspiration (as I am struggling with alot of regain and issues) myself. I have locked down my blog for the moment. I had no idea the struggles you have been dealing with! Good on you for finally listening and seeking the help that was needed and that you are feeling so much better for it. So many people don't believe in addiction transferance but it is very real! Keep up the great work my lovely as you strive for what you want in life. Doesn't matter what the journey is or the destinaton even, it's the path that matters. xxx
Good for you! You're looking great and more importantly, you look HAPPY! I'm glad you have figured out what you need to do to succeed even though it's a hard road. The cruise looked amazing!
Way to go! That is fantastic, and you deserve to feel very proud of yourself!
That is so wonderful!
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