Alcoholfree Living: Beating temptation.

/ NoWineImFine

Last week I faced several days of full on alcohol temptation… a work conference out of town. Since quitting drinking in January, this was the first time in a loooong time that I got mildly panicky about being in an environment I’d typically imbibe.

Work conferences have loads of free booze, trade stalls, food and people away from their families, keen for a good time. I don’t mean that in a dodgy way, I simply mean they want to drink, go out for dinner and stay out late as they can’t always do that if there are family commitments. And fair enough. ‘Come on, come for a drink!’ is the standard line and is expected at the end of each conference day.

It was my first overseas conference since quitting in January. I was surprised how this environment still triggered feelings of old drinking habits and feelings. Even the passage of time didn’t stop it (I naively thought it would).

Rather than giving in and getting plastered, my friend and I simply headed off for a walk then turned in early.

So much better being alcoholfree. Not always easy but so well worth it.

Hugs xoxo 💙🦋🌎🌴

39 thoughts on “Alcoholfree Living: Beating temptation.”

  6. I can imagine that, at the moment self, the experience might have been not so nice but you handled it wonderfully. 🙂 Great strengthening of the sober muscle and really living your blog name. That is good. I am happy for you! 🙂
    Somewhere in the beginning of this century I was in Sydney too, walked the same botanical gardens. Was surprised about the Kakatoes behaving not so much like tranquile nature but more like a rowdy street gang!! :-0
    xx, Feeling

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  7. I still get a twinge now and then and this is after almost 6 1/2 years. Sometimes it comes down to a hot day, and I see a patio open or a I see a beer truck and thing “oh! A beer would sound lovely right now!” and really and truly, it’s really only because I am thirsty. So I have water or whatnot. Also, it’s NEVER been about having a “lovely” single beer…ha ha. Anyways, glad you made it through! Success!!

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  9. Beautiful photos! In a parallel universe, I also had a twang for alcohol yesterday. I was in a restaurant at night, dimly lit, with a fun mixed drink selection of “dessert” drinks (mixed with ice cream, etc). What I realized is that I really wanted dessert, not necessarily the drink. Then I thought about all the times it was a little difficult to keep from swaying while walking out of a restaurant, and decided I was happy with just dessert. 💕

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  13. I will never be able to unsee the image of a “cat thrown into a swimming pool” lolol poor kitty! But it is a great analogy and I’m going to use it! In fact, even just imagining the taste of chlorinated pool water, served in a wine glass, might help kill any lingering temptation! Anyway, so great that you were able to ride out those triggers 😃🙌🏻

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    • Morning Anne, your trigger is so interesting – I agree, the cost would be high. I wonder if these triggers will subside with time? I was really surprised at how I initially got so overwhelmed by the situation.
      Walks are much better, the Botanical gardens in Sydney are stunning. xoxo

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