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 ππ¦ππ΄
U go girl …. Good positive habits & love of Family and friends to help you with this new journey you’re in. Are you on Facebook ??? Would love to friend you .
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Yes … We have special gifts the lord gives to us ….
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β€οΈ
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Keep up the progress .. Your strong …
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Thank you, we are stronger together πππΈπ·
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I can totally understand how challenging that must have been. I would definitely still find that really hard. Well done you, it’s awesome you still made the right choices for you π x
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Good morning, thanks so much! You’re right it was almost one of those arrrrggggghhhh out loud moments! How are things with you? I’ve really enjoyed our journey together this year π
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Hey me too, I’m glad we’re all taking this path together. I’m good thanks, off work and getting house/life admin done which is surprisingly satisfying. Enjoy the rest of your week xx
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Nice work! Enjoy. Talk soon, take care xoxo
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Well done for resisting the temptation! π
It reminded me of my first sober trip (airport + airplane used to = a lot of alcohol for me)
Congrats!
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Oh yes those airport lounges are soooooo tempting aren’t they!!! Thanks so much. π
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And everybody is drinking in airports even when it’s 9am!
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I can imagine that, at the moment self, the experience might have been not so nice but you handled it wonderfully. π Great strengthening of the sober muscle and really living your blog name. That is good. I am happy for you! π
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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Oh what a small world, we have both ventured thru the Botanical Gardens! How next.
And thanks as always for your kindness and support. This community is amazing for that. So much stronger together π
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Great going NWIF! β€οΈ
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Hi Elizabeth thanks so much! ππ·πΈ
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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. π
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Well done you! Those cunning little twangs, they’re totally trying to sway us! I’m proud of you for holding your line. Bet the desert was yummy. Thank you for sharing your story, it’s so reassuring to know I’m not alone with these random twangs ππ¦π·π
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You are so not alone. π
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Yay!! I am glad you made it. My trigger can be when I am doing something I find freeing..like a trip by myself. Work trips would be really hard, so big hugs to you for walking and exploring!!
xo
Wendy
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Wow that’s so interesting Wendy, yet so inspiring that you identify then completely own your triggers. I want to get to that happy headspace one day like you. β€οΈπ·πΈπ¦
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work events can be so hard and I totally know the feeling of wanting to drink at those types of events…good for you for hanging in there! π
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Thanks so much my friend, gosh I get the work events you experience in Vegas are amazing! Appreciate your support and kindness as always xoxo
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Well done! that what quite an achievement, you have beat another big challenge, proud of you x
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Thank you lovely lady! Each day/week/month brings us new challenges. Onwards!π
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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 πππ»
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Oh I’m sorry for that image! But glad you like. I confess that as a kid, my dad put the car in the paddling pool with us. I was only small but that memory is so vivid it’s like it was yesterday. The image of the cat is how i felt at the conference last week! ππΊππΌββοΈπ
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Heeheehee!! It’s really great you got through your conference weekend though!! Whatever works right?!!
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Ha! Totally!
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Wonderful you! Just think how much you would have missed or not enjoyed due to being hungover, tired and feeling like crap! Kudos!! ππΈπ
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Thanks so much – oh you’re so right! It would have been a fleeting moment of (perceived) fun for days/weeks/months of regret and self loathing. I’m so excited to almost be at the nine month mark, I can’t ruin that now I’ve come so far.
Thanks so much for your support, it means a lot ππ·π¦πΈ
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Yay!! π
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Great choice.
I find free alcohol is often triggering for me still. It’s like…here it is….
But I know it’s not really free. It would cost me a lot.
Walks are always nice.
Anne
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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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It’s been 4 years. They still arise, but I see them much faster. I have no desire to actually drink…the thought of that makes me very tired.
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That’s so interesting, thank you so much. I thought it was just me so your help is very reassuring. The way it felt was like throwing a cat in a swimming pool. Not that I do it – they hate it, panicking and furiously paddling to find a way out. I was that flailing, wide-eyed cat on the inside ππ π½βπΊ ps I love cats and would never to that btw. I saw it on YouTube once. xoxo
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Ha ha
I know exactly what you mean.
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