Progress Journal - it helps.

[Lola73]

Hi everyone,

Today is my 12 day of being sober! :) Clearly, I am not the most experienced person since I have just began my recovery. However, I wanted to share with newcomers something that helps me a lot. And that is keeping a journal. Writing in it every day helps me stay grounded. I record how I feel, what I do, and event what I eat. I also state how strong my cravings are and write out my frustrations. It really helps when I go back and read my journal from a week ago, and compare how I feel. It also helps to take an inventory of past drinking habits. I wrote out all the nasty hangovers I could remember, or stupid things I did when I drank. Or how many times and where I puked. Reading it always brings me back to earth!
Just a thought for those struggling out there or on a relapse!

Keep the faith! Keep the fight!
Bless,
Lola :eek:

[Honey Barbara]

Great advice Lola & CONGRATULATIONS.
I have also started a journal. Not the sort of thing I would like someone to find in the event of my demise. I agree wholeheartedly, I recognised a lot about myself and drinking just by writing it down. I noticed that I decided to drink on special occasions - champagne on weddings, etc after a night of craving. It was as though My addiction was throwing a lifeline to my body, too scared to break the link. Being able to recognise this also made me realise what a bad idea it is. I have spent the last week coming to terms with a life of sobriety. I may not have had this illumination without writing.
You are doing great Lola -
Honey barbaraxxx

[Lola73]

Thanks Honey Barbara! I have not come to terms with lifelong sobriety yet. But it is very, very slowly, sort of like baby steps, sinking into my brain now. I was just having tea with someone from my AA group after a meeting. We went to a cafe which just so happens had a small bar in the back. As I sat there sipping my tea, I glanced over the bottles and thought to myself, I might never drink any of this stuff again, and I might have to live with that. It was a strange feeling. Almost, like I am "leaving town", and going to a new, different place. Wonder what it'll be like...
Bless,
Lola