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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ClearSkies on December 20, 2007, at 21:13:32
Sending warm and sober holiday wishes to all my babble buddies out there. This is a tough one! I'm looking forward to missing out on the gazillion extra calories, the days and days of hangovers being absent, remembering in painful clarity each family Hallmark moment. This will be my third Christmas like this - amazing!
I send strength and compassion to all others who walk this same path, and offer the same to those who wish for something different for themselves for next year. It can be done, I am proof of it.
CS
Posted by antigua3 on December 22, 2007, at 7:52:44
In reply to Stay strong, posted by ClearSkies on December 20, 2007, at 21:13:32
That's so funny. I was going to post a similar message of support this morning, but your kindness and compassion beat me to it!
this is the first Christmas since being sober that I am off Antabuse so I have to be extra careful and cautious. But this is the first time i've been off it that I didn't go off it with the intention of drinking. I want to get through the holidays on my own (plus I HATE Antabuse) and prove something to myself.
I won't miss the hangovers, either, but there will be a lot of sugar!
Take care, Clear Skies and enjoy the holidays. It's funny, but there really are so many ways to enjoy it w/o drinking!
antigua
Posted by ClearSkies on December 28, 2007, at 21:21:07
In reply to Re: Stay strong, posted by antigua3 on December 22, 2007, at 7:52:44
Made it past the first hump of Christmas itself with the family. No probs. Actually, it was conspicuous that that NOBODY got crocked, and there was an excess of alcohol left over at all the get togethers. It's just my oldest brother and myself who are the teetotalers - everyone else was just taking it easy.
It's incredible how much easier that made the holiday for me, to not be around people who were drinking a lot.
So now comes New Years, typically not a problem again for me, though we will have houseguests with us and I don't know their habits at all. My danger time will be the post-holiday period where I sometimes have patted myself on the back with a martini. I don't want to mess it up having come this far.
How was Christmas for you, Antigua?
ClearSkies
Posted by zenhussy on December 31, 2007, at 14:36:16
In reply to Re: Stay strong » antigua3, posted by ClearSkies on December 28, 2007, at 21:21:07
very encouraging to read about your years of sobriety now CS. you've come so far, you've worked so hard and you continue to uncover the hidden stuff that has made the past so challenging. your future is much more open now w/ the choices you've made and the work you've been doing.
very proud of your dedication to yourself.
thanks for continuing to share your inspirational stories here.
Posted by ClearSkies on December 31, 2007, at 18:34:38
In reply to how 'bout aromatherapy instead of that martini? ;) » ClearSkies, posted by zenhussy on December 31, 2007, at 14:36:16
Do you have any recommended recipes for encouraging sobriety? I've been whiffing a panic-cocktail in my purse aroma wand for several weeks now... time for a change, I think.
CS
Posted by zenhussy on December 31, 2007, at 22:39:07
In reply to Re: how 'bout aromatherapy instead of that martini » zenhussy, posted by ClearSkies on December 31, 2007, at 18:34:38
hard to go wrong w/ standbys of clary sage, lemon, lavender, chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, cypress,neroli and the rest that you might have in your arsenal.
what's popping out most strongly is Frankincence and Sandalwood. Jasmine too. so that's saying find a base note that is grounding and a top/middle note that is healing/heady floral. you'll know when you create it. consider benzoin too as that is very grounding when added to some blends.
adjust to your needs/nose. of course use carriers or diffuser or other method of dilution.
3 drops Bergamot
1 drop Jasmine
3 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Jasmine
2 drops Cedarwood
1 drop Bergamot
1 drop Frankincence
1 drops Frankincence
2 drops Sandalwood
hth and sorry for lack of response as the shock continues. using aromatherapy when rembered but often that isn't the case. trying. gosh everything is so trying.may this new year bring you continued peace and well being for you and yours.
Posted by ClearSkies on January 1, 2008, at 12:37:15
In reply to Stay strong, posted by ClearSkies on December 20, 2007, at 21:13:32
Many thanks, Zen for your ideas and recipes. They will be used and catalogued for now and future use!
Wishing you all the best for 2008,
ClearSkies
Posted by antigua3 on January 2, 2008, at 7:11:41
In reply to Re: Stay strong » antigua3, posted by ClearSkies on December 28, 2007, at 21:21:07
My holidays were great! It's the after effect I have to worry about, now that I've learned to actually get through these times without drinking.
I went to one New Year's Eve party and one open house. I stayed at the party less than an hour, and was happy to go home and oversee my teenage daughter's NYE party. Now, that was tough, but they had fun and no damage done.
At the open house I was fine and stayed under an hour.
I just don't want to be tempted. I was so afraid at the NYE party that I would pick up someone else's drink! Learn to hold on to your own glass was what I learned.
This is the third Christmas out of five (two in a row) that I've been successful, but the other two times I stumbled, especially after the holidays, but it was the first year without the Antabuse so I'm really pleased. I have T and pdoc this week, so while that will be tough, it will help to keep me on the right track.
Here's to a great New Year! I'm very hopeful.
antigua
Posted by ClearSkies on January 2, 2008, at 7:19:32
In reply to Re: Stay strong » ClearSkies, posted by antigua3 on January 2, 2008, at 7:11:41
Congratulations to us both - I passed a sober new year's eve as well :-)
Take care,
CS
Posted by Kath on January 3, 2008, at 17:54:28
In reply to Re: Stay strong » antigua3, posted by ClearSkies on January 2, 2008, at 7:19:32
Very loud "YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYs" to you both.
I hope you're both really proud of the very big thing you've accomplished.
love, Kath
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