I’ve felt a little off in my mood the last few days and I’ve thought about having a drink a couple of times. I then feel disappointed for wanting to drink. I can’t put my finger on what’s wrong with me.
My parents are here visiting Australia for the first time from the UK. We have been looking forward to this for months. Im so happy to have them here I should be over the moon.
I also shared my blog with my Facebook friends and got some amazing comments and messages which was so motivated I felt like I will never drink again.
I’m wondering if I feel flat after a week of highs?
I’m also off work for 3 weeks and out of my routine, I’m not ashamed to say I love routine. I feel all out of whack. My exercise, my food, my sleep! Everyone keeps saying sit down, relax. I’m like what? I don’t know how? I’m also thinking of the next thing I should be doing. My mind races.
I got up super early this morning as I wanted some time by myself and went for a big walk. I also wanted to benefit from the no hangover after Christmas Day to keep me on track of not drinking. Walking/running is probably the only time I get to really think about stuff, if I go for a walk I always get home with loads of ideas and bore my husband to death with them. Today I listened to a podcast about mindfulness. Lots of us have a perception about mindfulness, yoga loving yippies meditating for hours. It’s actually just being present in any situation. It made me realise I am never present in anything. Even when I do my yoga in the mornings I am thinking that I need to get through it to make sure I get ready on time for work. When my daughter was opening her presents on Christmas Day I was thinking when she’s done this I’ll put the coffee on and breakfast, I’ll have to clean this mess up, where is all this new stuff going to go? When i read with my daughter I’m thinking Urgh I need to make dinner. I am never just there enjoying the moment and being present.
The reason this is relevant is because in all the things I read about quitting drinking being present is something that most mention as a benefit. I’m wondering if that they mean just being there and remembering what happened? Maybe these people are naturals at mindfulness?
I’m going to work on this more, 10 minutes a day.
The podcast helped me have some direction again. It’s made me realise that I have relied on podcasts, books and blogs during this process more that I thought to keep me on track and because I’ve not been in my usual routine I’ve not been reading and listening. I will make sure I make time for it over the next couple of weeks.
On a really positive note, I found decent sparking wine that me and my mum had a Christmas Day. It was called Edenvale from Coles for any Aussie’s out there, sweet but did the job!
I think the quote I keep remembering during this very usually boozy time is that no one regrets not drinking the day after!
Merry Christmas everyone.
Whole Health Personal Training and Nutrition 
Hi Emma: I also think of that same quote when I feel wobbly. I think sometimes people feel a little blue after the holidays are over or after something is accomplished (your 12 week goal). I know I always feel a bit “what now?” I think your idea of staying in the present moment as much as possible is a great one. And long walks! Enjoy your parents’ visit. You’re doing great! Keep it up!
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Exactly, what now? Keep going? How long for? Forever? That’s where I am at 😆 long walks are the best arnt they! I will keep doing. Hope you had a lovely Christmas xx
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Thanks, Emma. Yes! I need to go on a long walk myself. Take good care of yourself. xx
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Hi Emma. I’m hoping it’s just the time of year because I have felt the same. I haven’t particularly wanted to drink but I’m wondering if by not drinking I’m not fully enjoying things as much as I should. Now I’m just cross that I’m not making the most of life.
I know you’ll get through it. The mindfulness thing is fascinating. I find it exceptionally hard to do but I think it’s so important to practice it.
I suspect many of us sober bloggers are finding this time of year a little tougher. Let’s be honest, people all over, drinkers and non drinkers, struggle with Christmas. Maybe we need to give ourselves a break, take the pressure off and revel in the moments we do enjoy. The walks, early mornings without hangovers, time to ourselves.
Hang in there. You have done so well.
Sending hugs, Claire xxxx
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Hey Claire. Yes I know what you mean about wheather you are enjoying it as much, there was this party on Christmas night near my house and It sounded so much fun, I wondered if I will ever have that much fun sober.
I am constantly telling myself to give myself a break, advice that we could all take on! I just read your post. I hope you are ok, sounds like a really good night sleep will help you feel better!! 😘😘😘
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I’m ok actually. It’s find me good to have some time alone and just to hang out here. It’s all been a bit much with trying to maintain sobriety too. I’m happy being AF, I just don’t think I realised it takes a lot of concentration and work to ensure I stay that way. I needed time out.
Hope you are ok too. Xxx
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Yes, this time of year can be very hard.
It’s normal. Our expectations are high, and people are drinking tons, we get tired. Which doesn’t help our moods.
xo
Wendy
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I think you are right! Tired was exactly what I felt and entertaining is exhausting! Hope you had a lovely day x
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His Emma , well it’s now post Christmas and hope you’ve survived! You stopped drinking at a really difficult time, in many ways THE most difficult time because alcohol seems at the centre of so many of the festivities. 2020 should be a breeze and I’m with you on getting back to routines.
Jim x
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Thanks Jim, I have found the rest of the holidays very easy thank goodness! I’m hoping Jan will be easy as everyone else will be not drinking! Although struggling to get the hubby on board for dry jan 😕 I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and happy new year xx
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