Good for you! It's just not worth it when you cave. I know in my case, I always felt tremendous disappointment in myself, and it is very frightening to be a slave to anything. One tip: when the thought or urge to drink enters your mind, don't dwell on it. Usher it out as quickly as it comes. I love this illustration: it's not your fault if a bird lands on your head. It IS your fault if it builds a nest. Similarly, it's normal for the thought to drink to enter your mind, especially at first. But the more you dwell on it, the stronger that craving becomes. Quickly remind yourself firmly that the answer is always NO, and distract yourself. For me, I find the thought passes in maybe 15 minutes, and I feel such relief, and so happy I did not cave. I passed 2 years at some point last year, and I am happy to report that there are only a few times a year when I get that thought --- and now, it's very easy to dismiss.
one year on tuesday never felt more content and busy having a great time and doing the things I love . Every once in awhile yeah I think having a drink would be nice but why ? I always say If you need a drink to dance you missed the point of dancing.
Just over 2.5 years alcohol free now and I'm really over going out with people who drink. If they want to pop out for a coffee or pop round for a catch-up, great but most don't. They just want to meet up in the pub for a drink so sod them if they're not prepared to keep my friendship for the sake of a few drinks. Sometimes though being with drinkers is unavoidable, family do's, weddings, birthdays etc and yes, watching your nearest and dearest friends and family slowly turn into dribbling toddlers can be amusing for a while but I find that two, three hours max is enough for me to be around folk getting drunk. I don't even tell people I'm going, I just slope off, nobody notices, they're drunk! Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging anyone harshly, I've had some great times on the drink and I do miss the rash spontaneity of it all but that's all. I do not miss being drunk and I DO NOT miss the hangovers, the anxiety or the self loathing.
Two years for me a couple of weeks ago. I used Kevin's videos for inspiration at the start of the journey. I just thought I would check in today and see what's up. The similarity to your story and situations with me are almost identical. I will add that I have found there are more people that don't drink or drink very little out there. When I drank lots I figured lots of people drink like me, not so. I have also found certain people who drink lots don't like being around me. I can tell it makes them feel uncomfortable for some reason.
Amen! You're just kicking the can down the road, as the saying goes. When you become a heavy drinker, I promise you: given enough time, your drinking saunters to the front of the Problem Line. It will be the #1 problem and it will make you anxious and/or depressed. I am SO relieved not to be enslaved to alcohol anymore.
Yesterday lost again ,three or four pints at the pub a few more at home and barely salvaged a few hours out of a beautiful day,every time.I seem to forget that till the next morning.All your points are so on point.👍
I’m 11 months sober and it’s been amazing. I try not to think of all the time and money that I’ve wasted. My husband is definitely not giving up he drinks at the weekend and ends up pissed. I now say roll on Monday to get my hubby back….
I have a 750 sports bike outside that I never ride while drunk. Thats such an incredible incentive for me. Because when I see the sun shine I want to go to box hill. All the best sir I appreciate you
A year and two months sober. Of course drink has a siren call that may sneak up on me now and then, but it’s nothing I can’t cope with. Life is so much better without alcohol. I agree with you Kevin, it’s contentment. Long may it last. 😂😂😂😂😂
Good talk as always Kevin..It is all a shame, and that was the switch that went off in my head when i stopped drinking and realized how much better my life is without the drink ! I watched friends of mine recently getting drunk while over their house , slowly checking out, or talking nonsense and repeating themselves over and over. This is the result of alcohol poisoning their minds..it was sad to see ..a story i read the other day spoke of a plane being diverted due to a passenger exposing himself and peeing in the isle, later explaining that he had multiple shots of whiskey for breakfast before boarding and even more during the flight! Can you imagine how f*cked up that is, all because of alcohol. And it won't change peoples minds when they read this..smh😒
I never counted days and a year has flown by! I'm amazed . I too hate being around people when they are past the threshold. I like the beginning and ill drink a falsie and enjoy the energy then I dissappear and let them spin out and talk over one another. Works out great. The times I enjoyed beer was usually by myself out loading hay on my truck or doing a project at home...BUT.... doing that was starting to lose its appeal as the beer started making me tired and foggy! So all I have to do is remember the 4th slightly warm beer and the hunger setting in. Yuck. Not missing a thing. Yesterday I peeled a bale off the stack and broke open a yellow jacket nest . Got stung on the lip. Wished I had a cold beer on the drive home for that but ......icy water with mint in my bottle was delish. I am not very social hence why I drank for so long so I just stay true to my decision .
Being sober has uncovered a deep dissatisfaction with, and lack of pleasure from, life. I'm hoping it goes away eventually but I remember feeling that way as a child (pre drinking).
Btw this isn't meant to cast aspersions on these videos or sobriety. Being sober is definitely better in many ways, but it isn't a bed of roses 24/7. In my case it has uncovered decades old unresolved issues.
Your words are enlightening and rewarding. They are impactful , mostly because your narrative is so selfconscious. Love listening to you. Thank you so much. ❤🙏
Turned on the Morning news." Man taken to hospital after falling into water while intoxicated in Lynn Canyon park North Vancouver" Not much fun for him . "Liquor stores on strike in Ontario". WHO CARES!
Here in Australia if your too far gone with alcohol addiction, you can go on the disability pension. You're considered disabled. Ill not argue the policy for or against. Alcohol = disabled. Good thing govt taxes alcohol very highly here. It helps to mop up the damage done.
Kevin. Odd question Not been drinking for months now, eating plant based coupled with mediterranean food. Only thing now is I'm active, not relaxing from 6am till 9pm . So so much get up and go. 6 days a week working in my business I love love. Would you say this is a healthy new way of life when you are in your 60s ?? Thank you
It is what it is. I've learned so much from my new journey... most of it from experimenting, trying new things... I work 7 days a week if I can...If you love the work you're doing, you'll never work a day in your life
This is a good one , I use to skateboard always on the piss for years . The thing is you forget physical stuff is actually fun sober and you can still have fun . I hate being around people that are drunk also when I'm sober , most annoying people in the world . Reminds me of when I was a kid around my dad who was always wasted and he was one scary mofo . Excuse the French . Good day to you Kevin . How's those Knees , my right Knee is a bit clicky at 45 . Champagne is so overrated disgusting stuff . Never thought much of , even a 100 dollar bottle . My grandad was half Irish and he was a drunk , he did survive world war 2 fighting for New Zealand . I think people like drinking because it makes you feel like you're doing something naughty like you're a little kid again .
One week sober. What a blessing. No regrets.
5 months sober today. I almost broke last night but if I just push through the feelings of wanting to drink it passes after an hour or so
Good for you! It's just not worth it when you cave. I know in my case, I always felt tremendous disappointment in myself, and it is very frightening to be a slave to anything. One tip: when the thought or urge to drink enters your mind, don't dwell on it. Usher it out as quickly as it comes. I love this illustration: it's not your fault if a bird lands on your head. It IS your fault if it builds a nest. Similarly, it's normal for the thought to drink to enter your mind, especially at first. But the more you dwell on it, the stronger that craving becomes. Quickly remind yourself firmly that the answer is always NO, and distract yourself. For me, I find the thought passes in maybe 15 minutes, and I feel such relief, and so happy I did not cave. I passed 2 years at some point last year, and I am happy to report that there are only a few times a year when I get that thought --- and now, it's very easy to dismiss.
@@snu3877 I like the bird analogy thanks for the pep talk I needed it !
well said kevin af free for 3 yrs now all because of your vids thank you so much
one year on tuesday never felt more content and busy having a great time and doing the things I love . Every once in awhile yeah I think having a drink would be nice but why ? I always say If you need a drink to dance you missed the point of dancing.
Just over 2.5 years alcohol free now and I'm really over going out with people who drink. If they want to pop out for a coffee or pop round for a catch-up, great but most don't. They just want to meet up in the pub for a drink so sod them if they're not prepared to keep my friendship for the sake of a few drinks. Sometimes though being with drinkers is unavoidable, family do's, weddings, birthdays etc and yes, watching your nearest and dearest friends and family slowly turn into dribbling toddlers can be amusing for a while but I find that two, three hours max is enough for me to be around folk getting drunk. I don't even tell people I'm going, I just slope off, nobody notices, they're drunk!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging anyone harshly, I've had some great times on the drink and I do miss the rash spontaneity of it all but that's all. I do not miss being drunk and I DO NOT miss the hangovers, the anxiety or the self loathing.
Two years for me a couple of weeks ago. I used Kevin's videos for inspiration at the start of the journey. I just thought I would check in today and see what's up.
The similarity to your story and situations with me are almost identical. I will add that I have found there are more people that don't drink or drink very little out there. When I drank lots I figured lots of people drink like me, not so.
I have also found certain people who drink lots don't like being around me. I can tell it makes them feel uncomfortable for some reason.
If i drink alone i don,t have to put up with anyone else's drinking.Life quality,health,time,productivity and money all take a hit👎
I was drinking to forget but the problems are never going away if you don't get sober and deal with them.
Amen! You're just kicking the can down the road, as the saying goes. When you become a heavy drinker, I promise you: given enough time, your drinking saunters to the front of the Problem Line. It will be the #1 problem and it will make you anxious and/or depressed. I am SO relieved not to be enslaved to alcohol anymore.
@@snu3877 I feel the anxiety the next day because i know i will get nothing done,do nothing,ect.
Well said 👏
Well said 👏
Yesterday lost again ,three or four pints at the pub a few more at home and barely salvaged a few hours out of a beautiful day,every time.I seem to forget that till the next morning.All your points are so on point.👍
You need to have a good talk with yourself about why you are doing it. For it was drinking to forget.
I’m 11 months sober and it’s been amazing. I try not to think of all the time and money that I’ve wasted. My husband is definitely not giving up he drinks at the weekend and ends up pissed. I now say roll on Monday to get my hubby back….
Thank you so much Kevin. I used alcohol to numb my grief. Your encouragement is helping me tremendously.
over 16 months AF what a relief it has been .. all the best everybody on your AF journey.
No better therapy than walking in the mountains with your dogs and drinking in all that mountain fresh air and it's all free. Who needs alcohol.
I have a 750 sports bike outside that I never ride while drunk. Thats such an incredible incentive for me. Because when I see the sun shine I want to go to box hill. All the best sir I appreciate you
A year and two months sober. Of course drink has a siren call that may sneak up on me now and then, but it’s nothing I can’t cope with. Life is so much better without alcohol. I agree with you Kevin, it’s contentment. Long may it last. 😂😂😂😂😂
Good talk as always Kevin..It is all a shame, and that was the switch that went off in my head when i stopped drinking and realized how much better my life is without the drink ! I watched friends of mine recently getting drunk while over their house , slowly checking out, or talking nonsense and repeating themselves over and over. This is the result of alcohol poisoning their minds..it was sad to see ..a story i read the other day spoke of a plane being diverted due to a passenger exposing himself and peeing in the isle, later explaining that he had multiple shots of whiskey for breakfast before boarding and even more during the flight! Can you imagine how f*cked up that is, all because of alcohol. And it won't change peoples minds when they read this..smh😒
Day 500 in freedom💫
I never counted days and a year has flown by! I'm amazed . I too hate being around people when they are past the threshold. I like the beginning and ill drink a falsie and enjoy the energy then I dissappear and let them spin out and talk over one another. Works out great.
The times I enjoyed beer was usually by myself out loading hay on my truck or doing a project at home...BUT.... doing that was starting to lose its appeal as the beer started making me tired and foggy! So all I have to do is remember the 4th slightly warm beer and the hunger setting in. Yuck.
Not missing a thing.
Yesterday I peeled a bale off the stack and broke open a yellow jacket nest . Got stung on the lip. Wished I had a cold beer on the drive home for that but ......icy water with mint in my bottle was delish.
I am not very social hence why I drank for so long so I just stay true to my decision .
As the song says “When I think of all the good times I have wasted, having good times” ….
Being sober has uncovered a deep dissatisfaction with, and lack of pleasure from, life. I'm hoping it goes away eventually but I remember feeling that way as a child (pre drinking).
Same
Best fun of my love was partying on my 20's
Btw this isn't meant to cast aspersions on these videos or sobriety. Being sober is definitely better in many ways, but it isn't a bed of roses 24/7. In my case it has uncovered decades old unresolved issues.
Your words are enlightening and rewarding. They are impactful , mostly because your narrative is so selfconscious. Love listening to you. Thank you so much. ❤🙏
Turned on the Morning news." Man taken to hospital after falling into water while intoxicated in Lynn Canyon park North Vancouver" Not much fun for him . "Liquor stores on strike in Ontario". WHO CARES!
Here in Australia if your too far gone with alcohol addiction, you can go on the disability pension.
You're considered disabled. Ill not argue the policy for or against.
Alcohol = disabled.
Good thing govt taxes alcohol very highly here. It helps to mop up the damage done.
Anti tobacco adds on TV, no alcohol awareness campaigns like Kevin, etc. I wonder why.
Struggling with nerves, every time I try to quit my anxiety gets so bad I have to grab a beer to settle down. Roller-coaster
I can relate.
Kevin. Odd question
Not been drinking for months now, eating plant based coupled with mediterranean food.
Only thing now is I'm active, not relaxing from 6am till 9pm . So so much get up and go. 6 days a week working in my business I love love. Would you say this is a healthy new way of life when you are in your 60s ??
Thank you
It is what it is. I've learned so much from my new journey... most of it from experimenting, trying new things... I work 7 days a week if I can...If you love the work you're doing, you'll never work a day in your life
Toughest people when we quit are the "Irish" Family 🤦♂️
This is a good one , I use to skateboard always on the piss for years . The thing is you forget physical stuff is actually fun sober and you can still have fun . I hate being around people that are drunk also when I'm sober , most annoying people in the world . Reminds me of when I was a kid around my dad who was always wasted and he was one scary mofo . Excuse the French . Good day to you Kevin . How's those Knees , my right Knee is a bit clicky at 45 . Champagne is so overrated disgusting stuff . Never thought much of , even a 100 dollar bottle . My grandad was half Irish and he was a drunk , he did survive world war 2 fighting for New Zealand . I think people like drinking because it makes you feel like you're doing something naughty like you're a little kid again .
No problems with the knees since I stopped. I thought they were banjaxed for life. Happily not.
@@HabitsV2 Lol good to hear man , I did read somewhere booze isn't good for your bones .