I struggled to stay sober for years & went without booze for only 3 months once. I needed support & found Kevin and his words encouraged me. I’m now a bit over 2 years sober. My life has changed & horses came back into my life when I needed something to take up my free time. I escaped the darkness & made it out of that miserable place. So thankful I can’t help tearing up. ✊
congrats on two years! I can't seem to get passed 40-50 days. Every time I get there my mind starts thinking "ok, you got this. You can have 1 night of getting drunk." That turns into 3-5 nights then I feel like shit and do it all over again. How do you get past the mind messing with you and telling you that you dont need to fully stop?
To both Josh and Marc. I found myself in similar situations at first, what worked for me is actually changing the folks I hung out with. There were "friends" I had that were just drinking friends and it was too unfomfortable to hang out with them anymore. Of course to this day they give me a hard time because they obviously still drink but the ties had to be broken. it was not fun hanging out with drinkers when I wasn't.
Awe 2 yrs?! Wow. I'm at 15 months. And I'd been drinking since 12 yrs old. I really like this guy Kevin. I hate AA. Just me. Horses what a neat way to take your time. I love walking my dog everyday and country drives jamming to my music andd avoiding speeding citations lol I drive a muscle car. Anyways II wish you well!
I’m about 10 weeks sober now and just completed a 3 day music festival without a drink for the first time ever I must say I really enjoyed it and for some reason when I got home I broke down and cried Think It was tears of joy but I was full of emotions I’m really glad I did it and I gained a lot of experience from it and didn’t struggle with any urges to drink Times goes a lot slower when sober and I like it Thanks for all your videos they are life changing
I remember feeling that I needed a "high or buzz" to enjoy the music. Sadly, all I ended up with was a hang over and not remembering much of the concert. Now that I am sober, I do not wake up hung over. I remember the concert, smells, noises, food, conversations and landscape. I thought I enjoyed concerts in my youth. Turns out, I was just addicted to the buzz and the concert(s) were just part of that addiction journey. Now with sobriety, I look forward to seeking new musical experiences, especially at smaller venues. much love, health and have a safe journey
Wow this topic hits the nail on the head for me. I'm about a month in and the fog has began to clear. Now big questions have began to arise: who am I? What am I? Where am I going? What am I doing? This has been extremely difficult & mentally exhausting because I don't have concrete answers to any of those questions. Some days it can really get me down. But this video, it's just what I needed to hear. Thank you.
The out door environment adds an almost therapeutic touch to your videos on quitting alcohol. Very tranquil and peaceful, which is a reminder I suppose of one the incentives of getting out and enjoying things without alcohol.
I've been sober for a little over six months, and I've got a good job. I'm just unsure if I want to continue being with my lady of seven years. I'm helping with three kids that have been part of my life all those seven years. It's hard, when you get sober and think that your wasting your life with the wrong person, only hanging on for the kids. The kids are not my bio-wise, but they see me as a father figure. I'm scared that moving forward without my current lady will cause me to fall off and drink. I need prayer.
Hi Kevin, I’ve watched your videos and others throughout the years when Ive tried to stop drinking. I drank everyday for 7-8 years. I’m currently 2 months sober, the most I’ve ever done since my drinking was full on. I feel stronger than I ever have and went on holiday last week without a drink. A holiday was the cause of my relapse last year so I feel that was a massive hurdle over come.
Sometimes I feel like the constant thoughts of being sober makes it harder and worse. Like the trying to do sober instead of just being if that makes sense. Or People who count days, it makes it seem like your constantly placing your mind on alcohol just by doing that instead of letting go all together. For many it’s as if alcohol has become some type of “god” that people have an unhealthy fear of. Forgive me if I’m wrong it’s just seems exhausting. It appears that what you give your mind to is what will have you, in general. You pretty much become what you think about if I’m not mistaken 🤔 what I give my mind to is what will consume me so for me personally, constantly thinking about *not drinking alcohol is still thinking about alcohol which makes it worse because I know what it does so it makes me miserable 😖. I’d rather not think about alcohol all together wether it be drinking it or not drinking it. Something’s just don’t deserve my attention anymore.
Being sober is the default way of being, not drinking. It should be the most natural thing in the world to do. Instead, we've been brainwashed into believing that putting a toxin into our bodies to medicate ourselves is the default. What you focus on is what you get. It takes time to change your mindset and general mode of thinking, but it's all down to you to persevere.
I completely know what you mean. The first two times I gave up alcohol, I made it to 73 days, then 71 days. I can honestly say that I did not struggle. i just got... bored. Not because I was not drinking, but b/c focusing on not drinking just became so tedious. I am not sure what the answer is. I just feel like constantly counting days draws too much attention to it. Nothing wrong with knowing what day you are on. But I'd rather lose track and then check when I am curious than thinking about it every day.
@@HabitsV2 I understand what you mean thank you for your input sir…. But just to kinda point out what you said is the exhausting perspective I was referring to (IMO) “Being sober should be the most natural thing in the world to *do” For me, it’s like saying “I’m *trying to be a human being” but I am a human being so it’s not something I need to *do ya know? If I was an alien 👽 then that statement would make sense. Okay, Let’s say I was an alien, trying to be a human being would constantly make me *conscious that I am not. It would always be in the back of my mind that what I’m *doing is a performance, a type of work because it’s not natural. You don’t have to do natural. Natural in itself is just there without thought like breathing. You don’t think about breathing right? You just breath. When you focus moment to moment on doing sobriety the alternative is in the back of your mind 24/7 …being what’s natural (sober) shouldn’t be a focus no more than breathing.
This!!! I stopped counting "days sober" and made a list of new things I wanted to try. Currently starting a new business. If I don't think about alcohol, I won't miss it. Just going to experiment like he mentions in the video and keep moving forward.
@@Cheese_crackersYou need to focus on the future instead of the past... away from sober thoughts. I never referred to myself as sober... When I stopped drinking, I called it a new beginning, a new journey, and I've been on the journey since. What you focus on is what you get. Best of luck to you Taylor. I hope it all works out for you.
No doubt it doesn’t happen over night but if most definitely happens. It’s not always easy to walk with your shoulders back but you have to in tough times after quitting. Sometimes just being somewhere and seeing too much of it is enough to make you question your decision. Thats when you put that in one hand and your commitment to sobriety in the other and see who wins. I’m happy to be sober and where I am now vs. 3 months ago. Every day is a new personal record.
Since quitting 8months ago I've done numerous things to my house I've put off when I was drinking and now I'm getting back in touch with my main hobby ; creating music . Unfortunately now I'm having numerous issues with my music studio software it's got me so frustrated and depressed I'm now considering going back to drinking. I've tried every avenue to fix these problems and nothings working. I hope I can find my way through this, wish me luck!
Good luck man Don’t worry about things not working right now, It will work in the end Put it this way having a drink will most definitely not get it working
@@JoshuaSchmalstig it Reaper im working with, it seems to be issues with the "paths" , I can't record my bass or save recordings .. im considering un-installing and re-installing Reaper..im also in talks with Cockos too.. its mind boggling
You speak from the heart, brother. You keep it short and simple. It is true and natural. And you know what you are talking about because you have been there - and so have I. But today we are in a competely different place! I am sober now. It is the best decision I have ever made. All this energy and clarity! Playfulness. Wonder. Thank you for being there. You are a good man. It brings me joy to see you hiking in those beautiful mountains as the sun rises once again. Om shanti. God bless you.
Kevin, this is very good subject! This is what I have been thinking for awhile: who I am, what I really want to do and where I want to go. Big questions, but the answer will come when it comes.
Great topic. I’m 10 months after a 29 year toxic relationship with alcohol amd I finally feel free. This topic is so true and I can totally relate. I used to love swimming and when I was younger and absolutely loved it,it made me feel free and I have now taken up wild swimming to pick up from when I was my authentic self. Life is good. I like who I am finally and that is priceless. Good luck on your journeys friends 🙏🏼🏃♀️😊
Such great insight and advice and not many people really get it how this pans out for many. The work really does start when you make that decision, I hesitate to say that deciding is the easy part, but once you put that behind you, you can start moving forward. One thing I will say in regards to my path, while deciding to deep-six the drink doesn’t mean things get instantly perfect, overall I am much happier, and that is by orders of magnitude. Thanks for your thoughts, Kevin.
Nothing is perfect in general. The idea is to find more happiness in life, more contentment. Some people mistake it for happiness all the time, which is not possible or even something to be desired. Well done man.
67 years old now,talked to myself about drinking to much for probably 30 + years,maybe I never got it so bad and not to many problems,taking my health now,I still go a few days or three weeks then drink for four days or maybe ten,when I still worked I pushed on with life,retired now and find myself doing the minimal of anything I should do.How many days will I stay on the couch or miss doing stuff,? Takes about five days of no booze to really start feeling better,everything gets better and better every day,
Great video alcohol does give an out but you need to push through patience and the work starts when you stop some great words and that alcohol is a selfish thing to do.
Thankyou Kevin for another great video, pleased to say i'm on my tenth day sober thanks to your videos. Early days yet but i feel great and little by little getting my old life back when i didn't drink, thanks again. Upwards and onwards.
31 years old trying again. But this time k have a 6month old babygirl to help me though it. Ive put on 51 kg in 2 years from drink and bad food. If i wanna see my girls graduate, then i have to change
I just got done going through two weeks of detoxification from alcohol, and it's been quite a nasty ride. Just started school and new job, and I have been listening to his advice. I have been focusing on what Habbits Unplugged said in another video: "the first 30 days are crucial. You're working on developing your confidence back", or something similar. This morning I finished watching a movie I started watching last night, "FALLEN-don't trust a soul" with Denzel Washington. As I'm listening to this Habbits Unplugged video while getting ready to head out, he talks about being obsessed with yourself and how we're supposed to build on good habits over time. On the door, in the room where I do school work, and watch TV, I hung a sheet of paper last year when I was fresh out of rehab and staying sober. I was feeling grateful for my sobriety. The sheet reads in Ephesians 6:11-18, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...". I don't know how accurate the movie the "FALLEN" is, but it does seem pretty real after all that I've been through with this addiction to alcohol. In AA they say at the start: "let us take a moment of silence for the alcoholic who still suffers". I am often reminded of that when I am going through withdrawals. This spiritual battle seems all too real to me now at this point in my life. But I'm going to say something someone ones told me: we all just need to "keep-on-keeping on".
We all feel that way sometimes. Change doesn't come cheap and the reality takes no prisoners and provides no hiding places. Tough in the beginning, but that is truly what makes you stronger.
I got friends that are sober and married I'm a lot happier than them so what you pedaling? It seems a little arrogant to preach the world about your personal experience just saying
I struggled to stay sober for years & went without booze for only 3 months once. I needed support & found Kevin and his words encouraged me. I’m now a bit over 2 years sober. My life has changed & horses came back into my life when I needed something to take up my free time. I escaped the darkness & made it out of that miserable place. So thankful I can’t help tearing up. ✊
congrats on two years! I can't seem to get passed 40-50 days. Every time I get there my mind starts thinking "ok, you got this. You can have 1 night of getting drunk." That turns into 3-5 nights then I feel like shit and do it all over again. How do you get past the mind messing with you and telling you that you dont need to fully stop?
@@marcreynolds7951 I seem to get in the same exact pattern as you Marc! Not sure how to push past that battier.
❤🙏🏾💯
To both Josh and Marc. I found myself in similar situations at first, what worked for me is actually changing the folks I hung out with. There were "friends" I had that were just drinking friends and it was too unfomfortable to hang out with them anymore. Of course to this day they give me a hard time because they obviously still drink but the ties had to be broken. it was not fun hanging out with drinkers when I wasn't.
Awe 2 yrs?! Wow. I'm at 15 months. And I'd been drinking since 12 yrs old. I really like this guy Kevin. I hate AA. Just me. Horses what a neat way to take your time. I love walking my dog everyday and country drives jamming to my music andd avoiding speeding citations lol I drive a muscle car. Anyways II wish you well!
I’m about 10 weeks sober now and just completed a 3 day music festival without a drink for the first time ever
I must say I really enjoyed it and for some reason when I got home I broke down and cried
Think It was tears of joy but I was full of emotions
I’m really glad I did it and I gained a lot of experience from it and didn’t struggle with any urges to drink
Times goes a lot slower when sober and I like it
Thanks for all your videos they are life changing
Great barrier broken Jay
That euphoria was nature's way of rewarding your path to renewal. There's going to be many more to come. Keep the poison out of your mouth ;)
Thanks for sharing Jay. It gives others, including me, hope to push past the first few days/weeks!!!
I remember feeling that I needed a "high or buzz" to enjoy the music. Sadly, all I ended up with was a hang over and not remembering much of the concert. Now that I am sober, I do not wake up hung over. I remember the concert, smells, noises, food, conversations and landscape. I thought I enjoyed concerts in my youth. Turns out, I was just addicted to the buzz and the concert(s) were just part of that addiction journey. Now with sobriety, I look forward to seeking new musical experiences, especially at smaller venues. much love, health and have a safe journey
Wow this topic hits the nail on the head for me. I'm about a month in and the fog has began to clear. Now big questions have began to arise: who am I? What am I? Where am I going? What am I doing?
This has been extremely difficult & mentally exhausting because I don't have concrete answers to any of those questions. Some days it can really get me down.
But this video, it's just what I needed to hear. Thank you.
Glad it helped you mate.
Indeed, sobriety necessarily leads to an existential crisis. A crisis that has no real resolution.
One year sober today...Still fighting the urge at least once daily to have a drink and get absolutely legless... But not for today. Great Vids.
Tell me about it !!
I thought the urges would diminish but they seem to get tighter and stronger.
The out door environment adds an almost therapeutic touch to your videos on quitting alcohol. Very tranquil and peaceful, which is a reminder I suppose of one the incentives of getting out and enjoying things without alcohol.
Glad you think so, Andrew. Part of the intention.
@@HabitsV2 And, I love the dogs.
I've been sober for a little over six months, and I've got a good job. I'm just unsure if I want to continue being with my lady of seven years. I'm helping with three kids that have been part of my life all those seven years. It's hard, when you get sober and think that your wasting your life with the wrong person, only hanging on for the kids. The kids are not my bio-wise, but they see me as a father figure. I'm scared that moving forward without my current lady will cause me to fall off and drink. I need prayer.
You can do this. Focus on today. 1-0. That's enough. Tomorrow you get up and do it all over again.
Why dont you make some children of your own?
My advice man., leave you will be happier.. mine left and I quit booze it wasn’t as hard after I realized I was super unhappy with my ex.
Hi Kevin, I’ve watched your videos and others throughout the years when Ive tried to stop drinking. I drank everyday for 7-8 years. I’m currently 2 months sober, the most I’ve ever done since my drinking was full on. I feel stronger than I ever have and went on holiday last week without a drink. A holiday was the cause of my relapse last year so I feel that was a massive hurdle over come.
Great job!
I’m one day in and I’m miserable
@@mrchihuahuaboy4306 how’s it going now ?
@@boxingexpert9919 I’m in and out of drinking
@@mrchihuahuaboy4306 I’m just starting but you don’t seem as tho u want it enough
Sometimes I feel like the constant thoughts of being sober makes it harder and worse. Like the trying to do sober instead of just being if that makes sense. Or People who count days, it makes it seem like your constantly placing your mind on alcohol just by doing that instead of letting go all together. For many it’s as if alcohol has become some type of “god” that people have an unhealthy fear of. Forgive me if I’m wrong it’s just seems exhausting. It appears that what you give your mind to is what will have you, in general. You pretty much become what you think about if I’m not mistaken 🤔 what I give my mind to is what will consume me so for me personally, constantly thinking about *not drinking alcohol is still thinking about alcohol which makes it worse because I know what it does so it makes me miserable 😖. I’d rather not think about alcohol all together wether it be drinking it or not drinking it. Something’s just don’t deserve my attention anymore.
Being sober is the default way of being, not drinking. It should be the most natural thing in the world to do. Instead, we've been brainwashed into believing that putting a toxin into our bodies to medicate ourselves is the default. What you focus on is what you get. It takes time to change your mindset and general mode of thinking, but it's all down to you to persevere.
I completely know what you mean. The first two times I gave up alcohol, I made it to 73 days, then 71 days. I can honestly say that I did not struggle. i just got... bored. Not because I was not drinking, but b/c focusing on not drinking just became so tedious. I am not sure what the answer is. I just feel like constantly counting days draws too much attention to it. Nothing wrong with knowing what day you are on. But I'd rather lose track and then check when I am curious than thinking about it every day.
@@HabitsV2 I understand what you mean thank you for your input sir…. But just to kinda point out what you said is the exhausting perspective I was referring to (IMO)
“Being sober should be the most natural thing in the world to *do”
For me, it’s like saying “I’m *trying to be a human being” but I am a human being so it’s not something I need to *do ya know?
If I was an alien 👽 then that statement would make sense. Okay, Let’s say I was an alien, trying to be a human being would constantly make me *conscious that I am not. It would always be in the back of my mind that what I’m *doing is a performance, a type of work because it’s not natural. You don’t have to do natural. Natural in itself is just there without thought like breathing. You don’t think about breathing right? You just breath.
When you focus moment to moment on doing sobriety the alternative is in the back of your mind 24/7 …being what’s natural (sober) shouldn’t be a focus no more than breathing.
This!!! I stopped counting "days sober" and made a list of new things I wanted to try. Currently starting a new business. If I don't think about alcohol, I won't miss it. Just going to experiment like he mentions in the video and keep moving forward.
@@Cheese_crackersYou need to focus on the future instead of the past... away from sober thoughts. I never referred to myself as sober... When I stopped drinking, I called it a new beginning, a new journey, and I've been on the journey since. What you focus on is what you get. Best of luck to you Taylor. I hope it all works out for you.
No doubt it doesn’t happen over night but if most definitely happens. It’s not always easy to walk with your shoulders back but you have to in tough times after quitting. Sometimes just being somewhere and seeing too much of it is enough to make you question your decision. Thats when you put that in one hand and your commitment to sobriety in the other and see who wins. I’m happy to be sober and where I am now vs. 3 months ago. Every day is a new personal record.
Exactly...
Since quitting 8months ago I've done numerous things to my house I've put off when I was drinking and now I'm getting back in touch with my main hobby ; creating music . Unfortunately now I'm having numerous issues with my music studio software it's got me so frustrated and depressed I'm now considering going back to drinking. I've tried every avenue to fix these problems and nothings working. I hope I can find my way through this, wish me luck!
Good luck man
Don’t worry about things not working right now, It will work in the end
Put it this way having a drink will most definitely not get it working
How is going back to drinking gonna help you mate? Your brain is coming up with a pretty lame excuse.
@@JoshuaSchmalstig it Reaper im working with, it seems to be issues with the "paths" , I can't record my bass or save recordings .. im considering un-installing and re-installing Reaper..im also in talks with Cockos too.. its mind boggling
@@HabitsV2 your right kev, it is a lame excuse , but sometimes I get tired of realitys constant headaches
@@jaywell1443 thx jay
Thanks Kevin, almost 6 months sober. Your videos have gotten me here.
Good to hear
You speak from the heart, brother. You keep it short and simple. It is true and natural. And you know what you are talking about because you have been there - and so have I. But today we are in a competely different place! I am sober now. It is the best decision I have ever made. All this energy and clarity! Playfulness. Wonder. Thank you for being there. You are a good man. It brings me joy to see you hiking in those beautiful mountains as the sun rises once again. Om shanti. God bless you.
Kevin, this is very good subject! This is what I have been thinking for awhile: who I am, what I really want to do and where I want to go. Big questions, but the answer will come when it comes.
It takes time for the mind to open up to new experiences and then to digest them. I'm still learning. Always will be I reckon.
@@HabitsV2 It is a process. What is the rush? We are clean now. New life.
Great topic. I’m 10 months after a 29 year toxic relationship with alcohol amd I finally feel free. This topic is so true and I can totally relate.
I used to love swimming and when I was younger and absolutely loved it,it made me feel free and I have now taken up wild swimming to pick up from when I was my authentic self.
Life is good. I like who I am finally and that is priceless.
Good luck on your journeys friends 🙏🏼🏃♀️😊
Good choice in background music Kevin
Glad you like it. :)
hello Kevin. I agree that you learn more from your failures than your successes.
Such great insight and advice and not many people really get it how this pans out for many. The work really does start when you make that decision, I hesitate to say that deciding is the easy part, but once you put that behind you, you can start moving forward. One thing I will say in regards to my path, while deciding to deep-six the drink doesn’t mean things get instantly perfect, overall I am much happier, and that is by orders of magnitude. Thanks for your thoughts, Kevin.
Nothing is perfect in general. The idea is to find more happiness in life, more contentment. Some people mistake it for happiness all the time, which is not possible or even something to be desired. Well done man.
67 years old now,talked to myself about drinking to much for probably 30 + years,maybe I never got it so bad and not to many problems,taking my health now,I still go a few days or three weeks then drink for four days or maybe ten,when I still worked I pushed on with life,retired now and find myself doing the minimal of anything I should do.How many days will I stay on the couch or miss doing stuff,? Takes about five days of no booze to really start feeling better,everything gets better and better every day,
Great video alcohol does give an out but you need to push through patience and the work starts when you stop some great words and that alcohol is a selfish thing to do.
Hope ur still doing good.i enjoy your videos.well done.great advice ur giving.keep videos coming.Thank you.ill be looking forward to them.
Still here.
Thankyou Kevin for another great video, pleased to say i'm on my tenth day sober thanks to your videos. Early days yet but i feel great and little by little getting my old life back when i didn't drink, thanks again. Upwards and onwards.
Thanks for the wisdom and knowledge you share.. this helps me push forward..
Glad to help
Now, realize the gift that you have been given...
Hello , Kevin,
I personally think, that you don't need background music.
I prefer nature sounds. 😁👍🤝😎
Noted!
Great insight, Thank You x
Brilliant as ever! Ethanol an poison and drug cleverly packaged 📦
Slightly off subject, but where abouts did you record this? Looks a great place for a run out with the dogs.
Andorra
Great video. Thank you.
31 years old trying again.
But this time k have a 6month old babygirl to help me though it.
Ive put on 51 kg in 2 years from drink and bad food.
If i wanna see my girls graduate, then i have to change
More coffee.
I just got done going through two weeks of detoxification from alcohol, and it's been quite a nasty ride. Just started school and new job, and I have been listening to his advice. I have been focusing on what Habbits Unplugged said in another video: "the first 30 days are crucial. You're working on developing your confidence back", or something similar.
This morning I finished watching a movie I started watching last night, "FALLEN-don't trust a soul" with Denzel Washington.
As I'm listening to this Habbits Unplugged video while getting ready to head out, he talks about being obsessed with yourself and how we're supposed to build on good habits over time.
On the door, in the room where I do school work, and watch TV, I hung a sheet of paper last year when I was fresh out of rehab and staying sober. I was feeling grateful for my sobriety. The sheet reads in Ephesians 6:11-18, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...".
I don't know how accurate the movie the "FALLEN" is, but it does seem pretty real after all that I've been through with this addiction to alcohol.
In AA they say at the start: "let us take a moment of silence for the alcoholic who still suffers". I am often reminded of that when I am going through withdrawals.
This spiritual battle seems all too real to me now at this point in my life. But I'm going to say something someone ones told me: we all just need to "keep-on-keeping on".
I'm having such a hard time!! I feel like such a whiner and so weak 😭
We all feel that way sometimes. Change doesn't come cheap and the reality takes no prisoners and provides no hiding places. Tough in the beginning, but that is truly what makes you stronger.
Everyone who gets sober feels this way, it's part of the cycle of sobriety. Keep moving forward, this to shall pass... Promise.
Thank you
Thank you 😊
Thanks!
Thank you, Leslie. I really appreciate it :)
i don’t know what to do?
Now I’m living My life like I was supposed to for the last 35+years never been happier 6 months sober and never looking back 🫡
Be an Oak - Take roots!
I got friends that are sober and married I'm a lot happier than them so what you pedaling? It seems a little arrogant to preach the world about your personal experience just saying
Good for you, Michaella 😀
👍👍👍