Posted on 12/16/2004 8:18:49 AM PST by SweetCaroline
Holiday Tips -Take Care of Yourself First-Join the Discussion
"After enjoying sobriety for a few years I realize how many holidays I wasted, drinking in bars, drinking in the kitchen and becoming too drunk to join the family for dinner!" Magic
I lived with the book "Living Sober" for seven years. It offered me very helpful suggestions in some very tricky situations. I learned that no one cares if I'm drinking or not and that "what" I carried in my glass was rarely noticed by anyone. At first I had the usual questions and fears about social activities like, what do I drink and what do I say, etc. I was one of those people that learned to say "Not right now, thank you".
The holiday hype is just another world situation that we have to deal with and with peace and serenity in our lives, it just happens. We must remember that in times of hype and high stress, it's okay to withdraw and quiet our insides until we feel strong again. It took me awhile; it is not an overnight accomplishment. It takes time and that's okay too.
We first have to learn to take care of ourselves and that's not selfish. It's self preservation and growth. We can't give to others what we do not have ourselves and I can't be carried on the whim of other people especially when I realize that at the other end, I will be left with whatever has been created by the situation and the other person probably won't be there nor will they care about my insides or about the level of my peace and serenity.
If I let myself go off the deep end because of people, places, and things, who is there to catch me? No one. Except, GOD. If my life is right with GOD then me and God can handle anything.
Don't let life be controlled by any person or thing or whatever. Be in balance with things as they happen and let you soul be with the Lord and nature and things will work for the good.
Later, An anonymous alcoholic
Why is that such a tough concept for some people?
Forget the liquor. I can't stay away from the FOOD!
Sorta kidding.
My family engages in heavy alcohol consumption on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Its always been that way and always will.
Manhattans and shots before church on Easter is another family tradition.
Another great tip are twisted Christmas songs, to play when the tension is getting to you. We have an extensive collection by various artists. Laughter is the best medicine.
Because so many of us live entirely within ourselves. The hard part if getting beyond our own head and feelings and think of others first. Serving others is the best cure for any psychosis. That is why Christian programs work where others fail. Serving something larger than self is the answer to all our problems. I watched a program last night about people who contributed to society in 2004. They spotlighted Christopher Reed. He was considering suicide right after his accident. It was only after he put his energy into advocating for all paralyzed people that he became interested in living and grew beyond his self-pity to become an effective whole "person" again. Okay, that's my sterling words of wisdom for the day (grin).
u have a cool family
I think it is because some people are pushy hosts. These are usually heavy drinkers themselves and it gives them a reason to fill up their own drink while they are making you another one. My husband is and my father was like that.
I guess the author doesn't dance?
However, I don't understand why saying no is such a big deal at a holiday party. These people are adults. Is peer pressure still really that strong?
You know, I'm not much of a drinker. I don't have any kind of moral problem with it, just never found anything I really liked that much. I've never felt guilty about saying, "No thanks. I'd rather have a Coke."
This is why God created potted plants! When I'm confronted with someone who take "No" for an answer, I accept the drink and then either abandon it, pour half of it down the sink or give the nearest pothos a slug.
Oddly, it never seems to harm them.
Now that is a hard one for me too AppyPappy. Everything looks so delightful. I'm like a kid in a candy store! Perhaps we should just replace the word ALCOHOL with the word FOOD when reading this article! LOL
Constitution Day, mykdsmom, and cardician have hung with my family and will vouch for their coolness.
It was the same with my family also. Of course most of us have moved away and/or quit drinking so that has changed.
bump for later...
How wise and thoughtful of you cake crumb. God Bless You!
Yes, I think we have become a me first society, but in order for an Alcoholics recovery, it is essential for a least the first year.
Although Anonymous Alcoholic may no longer be under the influence of alcohol, he's still under the PC influence.
A long, anti-Christophobia deprogramming session ought to bring him back to the truth and reality.
Merry Christmas.
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