So I'm close to 6 weeks into my 3 month alcohol-free sojourn. No big revelations this past week, so I thought this was a good time to go over my HSM Yes's and rate myself for each.
[caption id="attachment_5873" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Me & Ang last week at Ad & Sal's welcome back party (please excuse my dodgy i-phone pic)"]
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- Support Ang with a clear mind through these tough months of her pregnancy
Big tick on this one. We've got some big things coming up headed by a move to a bigger place in preparation for our new arrival, so having 7 days of the week to be able to support and contribute as much as possible has been great (as opposed to writing off a night and a morning after here and there). I've enjoyed this so much that I'm already thinking 3 months might be just the beginning, and I might kick off another 3 month HSM once this ends. This is massive considering my previous longest dry stretch since I started drinking in '96 was 6 bloody tough weeks off the grog last year. Of course as 'tough' as not drinking is, I know it's all a piece of piss compared to having a human being growing inside you. This is driving me to want to be the best support I can for Ang.
Another big tick. As my last post 'The Inspiration' spelled out, I've now got a couple of non-drinking mates to high-five at social events. Also my brother Pete is talking about giving HSM a go after his birthday. If he does I'll be pretty stoked as I know it'd be awesome for him.
- Gain confidence/lose anxiety in social situations where others are drinking
This is very much a work in progress. I had a blast at Ad & Sal's welcome home party last week, so hopefully that helps give me the confidence to loosen up at social events minus the lubricant.
- Learn not to rely on alcohol at social events to have a good time
As above.
Hmm well this has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride! Actually put on 4kg over the Christmas break despite not drinking, can't imagine what I'd have gained had I had a beer in my hand the whole time too. I've since lost 2 of those kilos so I'm now heading in the right direction.
Overall I guess it's a tick each for the first 2, perhaps a quarter tick for the next 2, and nothing yet on the weight loss bit. So 2.5 outta 5. But feeling great so all in all very happy with the trip so far!
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18/01/11
Nothing more sobering than a pregnant wife hey Russ? Well done Ang for providing the inspiration.
How was the confidence/anxiety in social situations over the holiday period?
18/01/11
got better as the social engagements got ticked off. still a ways to go but feeling much more confident. if say 1 is me hiding in the toilet to avoid people, and 10 is me dancing on the bar, then i guess i’m sitting around 6, ie. not a wallflower, rather a little chatty but still conscious of my sobriety. having others there not drinking is a BIG help.
18/01/11
oh and yes a pregnant wife gives you a damned good reason to stay off the sauce!
18/01/11
Six weeks and sitting around 6, I’d say that is great. What level did you start on?
18/01/11
depended on the situation, but i reckon as an average i’d say 2.5-3. when i look it at that way it makes me feel pretty awesome now, cheers alex!