Hello Sunday Morning » Amelie

My greatest HSM achievement so far (Amelie)

Amelie — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:30:04 +0000

I can’t believe it is 6 weeks already…the funny thing is I don’t miss drinking…incredible! I am enjoying life so much more for what it is…not for what I wish it were….. I have been wanting to sit down and write this post for a while now but as usual, time gets away and I don’t get around to it. So….it is 10pm and freeeeeezzzzing (well if 8 deg is freezing ) and I am in bed with electric blanket on and the heater…mmmm cosy! So here is my ‘greatest HSM achievement so far’ …About 4 weeks ago (2 weeks into my HSM) I had a scare… I went to the Dr and she suggested I may have cancer – wow was that a shock – and I had to wait a week until I could get into the clinic that would determine if I did. This was obviously a very stressful wait, and in the past I’m certain I would have reacted to this type of situation by having a few bevvies (and more) but somehow, miraculously, I managed to ‘distract’ myself and got through the week alcohol-free. Along the way I discovered how supportive my friends are and I felt very much loved and cared for. So all up 2 BIG positives came out of this scare (well 3 actually as tests showed it was not cancer after all ) I’m certain that in the past alcohol has been a crutch for me, a way of numbing my unpleasant feelings – but this is only a quick fix and is detrimental in the long term as it has prevented me from developing confidence in my coping skills and confidence in the fact that these feelings will pass. So with this ‘achievement’ I feel I am well on my way to becoming more resilient – YAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!

Well, it’s 7 degrees now and dropping and the electric blanket is making me sleepy, so I guess it’s time to sign off…good night, Amelie xx

About to hit the soccer field with my nephew last weekend

Another week down :-)

Amelie — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 09:01:21 +0000

Hmmm…reflections on another week and no alcohol. Well the first thing that springs to mind is I am sleeping so much better! I am having these really vibrant dreams that I am remembering well….very interesting (and slightly scary) to know what is going on in my sub conscious :-) People are saying how well I look…I am finding there are soooo many more hours in the day, I am not getting as tired as I used to (I’m now sure this due to alcohol sucking my energy away), am going to bed later, sleeping fewer hours. I generally feel much happier in myself and ‘present’ in my life.

I have found a good N/A drink that suits me…the Edenvale range of non-alcoholic wines are brilliant – they are actually wines that have had the alcohol removed – they are not very sweet and suit me prefectly. my drink of choice was wine so now I can still take a bottle to dinner, drink the entire thing and not get drunk! lol My favourite is the sparkling wine – it is really close to champagne -a really great drink! A bottle is only $8 and can be bought at Coles and Woolies. Hmmm…what else?? I am happy to say I am moving towards my career change goal and am about to enrol in uni for next semester…fingers crossed I get in That’s all for now… Happy Sunday Evening…Amelie xx

HELLO TO HELLO SUNDAY MORNING (Amelie)

Amelie — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:38:40 +0000

Hi, my name is Amelie and I am a new member – I saw the story on ch 7 and thought the idea was really interesting and something I needed to do. Yes, there was a ‘light bulb’ moment for me (that involved gin and memory loss) and I am happy to say I am already 2 weeks into my 3 month HSM – yay. I have tried to give up alcohol before but without the support systems I found it very hard. All my friends drink and it is so hard to be the ‘odd one out’. It has just become a part of my life but I don’t really think there is any benefit at all to me.

In the past 2 weeks, I have soooooooo much more energy, can pack more into each day. I like feeling ‘in control’ of my actions and words – life is simpler. I certainly don’t miss the hangovers!

So…My goals are to decide on a new career direction (I was a teacher for 8 years but gave that up 3 years ago and haven’t yet found new direction) and to improve my fitness level (and to lose a few kilos in the process - hopefully my puppy will be able to help with this one )

I am really looking forward to being involved with this site and embarking on this new adventure…!

Cheers, Amelie