I have been sober for a couple of weeks. During this time I have picked up jobs for my part-time cleaning job, communicated with landlords, property managers, potential roommates, in order to secure housing for April, been to rehearsals for a dance show I’m in NOT hungover, and started a new part-time job as a caregiver. Though there were times I wanted to drink because I was stressed, I would not have been able to be as responsive, clear-minded, and organized if it hadn’t been for sobriety.
I got hired for a job that doesn't start for a while, so I've been helping my dad with some big tasks in another state than where I live. I made an important phone call last week, and today, a company is picking up a bunch of cars that don't work and other equipment to sell at an auction. Where he lives is isolated and would have been a nightmare situation if I was still drinking. We also hadn't really been talking before I came out here, so we have been learning how to communicate and coexist while I've been helping him with things. I'm so grateful to be sober, to be able to heal my relationship with my dad and be reliable. More proof that I can do hard things. IWNDWYT.
I had to stop and think about my parents as humans, and to stop putting so much pressure on myself to fix every part of my life I had pushed away or given up on. The past few months has been full of growth and change and I feel so much lighter now that I have stronger family connections. I'm stoked about the future now, too.
Good work all around! I'm ripping my way toward 90 days, I started a new part-time job at a pharmacy a few weeks ago and don't dread going to work because I'm clear-headed and not hungover. I sleep great even when I don't sleep well, and I just got through a 4 day stretch where my wife was away on a fishing trip and I was home alone with the kids. That would have been prime drinking time for me after the kids went to bed, but I just kept my head down and got shit done. Feels great. IWNDWYT.
Update on my jogging. I was able to run for only 20 minutes. Like a dumbass, I tripped on some grass while crossing the street but I’m okay. I also ran and stopped at times because I was breathing heavily. I wish I was more healthier. I also checked my bmi. I’m 5’4” and currently weigh 167.4 pounds. While that isn’t entirely overweight, it’s a bit much. So I have to be more active. Hope things are going well for you all on a Monday. Also got my shoes muddy. Whoopee.
You got out there and did it! I used to run a lot. Currently I run 1-3 days a week, but walk daily. I've been losing weight and mixing in brisk walking more than running let's me get the mental health and exercise benefits while avoiding overuse injuries that are quicker to hit while I drop weight. Good luck and congrats again on 4 days!
Awesome job! Getting back into exercising is soooo much harder than keeping it up after doing it for a while. Just getting out there and doing it is huge, and consistency is more important than perfection. Good for you!
Yesterday I did week 3, day 2 of a lifting program called Super Squats.
I squatted 220lbs for 20 reps in one set. Breathing squats, so several breaths between each rep.
The weight is heavy *for me*, but that 3-4 minutes under the bar….whew. Brutal but so rewarding.
Tomorrow is 225!
Today is my day one after many day ones, but this time, it feels different. I woke up with tons of energy, no brain fog, with a great attitude. Mondays are my busiest day of the week and I'm not actually dreading it at all. IWNDWY!
Love it! My property was a rental before I bought it and there's thick vine, shrub, and tree overgrowth surrounding the perimeter. I've been enjoying sober weekend mornings getting up clear-headed and chipper, tackling the overgrowth with my loppers and chainsaw.
The exercise is helping to strengthen my heart and I love being able to stand back and see a significant difference each time I go at it.
I have caulk, spackle, paint, tools, brushes, and accessories purchased and waiting for a rainy weekend so I can make progress inside and avoid any old temptations.
Over 4 years sober . Caught the sunrise on my way to drop off kids summer camp application , grab eclipse glasses from my dad and be early for my 8am annual eye exam. It’s 11am
Now and my eyes are just becoming un dilated so about to take my 2 pups for a walk !!! I LOVE life sober 🙏🙏
Mornings are unrecognizable for me. Up at 5 in the morning and hitting the gym regularly before work. This would have never been possible for me if I was still drinking. 5 am on a Monday? No way! Ive never been so consistent with gym time before and the results are really starting to show. I'm so excited to see if I can keep it up and what I will look like in a few months or even a year. The glow up is actually happening.
Besides a one day blip, I've been sober since Christmas. We have renovated a bathroom, painted most of the whole house, I've crocheted a stuffie for my daughter, and I am almost done knitting a vest for myself! And my house is much cleaner!
I moved last month and the new place is still a WIP. I need to order some new furniture and tackle some easy-ish but annoying tasks like hanging curtain rods.
Now that I’m not drinking I also finally have the patience to train my dog, so will be working with him throughout the day as well.
I love getting shit done while sober! Every morning I create my list of shit to do. I include things I do maintain my sobriety - hit a meeting, make time to meditate, go for a walk or take a nice long bath to relax. I also add in social things daily - visit a family member, call a friend, meet someone for lunch, etc.
While I was drinking, I let my house get dirty and cluttered. Every day I work at it. It's so good for my mental well being to live in a more orderly and calm home.
This past week I cleaned out closets, made far too many cookies, called my mom, scheduled a lunch with my sister, cleaned up recycling and spent quality time with my immediate family. I scheduled doctors appointments, arranged for a contractor to come do some much needed work, paid bills and more.
The sober life is a for sure "getting shit done" life. And I love it.
> It's so good for my mental well being to live in a more orderly and calm home.
This is so true. My home no longer reflects the inner chaos going on in my drunken mind.
I've been working 6 days a week, but recently started doing live audio again at an alcohol-free club. I've been feeling kinda discouraged with my boring day job, so it's nice getting back into an industry I thought I had "retired" from years ago.
I'm feeling a bit overextended, but it is nice being sober and reliable for all this stuff. I just kinda wish I had more "me" time.
It certainly beats where I was a few years ago drunk broke and spending most of my time in bed wishing I was dead.
Please see [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/cx9nic/the_time_has_come_for_a_change_at_sd_today_we_are/) for how to set your badge.
I have been waking up early and walking at least three miles a day outside. Also been getting so much cleaning and chores done, so much easier to do it with a clear head. I used to use alcohol to motivate myself, now I realize it was always slowing me down.
After MANY years of talking about it, I finally got the paperwork together and applied for my Irish citizenship (from US :)!! It was my birthday present to myself, something I have wanted to do forever, and it NEVER would have happened if I was still drinking.
Oh, I have been thinking of doing this very thing, because two of my grandparents were born in Ireland. May I ask for a ballpark of how much it cost to do this?
www.dfa.ie is the website. I considered using an attorney but really no reason as I had to collect the supporting documents anyway and that was the hardest part.
You will need your grandparents birth marriage and death certificate, parents birth (marriage death) certificate and your birth certificate all long form official. Then a bunch of other proof of residency documents/pics.
Good luck and please reach out if i can be of any help!
I am working on recovering our sofa. I got one cushion done today. Should have it all done by the end of the month. I'm trying to take my time and do it as good as I can. Lots of mistakes are happening, but more would be happening if I were drinking
I want to be in your club, Mary! I’ve recently gotten a lot of shit done — sold my house, packed it up, moved back to OR, resettled, and am now looking for work (I have an interview in 2 hours; send good juju). And keeping up my mental health by hiking and playing pickleball. ❤️❤️
I just signed up for my third Gasparilla half-marathon and I currently in maintenance mode with my running. I am focusing more on the journey of running over the results of trying to PR during every run. I am also excited to have my Dad come out to see me at the end of this month and plan on taking the next couple weeks to deep clean my house.
Thank you for the kind word, I couldn't have gotten to the fitness level needed to complete a half-marathon if I was still drinking. The Gasparilla race offers a beer at the end of the race, but it is nice to be free of the desire to want to drink. When I finished I had a bit of water and then had a great breakfast.
Had morning meeting regarding switching to a new area in my field. Believe I made a powerful impression, that will pave the way to my goal. Follow up with my mgr tomorrow to make a game plan.
After that I drove my SO to the dentist (3 hrs each way).
Then went bargain shopping for a couple hours, and watched some tv series and a movie.
Now it’s time for bed.
IWNDWYT
I got tested for sleep disorders.
Drinking prevented me from handling my shit for a long time, and this is just another example of how sub’s support has affected other areas of my life.
Thank you. I’m proud of us.
Joined a writing group, scheduled some elective surgery that requires lots of clearance tests, which I ompleted, reconnected with an old friend (who doesn't drink as an activity for the day) and did all my usual routines free from alcohol and it's accompanying hangovers!
I’m working on my finances. It’s hard and stressful, but severe anxiety about it caused me to ignore it. I can face it head on. Paid off some lingering bills today, spent a few hours Friday working on it.
Ran 4 miles this morning, tackled my inbox and went to a dermatologist to get rid of a mole instead of doom-procrastinating. Ready for lunch and the afternoon.
Bonus points: physician asks how many drinks I've averaged the last few months, I said 0 and they were impressed. Caveated that I used to drink though.
For the past three-four years I’ve done nothing but drink, play Magic Arena and watch Mystery Science Theatre 3000. (Yes, I’m a dork.)
8 days and counting. Looking forward to getting shit done myself.
I just left an awful job on Friday (I was so stressed and miserable there) and am starting a dream job a week from today. I have this unexpected week off and it is officially my GETTING SHIT DONE week. Over the weekend I donated blood and got dental work done. This week I’m taking my car in for repair, hitting the laundromat, deep-cleaning different areas of my house, getting a haircut, buying a few new work outfits. I’m including some relaxation time, but I’m going to be getting a lot done - and if I was still drinking, I know I’d be having a LOT of useless, wasted time spent feeling terrible this week.
I’m so excited to be starting fresh at a new job, and I attribute my success at leaving my last job and finding something new to my sobriety. I’m doing great on my counter. And EVEN SO, when I got the good news, my traitorous brain briefly considered champagne, was getting to the “you’ve been doing fine, you can handle a glass of champagne” before I caught myself. First time I’ve been tempted in six months. Here’s to vigilance and IWNDWYT!
Starting my new job today, only one day sober, peer pressure played a part this past weekend. Also can’t forget that next week is St Patty day. I might have to take an injury or something
Thank you so much for calling my club "cool"! Yes, this is a weekly thing, and we'd love to have you join. What shit have you been getting done recently?
Right now I'm on my lunch @ work. So far I've made a hydraulic hose, recieved inventory, dispatched our drivers, completed 3 cycle counts and sold several parts to several customers. Pretty boring stuff but it's nice working 10 minutes from home. Bennies are great too.
Hello sobernauts! I made a full reassessment of my weekly training plan, let's see if I can make some progress in the gym! Being sober certainly makes this easier
\- got to work early
\- went to the gym
\- bought plane tickets
\- thought about buying other plane tickets.
Yesterday was my big Get Shit Done day, so today is a little more chill.
Great club! The productivity is so off the charts it’s unnerving! Just this past week:
1. Cleaned and reorganized a relative’s apartment.
2. Baked a cake for Mom’s birthday.
3. Started a 12-week university course.
4. Completed breath and movement practices every day to calm me down after so much productivity.
Drinking me wouldn’t even have be able to write all that.
I have been sober for a couple of weeks. During this time I have picked up jobs for my part-time cleaning job, communicated with landlords, property managers, potential roommates, in order to secure housing for April, been to rehearsals for a dance show I’m in NOT hungover, and started a new part-time job as a caregiver. Though there were times I wanted to drink because I was stressed, I would not have been able to be as responsive, clear-minded, and organized if it hadn’t been for sobriety.
Great job!
Thank you!
Good for you! Keep going!
Thanks!
I got hired for a job that doesn't start for a while, so I've been helping my dad with some big tasks in another state than where I live. I made an important phone call last week, and today, a company is picking up a bunch of cars that don't work and other equipment to sell at an auction. Where he lives is isolated and would have been a nightmare situation if I was still drinking. We also hadn't really been talking before I came out here, so we have been learning how to communicate and coexist while I've been helping him with things. I'm so grateful to be sober, to be able to heal my relationship with my dad and be reliable. More proof that I can do hard things. IWNDWYT.
Great job on having a better relationship with your father. Having better relationships with my family is one of the joys of my sobriety.
I had to stop and think about my parents as humans, and to stop putting so much pressure on myself to fix every part of my life I had pushed away or given up on. The past few months has been full of growth and change and I feel so much lighter now that I have stronger family connections. I'm stoked about the future now, too.
Good work all around! I'm ripping my way toward 90 days, I started a new part-time job at a pharmacy a few weeks ago and don't dread going to work because I'm clear-headed and not hungover. I sleep great even when I don't sleep well, and I just got through a 4 day stretch where my wife was away on a fishing trip and I was home alone with the kids. That would have been prime drinking time for me after the kids went to bed, but I just kept my head down and got shit done. Feels great. IWNDWYT.
You're killing it, keep at it 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
I plan on jogging for a bit. For context I am on day 4 of being sober! This group really puts things in perspective for me.
Update on my jogging. I was able to run for only 20 minutes. Like a dumbass, I tripped on some grass while crossing the street but I’m okay. I also ran and stopped at times because I was breathing heavily. I wish I was more healthier. I also checked my bmi. I’m 5’4” and currently weigh 167.4 pounds. While that isn’t entirely overweight, it’s a bit much. So I have to be more active. Hope things are going well for you all on a Monday. Also got my shoes muddy. Whoopee.
20 minutes is an excellent start!! You’re doing great!
Thank you!
You got out there and did it! I used to run a lot. Currently I run 1-3 days a week, but walk daily. I've been losing weight and mixing in brisk walking more than running let's me get the mental health and exercise benefits while avoiding overuse injuries that are quicker to hit while I drop weight. Good luck and congrats again on 4 days!
Thank you. It’s not ha ha funny, but I always was inspired and oddly intrigued by how athletes jog everyday. How do they not break a sweat?
Awesome job! Getting back into exercising is soooo much harder than keeping it up after doing it for a while. Just getting out there and doing it is huge, and consistency is more important than perfection. Good for you!
20 minutes is incredible. For perspective I ran one minute and twenty seconds
Yesterday I did week 3, day 2 of a lifting program called Super Squats. I squatted 220lbs for 20 reps in one set. Breathing squats, so several breaths between each rep. The weight is heavy *for me*, but that 3-4 minutes under the bar….whew. Brutal but so rewarding. Tomorrow is 225!
My jaw dropped when I read 20 reps. SO IMPRESSIVE! GOOD JOB!
Thank you!! It is grueling but a cool test of willpower.
Dude, that weight is heavy for everyone! Let alone 20 reps!
Thank you my man!! Love it and hate it!
Today is my day one after many day ones, but this time, it feels different. I woke up with tons of energy, no brain fog, with a great attitude. Mondays are my busiest day of the week and I'm not actually dreading it at all. IWNDWY!
Yay, you! Have a great day.
Love it! My property was a rental before I bought it and there's thick vine, shrub, and tree overgrowth surrounding the perimeter. I've been enjoying sober weekend mornings getting up clear-headed and chipper, tackling the overgrowth with my loppers and chainsaw. The exercise is helping to strengthen my heart and I love being able to stand back and see a significant difference each time I go at it. I have caulk, spackle, paint, tools, brushes, and accessories purchased and waiting for a rainy weekend so I can make progress inside and avoid any old temptations.
I'm incredibly impressed by the work you're doing. When you're done, can you come over to my place? It's all falling apart. 😀
Over 4 years sober . Caught the sunrise on my way to drop off kids summer camp application , grab eclipse glasses from my dad and be early for my 8am annual eye exam. It’s 11am Now and my eyes are just becoming un dilated so about to take my 2 pups for a walk !!! I LOVE life sober 🙏🙏
I bet your pups love it, too.
Mornings are unrecognizable for me. Up at 5 in the morning and hitting the gym regularly before work. This would have never been possible for me if I was still drinking. 5 am on a Monday? No way! Ive never been so consistent with gym time before and the results are really starting to show. I'm so excited to see if I can keep it up and what I will look like in a few months or even a year. The glow up is actually happening.
I am excited for you, too.
Today is my day off. I’m going to clean out flower beds and enjoy the mild weather!
Your day off sounds lovely. Enjoy!
Besides a one day blip, I've been sober since Christmas. We have renovated a bathroom, painted most of the whole house, I've crocheted a stuffie for my daughter, and I am almost done knitting a vest for myself! And my house is much cleaner!
I moved last month and the new place is still a WIP. I need to order some new furniture and tackle some easy-ish but annoying tasks like hanging curtain rods. Now that I’m not drinking I also finally have the patience to train my dog, so will be working with him throughout the day as well.
Congrats on your move. Hope you are adjusting.
I love getting shit done while sober! Every morning I create my list of shit to do. I include things I do maintain my sobriety - hit a meeting, make time to meditate, go for a walk or take a nice long bath to relax. I also add in social things daily - visit a family member, call a friend, meet someone for lunch, etc. While I was drinking, I let my house get dirty and cluttered. Every day I work at it. It's so good for my mental well being to live in a more orderly and calm home. This past week I cleaned out closets, made far too many cookies, called my mom, scheduled a lunch with my sister, cleaned up recycling and spent quality time with my immediate family. I scheduled doctors appointments, arranged for a contractor to come do some much needed work, paid bills and more. The sober life is a for sure "getting shit done" life. And I love it.
> It's so good for my mental well being to live in a more orderly and calm home. This is so true. My home no longer reflects the inner chaos going on in my drunken mind.
I've been working 6 days a week, but recently started doing live audio again at an alcohol-free club. I've been feeling kinda discouraged with my boring day job, so it's nice getting back into an industry I thought I had "retired" from years ago. I'm feeling a bit overextended, but it is nice being sober and reliable for all this stuff. I just kinda wish I had more "me" time. It certainly beats where I was a few years ago drunk broke and spending most of my time in bed wishing I was dead.
> drunk broke and spending most of my time in bed This was me, too. Isn't it wonderful to be free of that?
Yep. Even on my worst days sober I just think back to those dark times and appreciate the life I now have. The good and the bad.
Yes!!
When is the counter fixed
Please see [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/cx9nic/the_time_has_come_for_a_change_at_sd_today_we_are/) for how to set your badge.
Thanks
I have been waking up early and walking at least three miles a day outside. Also been getting so much cleaning and chores done, so much easier to do it with a clear head. I used to use alcohol to motivate myself, now I realize it was always slowing me down.
> waking up early and walking at least three miles a day Very impressive!
After MANY years of talking about it, I finally got the paperwork together and applied for my Irish citizenship (from US :)!! It was my birthday present to myself, something I have wanted to do forever, and it NEVER would have happened if I was still drinking.
Lucky you! I would love to have dual citizenship with Ireland!!
Very lucky! I didn’t even believe it when I first learned of the program.
Oh, I have been thinking of doing this very thing, because two of my grandparents were born in Ireland. May I ask for a ballpark of how much it cost to do this?
Yes! To file the application was about $200. There were fees to get the necessary documents like birth certificates i think around $30 per.
Thank you for the info. Final question: did you use an attorney, or did you do it yourself?
www.dfa.ie is the website. I considered using an attorney but really no reason as I had to collect the supporting documents anyway and that was the hardest part. You will need your grandparents birth marriage and death certificate, parents birth (marriage death) certificate and your birth certificate all long form official. Then a bunch of other proof of residency documents/pics. Good luck and please reach out if i can be of any help!
This is enormously helpful. Thank you so much.
I am working on recovering our sofa. I got one cushion done today. Should have it all done by the end of the month. I'm trying to take my time and do it as good as I can. Lots of mistakes are happening, but more would be happening if I were drinking
So impressive – I've heard reupholstering is extremely difficult.
Lest I give the wrong impression, it’s the sofa on our boat. So it’s more like sewing slipcovers than upholstering a free standing sofa 😁.
I appreciate the honesty, but it sounds sounds like a challenging project to me!
I got into photography since starting my sobriety. It’s been so nice and fun.
I am envious. I have always wanted to do photography.
You should try, with photography I picked up hiking - I went and bought an ol regular camera.
I want to be in your club, Mary! I’ve recently gotten a lot of shit done — sold my house, packed it up, moved back to OR, resettled, and am now looking for work (I have an interview in 2 hours; send good juju). And keeping up my mental health by hiking and playing pickleball. ❤️❤️
Sending good juju, PB – I know you'll do great!
I just signed up for my third Gasparilla half-marathon and I currently in maintenance mode with my running. I am focusing more on the journey of running over the results of trying to PR during every run. I am also excited to have my Dad come out to see me at the end of this month and plan on taking the next couple weeks to deep clean my house.
I am SO impressed by this!
Thank you for the kind word, I couldn't have gotten to the fitness level needed to complete a half-marathon if I was still drinking. The Gasparilla race offers a beer at the end of the race, but it is nice to be free of the desire to want to drink. When I finished I had a bit of water and then had a great breakfast.
I have just recently began to realize how much more productive I’ve been and it feels great. Thank you for posting, OP!
Had morning meeting regarding switching to a new area in my field. Believe I made a powerful impression, that will pave the way to my goal. Follow up with my mgr tomorrow to make a game plan. After that I drove my SO to the dentist (3 hrs each way). Then went bargain shopping for a couple hours, and watched some tv series and a movie. Now it’s time for bed. IWNDWYT
I got tested for sleep disorders. Drinking prevented me from handling my shit for a long time, and this is just another example of how sub’s support has affected other areas of my life. Thank you. I’m proud of us.
Joined a writing group, scheduled some elective surgery that requires lots of clearance tests, which I ompleted, reconnected with an old friend (who doesn't drink as an activity for the day) and did all my usual routines free from alcohol and it's accompanying hangovers!
I’m working on my finances. It’s hard and stressful, but severe anxiety about it caused me to ignore it. I can face it head on. Paid off some lingering bills today, spent a few hours Friday working on it.
Ran 4 miles this morning, tackled my inbox and went to a dermatologist to get rid of a mole instead of doom-procrastinating. Ready for lunch and the afternoon. Bonus points: physician asks how many drinks I've averaged the last few months, I said 0 and they were impressed. Caveated that I used to drink though.
> physician asks how many drinks I've averaged the last few months, I said 0 Isn't this great? This never gets old.
For the past three-four years I’ve done nothing but drink, play Magic Arena and watch Mystery Science Theatre 3000. (Yes, I’m a dork.) 8 days and counting. Looking forward to getting shit done myself.
Congratulations on eight days! Great job.
I just left an awful job on Friday (I was so stressed and miserable there) and am starting a dream job a week from today. I have this unexpected week off and it is officially my GETTING SHIT DONE week. Over the weekend I donated blood and got dental work done. This week I’m taking my car in for repair, hitting the laundromat, deep-cleaning different areas of my house, getting a haircut, buying a few new work outfits. I’m including some relaxation time, but I’m going to be getting a lot done - and if I was still drinking, I know I’d be having a LOT of useless, wasted time spent feeling terrible this week. I’m so excited to be starting fresh at a new job, and I attribute my success at leaving my last job and finding something new to my sobriety. I’m doing great on my counter. And EVEN SO, when I got the good news, my traitorous brain briefly considered champagne, was getting to the “you’ve been doing fine, you can handle a glass of champagne” before I caught myself. First time I’ve been tempted in six months. Here’s to vigilance and IWNDWYT!
I am so thrilled for you that you are starting a dream job! You deserve it.
IWNDWYT!
Starting my new job today, only one day sober, peer pressure played a part this past weekend. Also can’t forget that next week is St Patty day. I might have to take an injury or something
> next week is St Patty day Groan. It's also my horrible ex-husband's birthday. I think we all need to refuse to participate.
Is this a real established weekly thing now or are you just starting something this cool right now?
Thank you so much for calling my club "cool"! Yes, this is a weekly thing, and we'd love to have you join. What shit have you been getting done recently?
Right now I'm on my lunch @ work. So far I've made a hydraulic hose, recieved inventory, dispatched our drivers, completed 3 cycle counts and sold several parts to several customers. Pretty boring stuff but it's nice working 10 minutes from home. Bennies are great too.
I’m actually thinking about work related problems and contributing to meetings
Hello sobernauts! I made a full reassessment of my weekly training plan, let's see if I can make some progress in the gym! Being sober certainly makes this easier
Keep us posted on your progress!
Today is day one again for me. I am committing myself to picking up groceries, making dinner and taking my youngest to her lessons, then early to bed.
Great job on getting through day one!
Thanks but the real task is this evening. I have plans in place to keep my mind on other things. So I feel good about it. Appreciate the support!
\- got to work early \- went to the gym \- bought plane tickets \- thought about buying other plane tickets. Yesterday was my big Get Shit Done day, so today is a little more chill.
Great club! The productivity is so off the charts it’s unnerving! Just this past week: 1. Cleaned and reorganized a relative’s apartment. 2. Baked a cake for Mom’s birthday. 3. Started a 12-week university course. 4. Completed breath and movement practices every day to calm me down after so much productivity. Drinking me wouldn’t even have be able to write all that.
Great job! Your last line made me laugh.