Lesson 15: Be The Influence, Not Under It.
"My life is so much better." "You get paid to do what you do, you have your own show for God sakes." That's from an interview between golf commentator/jokester/TV show host David Fehrety and Charlie Rose. Fehrety has been seven years sober and since then gained celebrity status and is up for an Emmy. He and Mr. Robert Downey Jr., the latter who had a drug struggle and even had jail time, have rose out of the ashes and look at them now. One more I'd like to mention is a Gabrielle Bernstein, who after a cocaine and alcohol habit turned herself around with kundalini yoga and since then published several books and appeared on Oprah, Doctor Oz, and Anderson Cooper.
Karma. That's what I call it. With every successful quit one good or even great thing led to another. After my successful one year quit my story was published in two magazines. My art took off and I showed in five venues to date. I met my husband. My skin cleared up and I lost 30 pounds. I can bound up the stairs and play a decent golf game. I now experience joy instead of cheap thrills leading to anguish. If we can do it, you most certainly can.
Give up the bad stuff and watch the magic happen.
Love, peace, and pars,
SSG
Monday, June 9, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Instead.
Instead of drinking I will...
My husband will be gone all next week on a business trip and this is usually the time when my junkie brain says I can sneak wine in, and often too much of it. So you need to prepare a plan. I booked a spa treatment and bought a yoga class pass just for that week. I also did some internet retail therapy in increments close to $40 each (usually how much I spend on bingeing per night). So that money is gone. Done.
I also pressed my internal FF button on how am I going to feel when the hubs gets back. Will I be rewarded or dashed? It's up to me.
Love, peace, and facial peels,
SSG
My husband will be gone all next week on a business trip and this is usually the time when my junkie brain says I can sneak wine in, and often too much of it. So you need to prepare a plan. I booked a spa treatment and bought a yoga class pass just for that week. I also did some internet retail therapy in increments close to $40 each (usually how much I spend on bingeing per night). So that money is gone. Done.
I also pressed my internal FF button on how am I going to feel when the hubs gets back. Will I be rewarded or dashed? It's up to me.
Love, peace, and facial peels,
SSG
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Day 13. Make a date with yourself!
Lesson 13: hey babe wanna date?
I was working with an holistic therapist about five years ago, and one recommendation she gave me was to "take yourself out!" and make an event out of it. Take that hot bath, gussie up, wear your best dress and jewelry, make a healthy meal or go out to your favorite place, watch your favorite guilty pleasure on TV or go out to a play, opera, movie, ballet, murder mystery theatre. She said even pleasure myself! (the jetted tub I was talking about, best sex toy ever) You can even go on the date with a best bud. (but keep the self-pleasuring solo) This will boost those endorphins and you'll feel like a queen (or king).
Personal story time: In 1995 I went to stay with an ex-boyfriend while I was in his town to see a concert. All Hell broke loose when his current sig. other (oh you have a girlfriend) found out and I decided to find the most charming and expensive hotel in town and dine, not wine, myself in their highly-classy restaurant in a little LBD which every girl should take on every vacation. I even flirted with a man across the way even though we never formally met, it was just a glance thing. But I still felt amazing.
So take yourself on a date! At home or out, you'll feel amazing.
Love, peace, and filet mignon,
SSG
I was working with an holistic therapist about five years ago, and one recommendation she gave me was to "take yourself out!" and make an event out of it. Take that hot bath, gussie up, wear your best dress and jewelry, make a healthy meal or go out to your favorite place, watch your favorite guilty pleasure on TV or go out to a play, opera, movie, ballet, murder mystery theatre. She said even pleasure myself! (the jetted tub I was talking about, best sex toy ever) You can even go on the date with a best bud. (but keep the self-pleasuring solo) This will boost those endorphins and you'll feel like a queen (or king).
Personal story time: In 1995 I went to stay with an ex-boyfriend while I was in his town to see a concert. All Hell broke loose when his current sig. other (oh you have a girlfriend) found out and I decided to find the most charming and expensive hotel in town and dine, not wine, myself in their highly-classy restaurant in a little LBD which every girl should take on every vacation. I even flirted with a man across the way even though we never formally met, it was just a glance thing. But I still felt amazing.
So take yourself on a date! At home or out, you'll feel amazing.
Love, peace, and filet mignon,
SSG
Monday, April 21, 2014
Day 12: Go back to the womb.
Lesson 12: get wet!
A lot of people like to take hot baths for I am told subconsciously it reminds us of the comfort of our mother's womb. This is a great alternative it drinking for it brings us joy of being in a pure state. Plus our bodies composite of more than 70% h20. It's soothing, warm, and best of all some of the greatest writers and artists get their ideas from taking a bath!
I could also have called this post "Get Messy!!" For it's also therapeutic to play in the mud, finger paints,meet the aquarium animals, play in the grass, climb a tree, squish your toes in sand or walk through a river. You can also fill a bowl with river rocks or marbles and massage your feet in them. Try to pick them up with your toes! Again and yes, we are going back to our innocent childhood.
Hooray! Go play!!
Peace, Love, and avocado-honey face masks,
SSG
A lot of people like to take hot baths for I am told subconsciously it reminds us of the comfort of our mother's womb. This is a great alternative it drinking for it brings us joy of being in a pure state. Plus our bodies composite of more than 70% h20. It's soothing, warm, and best of all some of the greatest writers and artists get their ideas from taking a bath!
I could also have called this post "Get Messy!!" For it's also therapeutic to play in the mud, finger paints,meet the aquarium animals, play in the grass, climb a tree, squish your toes in sand or walk through a river. You can also fill a bowl with river rocks or marbles and massage your feet in them. Try to pick them up with your toes! Again and yes, we are going back to our innocent childhood.
Hooray! Go play!!
Peace, Love, and avocado-honey face masks,
SSG
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Day 11. Father, forgive me for my eleventh serving of Easter ham
Lesson #11: It's okay to indulge once in a while in anything BUT alcohol!
Holy crap, like the mornings after I drank, I'll never do that again! But it really helped me with my craves, before the fact that I realized I was thirsty and NOT hungry. However I'm not beating myself up. I actually made the mistake of eating a plate of just fruit, my pasta-tomato pesto salad, and grandmas Spanish chile for Easter brunch. Then it was two more bowls at home and a roll with avocado and sea salt. puff out cheeks and stomach here. But I didn't binge drink! I also didn't have any sweets. Go me. It was also fun while it lasted, and I knew I wouldn't binge eat again, at least until the next holiday.
This week to make yourself look more gorgeous than you already are because your skin has re-plumped from not drinking and maybe not smoking as I also quit, google some fruity Spring smoothies to make in the morning after feeling soberly refreshed! That's your extra reward. Look up all kinds of anti-oxidant foods that plump up and clean out your skin like Greek yogurt, avocado, nuts, papaya, pineapple, lemon, blueberries, strawberries, and much more. For great ideas go to my smoothie blog: http://www.radiantsmoothies.blogspot.com
Keep on keep on keepin' on, gorgeous.
I'm SO proud of you!!
Love, peace, and healthy fats like avocado,
SSG
Holy crap, like the mornings after I drank, I'll never do that again! But it really helped me with my craves, before the fact that I realized I was thirsty and NOT hungry. However I'm not beating myself up. I actually made the mistake of eating a plate of just fruit, my pasta-tomato pesto salad, and grandmas Spanish chile for Easter brunch. Then it was two more bowls at home and a roll with avocado and sea salt. puff out cheeks and stomach here. But I didn't binge drink! I also didn't have any sweets. Go me. It was also fun while it lasted, and I knew I wouldn't binge eat again, at least until the next holiday.
This week to make yourself look more gorgeous than you already are because your skin has re-plumped from not drinking and maybe not smoking as I also quit, google some fruity Spring smoothies to make in the morning after feeling soberly refreshed! That's your extra reward. Look up all kinds of anti-oxidant foods that plump up and clean out your skin like Greek yogurt, avocado, nuts, papaya, pineapple, lemon, blueberries, strawberries, and much more. For great ideas go to my smoothie blog: http://www.radiantsmoothies.blogspot.com
Keep on keep on keepin' on, gorgeous.
I'm SO proud of you!!
Love, peace, and healthy fats like avocado,
SSG
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Play! Day ten.
Lesson #10: natural highs.
All kids love to play. It's fun! It is a fact that children laugh about 300 times a day when the average adult laughs about three. Sad huh? We are taught to grow up, take things seriously, and that has given us so much stress that we turn to alcohol to make us feel good. We aren't allowed to play with toys or swing on the swings or twirl in the middle of the shopping mall because we'll look weird. A great yoga teacher once told me "We are all weird, just pretending not to be." I don't call it weird but outgoing, having fun, de-stressing! Now if you don't feel like going to the mall and twirling or skipping from store to store I won't get mad. However I want you to do a cardio activity that makes you feel good and gets your dopamine up. You don't need substances to get you high. I just did Zumba at home and I feel fantastic. You can also go to classes that make you feel like a kid like salsa, Glowga, laughter therapy, a rollerblading group, street hockey, a tennis club, golf lessons, or Zumba in a class. And you know you CAN go swing on the swings, run through the sprinklers or the mall fountain, play volleyball, skip rope, jump on the trampoline, and if people laugh that's THEIR stuff. You won't see them again. You won't get arrested (well depending which mall fountain it is actually). One time I did some standing yoga poses at a golf course and when I finished I heard this "Aaaaaand she's done!" I got red in the face at first, then I just laughed to myself. So what if I put on a free show? Don't let people get to you. Remember, all and ALL of your feelings start in YOUR head. No one else can control how you feel. Really! Tell me one person, animal, or thing that controls your feelings. Just do yourself a favor and feel good no matter what you do. Get some fun exercise in today!
All kids love to play. It's fun! It is a fact that children laugh about 300 times a day when the average adult laughs about three. Sad huh? We are taught to grow up, take things seriously, and that has given us so much stress that we turn to alcohol to make us feel good. We aren't allowed to play with toys or swing on the swings or twirl in the middle of the shopping mall because we'll look weird. A great yoga teacher once told me "We are all weird, just pretending not to be." I don't call it weird but outgoing, having fun, de-stressing! Now if you don't feel like going to the mall and twirling or skipping from store to store I won't get mad. However I want you to do a cardio activity that makes you feel good and gets your dopamine up. You don't need substances to get you high. I just did Zumba at home and I feel fantastic. You can also go to classes that make you feel like a kid like salsa, Glowga, laughter therapy, a rollerblading group, street hockey, a tennis club, golf lessons, or Zumba in a class. And you know you CAN go swing on the swings, run through the sprinklers or the mall fountain, play volleyball, skip rope, jump on the trampoline, and if people laugh that's THEIR stuff. You won't see them again. You won't get arrested (well depending which mall fountain it is actually). One time I did some standing yoga poses at a golf course and when I finished I heard this "Aaaaaand she's done!" I got red in the face at first, then I just laughed to myself. So what if I put on a free show? Don't let people get to you. Remember, all and ALL of your feelings start in YOUR head. No one else can control how you feel. Really! Tell me one person, animal, or thing that controls your feelings. Just do yourself a favor and feel good no matter what you do. Get some fun exercise in today!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Day 9. Money money money!
Lesson 9: The Savings!!
You are seriously not going to believe how much you are saving by not drinking. I would spend on average $60-$120 per night when I drank out, and anywhere from $40-$100 drinking in when I became a closet wino. At minimum, I was saving $400 per month.
It's fun to calculate how much you will save in one month, six months, and a year. Then how about making a vacation, bills, or shopping goal? Four times I put my wine money ($40 every other day or $20 a day) into a savings account and at the end of the month bought a pair of $300 Corral cowboy boots, a pair of Manolos, a pair of Louboutins, and a pair of Jimmy Choos. When I get compliments on them I either tell the person what I did usually, or just beam knowing by not boozing up I can afford something nice, fancy, and fun.
Even now without intentionally saving for something special, I shock myself by having extra cash in my checking account!
What was sad about my bad habit was what I would do to scramble and get the money for alcohol when I was spending too much on "good" wine. Now I'm sure people do worse things, I'd cash in my piggy bank for booze or sell clothes I didn't want to get rid of at the consignment shop for a mere $5-$20 then get something cheap at the liquor store or God forbid 'just beer'. That is still pretty pathetic and I could have done much better with my time! Maybe gone to a movie, the ballet or symphony, a sports game, gone ice skating, window shopping, or gone to the museum and experienced much more joy.
So savvy SoberStars, what are you going to do with all your cashola?
Love, peace, and shoes,
The Savvy Sobergirl
You are seriously not going to believe how much you are saving by not drinking. I would spend on average $60-$120 per night when I drank out, and anywhere from $40-$100 drinking in when I became a closet wino. At minimum, I was saving $400 per month.
It's fun to calculate how much you will save in one month, six months, and a year. Then how about making a vacation, bills, or shopping goal? Four times I put my wine money ($40 every other day or $20 a day) into a savings account and at the end of the month bought a pair of $300 Corral cowboy boots, a pair of Manolos, a pair of Louboutins, and a pair of Jimmy Choos. When I get compliments on them I either tell the person what I did usually, or just beam knowing by not boozing up I can afford something nice, fancy, and fun.
Even now without intentionally saving for something special, I shock myself by having extra cash in my checking account!
What was sad about my bad habit was what I would do to scramble and get the money for alcohol when I was spending too much on "good" wine. Now I'm sure people do worse things, I'd cash in my piggy bank for booze or sell clothes I didn't want to get rid of at the consignment shop for a mere $5-$20 then get something cheap at the liquor store or God forbid 'just beer'. That is still pretty pathetic and I could have done much better with my time! Maybe gone to a movie, the ballet or symphony, a sports game, gone ice skating, window shopping, or gone to the museum and experienced much more joy.
So savvy SoberStars, what are you going to do with all your cashola?
Love, peace, and shoes,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Friday, April 4, 2014
Day 8, Spring is coming!
Lesson # 8: Transformation
In the North West here Spring now is more like a Winter/Spring mix but we know that warmer weather is coming! Like your sobriety, it may seem to be looking up then you suddenly have a 'bad weather' day, or heck even week. The key is to keep looking forward to your better life and don't beat yourself up if it snowed, so to speak.
It's up to you, you need to see the green in life, for many of us are really good on seeing all the crap or what I call 'browns'. Believe me I have been to AA meetings months sober all cheery and full of energy, then someone with an even longer quit will speak up, "When is this going to get better? Sobriety SUCKS!" Well then, I think this person A: is not changing her lifestyle, B: is keeping the people who let her down in her life, and/or 3: she's really missing alcohol to relieve some problem she can't resolve. All the problems start in your little gray cells (yes big Poirot fan here) and the solution is in the same place. The obstacle? Fear. The real F-word! Here's something amazing, the easiest way to get that brick off of your shoulder is just dropping the fear. It's called being brave and not caring about the outcome, which will most likely be positive. With every death there is a re-birth. Be smart, plan ahead, and know there will be another job, a better mate, better-quality friends, etc. out there. Trust me. There's tons of new everything out there! Make it an adventure. Don't just sit there, go on the adventure!
Alcoholism is a mind game. Booze is an anti-depressant and keeps you in the brown. Climb out and get into some sunshine!! It's just around the corner.
Peace, love, and no weeds,
The Savvy Sobergirl
In the North West here Spring now is more like a Winter/Spring mix but we know that warmer weather is coming! Like your sobriety, it may seem to be looking up then you suddenly have a 'bad weather' day, or heck even week. The key is to keep looking forward to your better life and don't beat yourself up if it snowed, so to speak.
It's up to you, you need to see the green in life, for many of us are really good on seeing all the crap or what I call 'browns'. Believe me I have been to AA meetings months sober all cheery and full of energy, then someone with an even longer quit will speak up, "When is this going to get better? Sobriety SUCKS!" Well then, I think this person A: is not changing her lifestyle, B: is keeping the people who let her down in her life, and/or 3: she's really missing alcohol to relieve some problem she can't resolve. All the problems start in your little gray cells (yes big Poirot fan here) and the solution is in the same place. The obstacle? Fear. The real F-word! Here's something amazing, the easiest way to get that brick off of your shoulder is just dropping the fear. It's called being brave and not caring about the outcome, which will most likely be positive. With every death there is a re-birth. Be smart, plan ahead, and know there will be another job, a better mate, better-quality friends, etc. out there. Trust me. There's tons of new everything out there! Make it an adventure. Don't just sit there, go on the adventure!
Alcoholism is a mind game. Booze is an anti-depressant and keeps you in the brown. Climb out and get into some sunshine!! It's just around the corner.
Peace, love, and no weeds,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Friday, March 28, 2014
Sweaty salsa day seven!
Lesson 7: Yoga is great and all but...
That's what a close friend of mine told me after I was doing yoga to help my quit but still frustrated about some issues. "Why not get a punching bag or try kickboxing?" She said. This, actually, is a brilliant idea, especially if you invest in some stylish workout gear. I tried the kickboxing which was great, I don't have room for a punching bag but I became an expert in hitting pillows, then I finally decided to dance! Don't laugh, but Hip Hop Abs really toned up my whole bod. Now, as a result of yesterday's web stalking, it's all about Zumba. I popped in the DVD and it was a blast! Two years ago I got a Groupon for Zumba classes nearby and I had a great time. And don't worry, everyone makes a fool of themselves! It's fun and you sweat buckets. Your endorphins go up and you feel soooooooooo gooooood afterwards. I barely quit smoking when I started so I was always red in the face and breathing heavily, but the magic of quitting smoking is that your lungs heal and you get your breath back! Now I bounce around all I want with no redness and no wheezing!! It only took about 2-3 months not smoking to bound up the stairs and dance again with no problems.
Cute workout gear you can find anywhere nowadays, but for a price right? I have discovered www.ellie.com and www.onzie.com for cute affordable gear for women. The former you get an entire outfit starting at $49.95 and you go month to month skipping at any time. Also if you hit up TJ Maxx and Norstrom Rack there's usually plenty of great affordable workout shoes and clothes there.
On top of that, why don't you use some of that booze money for a massage? If you could afford to get hammered you can afford to take care of yourself!
So go get 'em, either at a class or in your living room, and get your confidence up and your groove on!
Love, peace, and sweat,
The Savvy Sobergirl
That's what a close friend of mine told me after I was doing yoga to help my quit but still frustrated about some issues. "Why not get a punching bag or try kickboxing?" She said. This, actually, is a brilliant idea, especially if you invest in some stylish workout gear. I tried the kickboxing which was great, I don't have room for a punching bag but I became an expert in hitting pillows, then I finally decided to dance! Don't laugh, but Hip Hop Abs really toned up my whole bod. Now, as a result of yesterday's web stalking, it's all about Zumba. I popped in the DVD and it was a blast! Two years ago I got a Groupon for Zumba classes nearby and I had a great time. And don't worry, everyone makes a fool of themselves! It's fun and you sweat buckets. Your endorphins go up and you feel soooooooooo gooooood afterwards. I barely quit smoking when I started so I was always red in the face and breathing heavily, but the magic of quitting smoking is that your lungs heal and you get your breath back! Now I bounce around all I want with no redness and no wheezing!! It only took about 2-3 months not smoking to bound up the stairs and dance again with no problems.
Cute workout gear you can find anywhere nowadays, but for a price right? I have discovered www.ellie.com and www.onzie.com for cute affordable gear for women. The former you get an entire outfit starting at $49.95 and you go month to month skipping at any time. Also if you hit up TJ Maxx and Norstrom Rack there's usually plenty of great affordable workout shoes and clothes there.
On top of that, why don't you use some of that booze money for a massage? If you could afford to get hammered you can afford to take care of yourself!
So go get 'em, either at a class or in your living room, and get your confidence up and your groove on!
Love, peace, and sweat,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Bonsoir! Day 6!
Lesson #6: Be the best version of yourself...influences don't hurt!
Hi how are you doing? I have to admit that I have been completely obsessed with Emma Watson lately. I love her style, her tall, slender frame, her strong eyebrows, her charity work, her love for chocolate chip banana bread, and the list goes on and on. Then I caught myself totally beating myself up for not being her. Have you done this? I think so because most of us winos love to do the " poor me" schtick. Am I right or am I right? " Oh I am not lucky like her and I'm a freeloader/stupid/fat/blah/blah/blah. Good gracious, grow up! No matter what sitch you are in, it doesn't hurt to love you for YOU. No excuses, I don't care. Get out your savvy journal and write all the shit that is cool about you! Ya know I am fortunate to have some kind of inheritance, I am pretty, it's the fashion magazines and gym ads that make my arms look obese, not me. I have style, I am talented, people admire me, I can hold crow pose for two minutes. Just write it down and no negative excuses. Remember: All problems start in your stinkin' thinkin' mind, and that is also where every solution is!
So Ms. Watson actually gave me some ideas while I was stalking some of her blogs and interviews, which reminded me of some fashion tips I got from a quit-smoking site (wear your hair in a different style every day for example, seriously). I thought hey I should rim my inner lids in eyeliner once in a while, wear more headbands like she does because we both have short hair, buy only Eco-friendly clothing. Basically keep yourself busy to make yourself feel good! Try something new! Emma also takes immune vitamins which, getting off alcohol is a pretty brilliant idea. No, she is not an alchie, I just became influenced. Emergen-C is also a good one, or eating that citrus!!
Also instead of wanting, go shop in your closet! I totally caught myself watching a video of Emma in a silk button-down white blouse and thought, "That is so pretty, I want one!" Ten minutes later I'm putting laundry away and surprise! There's that white silk blouse I got last summer from theyallhateus.com hiding in the back of my closet. Oops. Go search the latest trends online and think what is similar that you have, then go hunting in the closet. Mix things up. It will be fun I promise.
The girl also likes to do Zumba. I better brush off that box I got on eBay last month.
Love, peace, and stalking,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Hi how are you doing? I have to admit that I have been completely obsessed with Emma Watson lately. I love her style, her tall, slender frame, her strong eyebrows, her charity work, her love for chocolate chip banana bread, and the list goes on and on. Then I caught myself totally beating myself up for not being her. Have you done this? I think so because most of us winos love to do the " poor me" schtick. Am I right or am I right? " Oh I am not lucky like her and I'm a freeloader/stupid/fat/blah/blah/blah. Good gracious, grow up! No matter what sitch you are in, it doesn't hurt to love you for YOU. No excuses, I don't care. Get out your savvy journal and write all the shit that is cool about you! Ya know I am fortunate to have some kind of inheritance, I am pretty, it's the fashion magazines and gym ads that make my arms look obese, not me. I have style, I am talented, people admire me, I can hold crow pose for two minutes. Just write it down and no negative excuses. Remember: All problems start in your stinkin' thinkin' mind, and that is also where every solution is!
So Ms. Watson actually gave me some ideas while I was stalking some of her blogs and interviews, which reminded me of some fashion tips I got from a quit-smoking site (wear your hair in a different style every day for example, seriously). I thought hey I should rim my inner lids in eyeliner once in a while, wear more headbands like she does because we both have short hair, buy only Eco-friendly clothing. Basically keep yourself busy to make yourself feel good! Try something new! Emma also takes immune vitamins which, getting off alcohol is a pretty brilliant idea. No, she is not an alchie, I just became influenced. Emergen-C is also a good one, or eating that citrus!!
Also instead of wanting, go shop in your closet! I totally caught myself watching a video of Emma in a silk button-down white blouse and thought, "That is so pretty, I want one!" Ten minutes later I'm putting laundry away and surprise! There's that white silk blouse I got last summer from theyallhateus.com hiding in the back of my closet. Oops. Go search the latest trends online and think what is similar that you have, then go hunting in the closet. Mix things up. It will be fun I promise.
The girl also likes to do Zumba. I better brush off that box I got on eBay last month.
Love, peace, and stalking,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Welcome to life-changing day 5!
Lesson 5: Maybe it’s time for a lifestyle change!
I know I know, I told you not to give up anything except for alcohol at this point, however just start thinking about if you did change up your routine in the near future, would it help your quit?
When I stopped wining it up I didn’t go to bars for at least a year. Even the 'high end' bars did not supply 'classy' people. Not sexy at all! All I found were older versions of meat markets. You can be savvier and more creative than that, come on. So anyway, I immediately immersed myself in yoga. In fact, I had the schedule to take yoga teacher training. A part of yoga is not to put anything toxic in your body or have a toxic lifestyle. However I believe in baby-steps, so I quit and changed one thing at a time. First drinking and no bars, okay that’s two but it needed to happen. Then treating others just as I wanted to be treated, weeding out the people who didn’t make me feel good, giving to charities and donating at the shelter, hanging out at more formal music venues, going to the new history and art museums....then I developed a solid pattern that had no room for boozing mentally and emotionally, and yes spiritually although I am not religious. I wake up and do my yoga/pilates/dance routine after drinking a lemon water and/or iced coffee, then I make a healthy smoothie. Those give me a ton of energy! Then I shower or bathe (If you have the funds I highly recommend a jetted tub or steam shower!), do my work and errands for the day, then at night I remind myself if I binge drink then I won’t be able to have that routine the next day. The reward is in the morning remember?
So for now just think about what you can do to change up your routine. Could you plan a weight-loss goal for a month? Vow to go to the gym at night? Break up with your drinking crew or hang out with them in a different situation? Go dancing on the weekends at a dry bar or more adult venue? Do 30 yoga classes in 30 days? Quit sugar for a month, and guess what alcohol has plenty of that and carbs!
It’s also time to buy a note pad or a pretty journal and jot down these ideas you come up with as well as a section for venting, goals, what you are grateful for, and writing down what is awesome about you and how you can use those talents to improve your lifestyle.
Have a wonderful Spring Day! Wear something colorful today to lift up your mood!
Love, Peace, and Trikonasana,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Good afternoon! Day four!!
Lesson 4: stop mutating!
Now for some scientific jumbo jumbo. If you want to quit abusing alcohol, "News flash, news flash read all about it!!" Google is a godsend. Look up anything you want that you are curious about drinking too much alcohol. Or scare yourself by looking up some YouTube videos.
These mutations are entertaining and sometimes hot: http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/watch-new-trailer-for-x-men-days-of-future-past-brings-back-the-first-class-more-20140313
This mutation is like losing your virginity, but not in a good way: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131126123931.htm.
Here is a less-than five minute video on alcohol abuse: http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/BingeDrinking/
Then these stunts are just plain dangerous and stupid (warning, some of this content is quite disturbing): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2554417/The-deadly-teenage-drinking-craze-fuelled-Facebook-Terrifying-online-fad-sees-young-people-pints-spirits-mixed-car-polish-Viagra-live-goldfish.html NOT SAVVY AT ALL.
According to sciencedaily.com, Researchers discovered a gene that regulates alcohol consumption and when faulty can cause excessive drinking. That's just common sense. Who has never had an alcoholic beverage in their life and said, "Oh I HAVE to have a drink I've been so stressed today!" What did you do in that situation before you drank? Probably you threw a tantrum, cried, done some retail therapy, gone swimming, got out your crayons, called a friend, made a sandwich; but you didn't drink. Then you got over it most likely. "The study showed that normal mice show no interest in alcohol and drink little or no alcohol when offered a free choice between a bottle of water and a bottle of diluted alcohol. However, mice with a genetic mutation to the gene Gabrb1 overwhelmingly preferred drinking alcohol over water, choosing to consume almost 85% of their daily fluid as drinks containing alcohol -- about the strength of wine." When you start to drink you like the feeling, it raises dopamine and you feel goooooood. This also happens when you eat raspberry-dark chocolate frosting or go for a run. But drinking....ooooh now that's great because you don't need to make any effort, just drink and you get buzzed! Alcohol pounds and pounds away at your cells then you need more to feel good. After all it's party time!! Then the not-so-good thing is that after your hopes get high, they get dashed. Your judgment gets impaired and then your real feelings come out, 'un-corked' as I used to call it. You cry anyway, or pick a fight with someone, or email that DLB (the hubs taught me that one, Dirty Little Bitch) telling him or her what a real A-Hole they are. Then worse than that, you kill brain cells, or warp them into these Gabrb 1s or p53 mutations that get into your lungs that make you conditioned to want more or even give you cancer. Now go rent What The Bleep Do We Know, which has a chapter on cell mutation that first grabbed my attention. It's entertaining and scary at the same time!
They say it takes 21 days to quit a habit. You know what?? A study in 2004 from scientists at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill proved that new brain cells develop after quitting alcohol completely! WOO HOO there is hope! In that time why don't you re-condition yourself to find pleasure in something else? Remember what did you do to make yourself happy before you drank. Now, what I did but not choose to for the moment because I want to be fit, skinny, and savvy for my wedding reception later this Spring, is to have a lovely dinner with one glass of red wine. UNO. That way I thoroughly enjoyed different foods moderately and felt great afterwards, my endorphins even went up and I didn't have to drink the bottle to enjoy myself or get rid of those stresses, if I had any. I remember going to a new swanky Mexican restaurant and the chiles were so smokey and hot that the capsaicin pumped up my dopamine so much, that killed any physical and emotional pain! It's an oxymoron, the pain is scientifically proven in peppers to kill pain, as in headaches. I didn't need that glass of red to be honest with ya. Chiles should be the next drug. Plus they rev up your metabolism, and who doesn't want that!
Now you read how a 5-ounce glass of red wine is good for you, and I believe it can be, however more than that will have adverse effects. I and some other girlfriends of mine are walking proof that binge wining will make you bloated. Beer ain't the only culprit! It will also give you memory loss, a crappy attitude, bruises from falling, a car wreck, mutated cells, cancer, or even death. NOT sexy.
So do your own research and google away! What are you curious abut binge drinking? It may save your life and at least make you smarter. And smart is definitely sexy.
Love, peace, and James McAvoy,
The savvy Sobergirl
Now for some scientific jumbo jumbo. If you want to quit abusing alcohol, "News flash, news flash read all about it!!" Google is a godsend. Look up anything you want that you are curious about drinking too much alcohol. Or scare yourself by looking up some YouTube videos.
These mutations are entertaining and sometimes hot: http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/watch-new-trailer-for-x-men-days-of-future-past-brings-back-the-first-class-more-20140313
This mutation is like losing your virginity, but not in a good way: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131126123931.htm.
Here is a less-than five minute video on alcohol abuse: http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/BingeDrinking/
Then these stunts are just plain dangerous and stupid (warning, some of this content is quite disturbing): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2554417/The-deadly-teenage-drinking-craze-fuelled-Facebook-Terrifying-online-fad-sees-young-people-pints-spirits-mixed-car-polish-Viagra-live-goldfish.html NOT SAVVY AT ALL.
According to sciencedaily.com, Researchers discovered a gene that regulates alcohol consumption and when faulty can cause excessive drinking. That's just common sense. Who has never had an alcoholic beverage in their life and said, "Oh I HAVE to have a drink I've been so stressed today!" What did you do in that situation before you drank? Probably you threw a tantrum, cried, done some retail therapy, gone swimming, got out your crayons, called a friend, made a sandwich; but you didn't drink. Then you got over it most likely. "The study showed that normal mice show no interest in alcohol and drink little or no alcohol when offered a free choice between a bottle of water and a bottle of diluted alcohol. However, mice with a genetic mutation to the gene Gabrb1 overwhelmingly preferred drinking alcohol over water, choosing to consume almost 85% of their daily fluid as drinks containing alcohol -- about the strength of wine." When you start to drink you like the feeling, it raises dopamine and you feel goooooood. This also happens when you eat raspberry-dark chocolate frosting or go for a run. But drinking....ooooh now that's great because you don't need to make any effort, just drink and you get buzzed! Alcohol pounds and pounds away at your cells then you need more to feel good. After all it's party time!! Then the not-so-good thing is that after your hopes get high, they get dashed. Your judgment gets impaired and then your real feelings come out, 'un-corked' as I used to call it. You cry anyway, or pick a fight with someone, or email that DLB (the hubs taught me that one, Dirty Little Bitch) telling him or her what a real A-Hole they are. Then worse than that, you kill brain cells, or warp them into these Gabrb 1s or p53 mutations that get into your lungs that make you conditioned to want more or even give you cancer. Now go rent What The Bleep Do We Know, which has a chapter on cell mutation that first grabbed my attention. It's entertaining and scary at the same time!
They say it takes 21 days to quit a habit. You know what?? A study in 2004 from scientists at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill proved that new brain cells develop after quitting alcohol completely! WOO HOO there is hope! In that time why don't you re-condition yourself to find pleasure in something else? Remember what did you do to make yourself happy before you drank. Now, what I did but not choose to for the moment because I want to be fit, skinny, and savvy for my wedding reception later this Spring, is to have a lovely dinner with one glass of red wine. UNO. That way I thoroughly enjoyed different foods moderately and felt great afterwards, my endorphins even went up and I didn't have to drink the bottle to enjoy myself or get rid of those stresses, if I had any. I remember going to a new swanky Mexican restaurant and the chiles were so smokey and hot that the capsaicin pumped up my dopamine so much, that killed any physical and emotional pain! It's an oxymoron, the pain is scientifically proven in peppers to kill pain, as in headaches. I didn't need that glass of red to be honest with ya. Chiles should be the next drug. Plus they rev up your metabolism, and who doesn't want that!
Now you read how a 5-ounce glass of red wine is good for you, and I believe it can be, however more than that will have adverse effects. I and some other girlfriends of mine are walking proof that binge wining will make you bloated. Beer ain't the only culprit! It will also give you memory loss, a crappy attitude, bruises from falling, a car wreck, mutated cells, cancer, or even death. NOT sexy.
So do your own research and google away! What are you curious abut binge drinking? It may save your life and at least make you smarter. And smart is definitely sexy.
Love, peace, and James McAvoy,
The savvy Sobergirl
Monday, March 24, 2014
Let's reward!! Day......3!
It's time to substitute! Forgive me, I've been DJing and painting as well as working out like crazy these last few days. I won't abandon you again. :)
I want you ONLY to give up alcohol right now and not worry about anything else. This is that important not to feel like you have to go gung-ho on working out, only having a smoothie for breakfast, stashing your booze money, or giving up coffee entirely and going vegan *raising hand*. If you want to do those things, and believe me working out is a miracle for substituting the dopamine high of alcohol, then please do it!! Just take care of you and hey you made it more than three days, give yourself a reward! In another lesson I'll also tell you how I saved $400 a month in wine and cig money to stock up on Jimmy Choos and vacations. Right now do or get yourself something fun when you crave. I, admittedly, had a mocha frappuccino with whip at Starbucks every night for seven days and that totally did the trick. On another quit, I went to a late-night hip coffee shop for about four months about 2-3 times a week, had an iced coffee and, get this, ordered a gargantuan slice of raspberry mousse cake and only ate the frosting and the berries. However if you feel inclined to eat the whole thing go for it, just don't drink!
When I quit I completely resorted to my childhood. With the cake frosting, I also enjoyed swinging in the park, rollerblading, buying a shitload of Hello Kitty stuff, or even going to a bar when I was ready to and dancing in the sun on the patio with a Shirley Temple. I started putting bows in my hair, I started wearing makeup more, I ditched the hoodies and bought some sexy tops and vowed to wear skirts for a solid week. Yes I'm coo-coo bananas but I was smart, I didn't drink or smoke. It really boosted my self-esteem! I do admit that I have switched from wining to excessive online shopping, but I vow to stop by Easter. More to come on that. Just do anything to make yourself feel and look your best!! Make sure you can pay your bills too. Anything doesn't mean making yourself homeless LOL.
So try it. Write it down first. What can you do to make yourself happy instead of drink? Then act on it. News Flash: I gained five pounds in three weeks, then after eight weeks, my metabolism revved up from a lack of booze slowing it down and the pounds went drop, drop, drop even with the frosting and sometimes two small dinners a night. I ended up losing 30 pounds in six months and I kept it off!
Thirty seemed to be the magic number with a few of my guy friends too who quit drinking beer. They didn't change anything else. They both lost exactly 30 pounds. Huh!
You don't have to buy your way out of alcoholism either even though you are saving a crap-ton of money. Call your mom or a friend, go to the park and watch the kids play, go to a bounce house! My third date with my new husband was he taking me to one, and I'm 42. It was amazing!!! Yes you can have fun without drinking. TRUST ME.
Love, peace, and frosting,
The savvy sober girl
I want you ONLY to give up alcohol right now and not worry about anything else. This is that important not to feel like you have to go gung-ho on working out, only having a smoothie for breakfast, stashing your booze money, or giving up coffee entirely and going vegan *raising hand*. If you want to do those things, and believe me working out is a miracle for substituting the dopamine high of alcohol, then please do it!! Just take care of you and hey you made it more than three days, give yourself a reward! In another lesson I'll also tell you how I saved $400 a month in wine and cig money to stock up on Jimmy Choos and vacations. Right now do or get yourself something fun when you crave. I, admittedly, had a mocha frappuccino with whip at Starbucks every night for seven days and that totally did the trick. On another quit, I went to a late-night hip coffee shop for about four months about 2-3 times a week, had an iced coffee and, get this, ordered a gargantuan slice of raspberry mousse cake and only ate the frosting and the berries. However if you feel inclined to eat the whole thing go for it, just don't drink!
When I quit I completely resorted to my childhood. With the cake frosting, I also enjoyed swinging in the park, rollerblading, buying a shitload of Hello Kitty stuff, or even going to a bar when I was ready to and dancing in the sun on the patio with a Shirley Temple. I started putting bows in my hair, I started wearing makeup more, I ditched the hoodies and bought some sexy tops and vowed to wear skirts for a solid week. Yes I'm coo-coo bananas but I was smart, I didn't drink or smoke. It really boosted my self-esteem! I do admit that I have switched from wining to excessive online shopping, but I vow to stop by Easter. More to come on that. Just do anything to make yourself feel and look your best!! Make sure you can pay your bills too. Anything doesn't mean making yourself homeless LOL.
So try it. Write it down first. What can you do to make yourself happy instead of drink? Then act on it. News Flash: I gained five pounds in three weeks, then after eight weeks, my metabolism revved up from a lack of booze slowing it down and the pounds went drop, drop, drop even with the frosting and sometimes two small dinners a night. I ended up losing 30 pounds in six months and I kept it off!
Thirty seemed to be the magic number with a few of my guy friends too who quit drinking beer. They didn't change anything else. They both lost exactly 30 pounds. Huh!
You don't have to buy your way out of alcoholism either even though you are saving a crap-ton of money. Call your mom or a friend, go to the park and watch the kids play, go to a bounce house! My third date with my new husband was he taking me to one, and I'm 42. It was amazing!!! Yes you can have fun without drinking. TRUST ME.
Love, peace, and frosting,
The savvy sober girl
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Good Afternoon! Day 2
Lesson 2: Cheap thrill vs. Pure joy
Hello! I made one of my favorite smoothies this morning after a good Pilates and yoga workout. Feeling fit and healthy, as well as eating plenty of citrus and pineapple, brings me more joy and reward than a "party" night feeling loopy and then feeling like crapola the next morning ridden with guilt, headaches, heartache, and misery. In the mutation lesson (yes your cells get mutated on most binges, fun huh?) I'll talk about how your mind becomes triggered to "par-tay" at certain moments. For a head start rent the movie What The #$*! Do We Know?. http://www.whatthebleep.com
During my 2011 one-year quit, one afternoon the Pavlov's bell rang to get that bottle of wine and pack of Nat Sherman's. Luckily I was invited to a wedding reception that night, a I promised myself not to drink or smoke, and heck I had an excuse to dress up! There I experienced this extreme joy watching children dance to old hits like Devo and the B-52's. It reminded me of my once-innocence, which makes me cry when I thought I was addicted to alcohol and smoking. Can you picture a beautiful child doing so? Why should we now as beautiful adults? Yes, we are still gorgeous, fashionable, intelligent, and imaginative so why ruin that? I also had some of the best dark chocolate cake I've ever eaten, and I reunited with friends and met some new ones. I didn't have to drink and I was too busy dancing, flirting, eating, and just enjoying! My senses were over-stimulated without the booze. Remember if you drink too much your senses become numb, and you forget instead of remember. I know this is freudenschade however when I did see the drunk folks at the reception, it gave me pleasure to know I still had my senses! I thought, poor people, I'm glad I am not one of them.
On to citrus, which is a natural anti-depressant. Bet you didn't know that one. And if you did kudos to you! Wonder why you feel so good after drinking that morning O.J.? Packed with vitamin C, unlike alcohol which basically strips your sexy bod of all of its nutrients and sexiness, like alcohol produces dopamine which gives you a sense of peace and calm. That also helps you get a good night’s sleep! Which is awesome because after I quit drinkin' and a smokin' I had seriously bad insomnia until I started buying truckloads of oranges as well as fresh and dried cherries which are great to eat before bed time. Citrus also helps to keep the red blood cell count high so that you get enough oxygen in your blood stream (and your brain) to help you to function to your optimum level according to www.livingliveandlovingitcounselling.com. Try eating a handful of fresh or dried cherries with walnuts before you go to sleep.
For my favorite smoothie recipe ( yes I will have a big-ass chapter on smoothies, so I suggest going to Costco now and investing in a Vita-Mix or Omega blender), Sarma Melngailis' pineapple and cilantro smoothie, buy her books! Or you can check out my smoothie blog eh? http://radiantsmoothies.blogspot.com. Pineapple has beautifying enzymes and cilantro is like bleach for your body! It cleans everything especially your liver! Yes, it is delicious, trust me.
So there's a little taste on how binge-drinking is nothing but a temporary cheap thrill, when you can hang around the company of friends and family and experience true joy. Tasting a myriad of citrus is also a very, very smart and savvy idea. For your joy planning, you can absolutely do it alone or a few peeps too! Go to a modern art or history museum, watch a comedy or tear-jerker of a movie,or musical, go ice skating, go rollerblading, Hell go shopping!! Do anything that will give you joy.
Love, peace, and filtered water with citrus slices,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Hello! I made one of my favorite smoothies this morning after a good Pilates and yoga workout. Feeling fit and healthy, as well as eating plenty of citrus and pineapple, brings me more joy and reward than a "party" night feeling loopy and then feeling like crapola the next morning ridden with guilt, headaches, heartache, and misery. In the mutation lesson (yes your cells get mutated on most binges, fun huh?) I'll talk about how your mind becomes triggered to "par-tay" at certain moments. For a head start rent the movie What The #$*! Do We Know?. http://www.whatthebleep.com
During my 2011 one-year quit, one afternoon the Pavlov's bell rang to get that bottle of wine and pack of Nat Sherman's. Luckily I was invited to a wedding reception that night, a I promised myself not to drink or smoke, and heck I had an excuse to dress up! There I experienced this extreme joy watching children dance to old hits like Devo and the B-52's. It reminded me of my once-innocence, which makes me cry when I thought I was addicted to alcohol and smoking. Can you picture a beautiful child doing so? Why should we now as beautiful adults? Yes, we are still gorgeous, fashionable, intelligent, and imaginative so why ruin that? I also had some of the best dark chocolate cake I've ever eaten, and I reunited with friends and met some new ones. I didn't have to drink and I was too busy dancing, flirting, eating, and just enjoying! My senses were over-stimulated without the booze. Remember if you drink too much your senses become numb, and you forget instead of remember. I know this is freudenschade however when I did see the drunk folks at the reception, it gave me pleasure to know I still had my senses! I thought, poor people, I'm glad I am not one of them.
On to citrus, which is a natural anti-depressant. Bet you didn't know that one. And if you did kudos to you! Wonder why you feel so good after drinking that morning O.J.? Packed with vitamin C, unlike alcohol which basically strips your sexy bod of all of its nutrients and sexiness, like alcohol produces dopamine which gives you a sense of peace and calm. That also helps you get a good night’s sleep! Which is awesome because after I quit drinkin' and a smokin' I had seriously bad insomnia until I started buying truckloads of oranges as well as fresh and dried cherries which are great to eat before bed time. Citrus also helps to keep the red blood cell count high so that you get enough oxygen in your blood stream (and your brain) to help you to function to your optimum level according to www.livingliveandlovingitcounselling.com. Try eating a handful of fresh or dried cherries with walnuts before you go to sleep.
For my favorite smoothie recipe ( yes I will have a big-ass chapter on smoothies, so I suggest going to Costco now and investing in a Vita-Mix or Omega blender), Sarma Melngailis' pineapple and cilantro smoothie, buy her books! Or you can check out my smoothie blog eh? http://radiantsmoothies.blogspot.com. Pineapple has beautifying enzymes and cilantro is like bleach for your body! It cleans everything especially your liver! Yes, it is delicious, trust me.
So there's a little taste on how binge-drinking is nothing but a temporary cheap thrill, when you can hang around the company of friends and family and experience true joy. Tasting a myriad of citrus is also a very, very smart and savvy idea. For your joy planning, you can absolutely do it alone or a few peeps too! Go to a modern art or history museum, watch a comedy or tear-jerker of a movie,or musical, go ice skating, go rollerblading, Hell go shopping!! Do anything that will give you joy.
Love, peace, and filtered water with citrus slices,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Good morning! day 1
Lesson One: The Morning After
So, how was your St. Patty's Day? I myself am bright eyed, and yes it would be bushy if I had a tail, and woke right up at 7:00, which when you think of it would be 6:00 am a week ago. For obvious reasons since I haven't been binge-wining (or whining) I've been waking up very early ready to take the day on. When I did drink, I didn't want to do ANYTHING the next morning! No yoga, no eating, no sunlight please...I was miserable all day. And the older I was the worse the hangovers got. I'm 42 now and I started wine binging at 31, which the hangovers were still brutal back then. I couldn't drink like I did in college that's for sure. However it wasn't all about the physical feelings. This thing called total paranoia would set in when I got up the next morning/afternoon! Who did I email? Who did I text? Didn't I tell someone to eff off or who did I flirt with?? I called my drinking 'Jeckyl and Hyde' or 'Drinking Tourette's'! Say it after me, "I didn't know who that person was!" Exactly. It was the exact same pattern every time. Waking up like my house was on fire and scrambling to check the smart phone and tablet to see what kind of damage I've done. Sounds like I had fun right?
Solution:
When you crave alcohol in any situation, play a fast forward tape in your head. What is the next morning going to look like? How are you going to be, feel, do, want, etc.? You FF! It's that simple. A great therapist taught me that and something just snapped for me. Also DR. Wayne Dyer, self help guru once said, "Every problem is created in your head, and that is also where the solution is." You need to choose, and believe me it's tough because I wanted to party or celebrate at home with a bottle of vino almost every three days, but I had to choose, and that changed the way I feel every morning now. I want to work out. I want to go to work. I want to paint something creative. I want to write! And that's another important issue in quitting drinking, you WANT to do stuff! The more sober you are the more motivated and creative you become. It's like another 'drug' but one that is actually good for you. Dyer also said in one of his earlier books from the 90s, "I don't need substances to get me high". You don't need to scramble to find something, I guarantee you it will magically come to you. I think that's what being healthy is, a new high because your body is clean and that allows your mind to be happier as well as more creative.
Thanks for joining me on day one. I can't tell you how important this first step is. If you feel in a 'stuck' situation the night before, before you have the chance to drink, be it someone invited you to a party, a book club ( hello I call those wine festivals!), a bar, a concert, whatever. Or if you want to bring that bottle home and 'celebrate' or just to relax, or feel sorry for yourself...STOP...and fast forward in your mind. Then be creative! Go out and have a soda, coffee, iced tea, tonic water with lemon (one of my favorites) or a virgin almost anything! I get virgin Bloody Mary's all the time and sometimes they taste better without the vodka! News Flash: You don't have to drink to fit in. No one is going to judge you, and if they do get new friends. Or do something else like go to a movie, go shopping, take a hot bath, find something you enjoy that you won't regret the next morning. "The reward is in the morn." I came up with that one. :)
Love, Peace, and Pellegrino,
The Savvy Sobergirl
So, how was your St. Patty's Day? I myself am bright eyed, and yes it would be bushy if I had a tail, and woke right up at 7:00, which when you think of it would be 6:00 am a week ago. For obvious reasons since I haven't been binge-wining (or whining) I've been waking up very early ready to take the day on. When I did drink, I didn't want to do ANYTHING the next morning! No yoga, no eating, no sunlight please...I was miserable all day. And the older I was the worse the hangovers got. I'm 42 now and I started wine binging at 31, which the hangovers were still brutal back then. I couldn't drink like I did in college that's for sure. However it wasn't all about the physical feelings. This thing called total paranoia would set in when I got up the next morning/afternoon! Who did I email? Who did I text? Didn't I tell someone to eff off or who did I flirt with?? I called my drinking 'Jeckyl and Hyde' or 'Drinking Tourette's'! Say it after me, "I didn't know who that person was!" Exactly. It was the exact same pattern every time. Waking up like my house was on fire and scrambling to check the smart phone and tablet to see what kind of damage I've done. Sounds like I had fun right?
Solution:
When you crave alcohol in any situation, play a fast forward tape in your head. What is the next morning going to look like? How are you going to be, feel, do, want, etc.? You FF! It's that simple. A great therapist taught me that and something just snapped for me. Also DR. Wayne Dyer, self help guru once said, "Every problem is created in your head, and that is also where the solution is." You need to choose, and believe me it's tough because I wanted to party or celebrate at home with a bottle of vino almost every three days, but I had to choose, and that changed the way I feel every morning now. I want to work out. I want to go to work. I want to paint something creative. I want to write! And that's another important issue in quitting drinking, you WANT to do stuff! The more sober you are the more motivated and creative you become. It's like another 'drug' but one that is actually good for you. Dyer also said in one of his earlier books from the 90s, "I don't need substances to get me high". You don't need to scramble to find something, I guarantee you it will magically come to you. I think that's what being healthy is, a new high because your body is clean and that allows your mind to be happier as well as more creative.
Thanks for joining me on day one. I can't tell you how important this first step is. If you feel in a 'stuck' situation the night before, before you have the chance to drink, be it someone invited you to a party, a book club ( hello I call those wine festivals!), a bar, a concert, whatever. Or if you want to bring that bottle home and 'celebrate' or just to relax, or feel sorry for yourself...STOP...and fast forward in your mind. Then be creative! Go out and have a soda, coffee, iced tea, tonic water with lemon (one of my favorites) or a virgin almost anything! I get virgin Bloody Mary's all the time and sometimes they taste better without the vodka! News Flash: You don't have to drink to fit in. No one is going to judge you, and if they do get new friends. Or do something else like go to a movie, go shopping, take a hot bath, find something you enjoy that you won't regret the next morning. "The reward is in the morn." I came up with that one. :)
Love, Peace, and Pellegrino,
The Savvy Sobergirl
Monday, March 17, 2014
Greetings!
After finally deciding to become successfully abstinent I want to share my experience with those of you beautiful women out there how not drinking can dramatically improve your life, and how to do it. I will work on a book as I blog every day with a different tip because blogs are much cooler than books, and books make money. (Well dreaming doesn't hurt and that is what I want all of you to do!)
I have been struggling with an on-and-off nasty binge drinking and smoking habit for at least ten years. I finally got a one-year quit in 2011 and blogged about it (http://www.smobergirl.blogspot.com), slipped, and got right back on the pumpkin, I mean wagon. Through my adventure getting "smober" (that's quitting both smoking and drinking) I realized how many lives I touched, how many women went through the same struggles I did, while getting published in two local papers about my success.
In our society most of us are pressured to drink. We'll fit in, it's hip, and boy does it feel good! Then I came to realize that in the long run it will prematurely age us, we are far far FAR more likely to get into trouble ( Two DUIs anyone?), and it can soil our reputations. Plus ladies, my "wine belly" went down in two months quitting the juice and by six months I lost thirty pounds. That will be in the beauty chapter but for now sit back, relax, don't feel guilty if you read this post-St. Patty's Day and are still trying to get that green beer stain out of your Tory Burch silk top. You can do this. Heck if I can...
Peace, love, and Pellegrino,
The Savvy Sobergirl
I have been struggling with an on-and-off nasty binge drinking and smoking habit for at least ten years. I finally got a one-year quit in 2011 and blogged about it (http://www.smobergirl.blogspot.com), slipped, and got right back on the pumpkin, I mean wagon. Through my adventure getting "smober" (that's quitting both smoking and drinking) I realized how many lives I touched, how many women went through the same struggles I did, while getting published in two local papers about my success.
In our society most of us are pressured to drink. We'll fit in, it's hip, and boy does it feel good! Then I came to realize that in the long run it will prematurely age us, we are far far FAR more likely to get into trouble ( Two DUIs anyone?), and it can soil our reputations. Plus ladies, my "wine belly" went down in two months quitting the juice and by six months I lost thirty pounds. That will be in the beauty chapter but for now sit back, relax, don't feel guilty if you read this post-St. Patty's Day and are still trying to get that green beer stain out of your Tory Burch silk top. You can do this. Heck if I can...
Peace, love, and Pellegrino,
The Savvy Sobergirl
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