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Been sober 2 months…update in OP

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October 20, 2023, 10:07 AM
pace40
Been sober 2 months…update in OP
Keep up the good work! Just a comment...please be careful with the NA beer. Most of it is not 0%. I want to see you make it. Smile


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Pace
October 20, 2023, 12:52 PM
mjlennon
I'm proud of this man. 60 days is mighty impressive.

Don't wait to update your post. Many like to follow your journey...

My friend, you have my enduring support and admiration for your accomplishment. However, never think "you got this." Complacency comes into play. Remember what and who helped you get here. Thank them for their help and encourage their continued support.
October 20, 2023, 12:58 PM
Leemur
I was just looking for this yesterday. Good to hear!
October 20, 2023, 01:16 PM
ArtieS
Congratulations!



"I vowed to myself to fight against evil more completely and more wholeheartedly than I ever did before. . . . That’s the only way to pay back part of that vast debt, to live up to and try to fulfill that tremendous obligation."

Alfred Hornik, Sunday, December 2, 1945 to his family, on his continuing duty to others for surviving WW II.
October 20, 2023, 02:21 PM
Schmelby
Good to hear this!
October 20, 2023, 02:36 PM
slyguy
Great job on keeping at it!

Congrats!

I stopped September 1 and plan to go to Thanksgiving. For me it's about losing weight I've had for years.

Best of luck.

Cheers~
October 20, 2023, 03:37 PM
SW_Sig
Great news. The change in tone of your posts is evident.

Please update us more often than sis months.

I have not had in since early July because of bladder cancer and now AFIB.
October 20, 2023, 06:06 PM
Weaseldriver
I don't know you and from your posts I don't think we have a lot in common. Despite this, in addition to hardly ever posting, I feel compelled to say, "Outstanding job and I'm rooting for you!"
October 21, 2023, 12:47 PM
OttoSig
quote:
Originally posted by SW_Sig:
The change in tone of your posts is evident.


I appreciate this, I've noticed myself to be honest. That's not something I'd like to be able to say but it is humbling. Good to be headed in the right direction at least.

Didn't we meet before in Pensacola, did I drop off an old Mini-14 Butler Creek folding stock to you about 12-13 years ago?

quote:
Originally posted by Weaseldriver:
I don't know you and from your posts I don't think we have a lot in common. "Outstanding job and I'm rooting for you!"


I don't remember who it was but long ago an older coworker told me that if everyone likes you or agrees with you then you're lying to someone. So I'll take this as I'm still being myself Big Grin.

100% I appreciate the kind words, it means a lot for folks to come in here, maybe not having much in common, and say something like that. Thank you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,





10 years to retirement! Just waiting!
October 21, 2023, 02:07 PM
Rey HRH
Keep it up. I started to give you some advice but what do I know. I just wish you the best, man. But I know how it is to look forward to alcohol that I planned my days around it. I got taken out of the situation - being in the navy - after a couple of months, I could take it or leave it. Quitting cigarettes took a bit more effort for me.



"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
October 21, 2023, 05:24 PM
SW_Sig
No, we never met. I did win the CIA Chipotle Hot Sauce you gave away.

We also discussed some of your time in Korea via email. My son is a USA Captain living in Daegu.

Congrats on the new position but even more so on the changes you are making. I love reading abOut your family camping trips.
October 21, 2023, 07:33 PM
timetogo
I was at a meeting on Friday that had a guy was celebrating his 48 year anniversary without a drink. He said he does not like to celebrate the long term at all. One day at a time is how he does it to this day. He takes no day for granted.

Congrats on the great job so far. I am sure you are feeling better and those around you are also aware of your improvements. Keep up the great work.


Time takes time.
October 29, 2023, 04:32 PM
OttoSig
Yesterday was rough, was thinking about my kids, my failures as a dad and husband. I started to call one of yall but I decided to give into a project and stay busy. I talked to my son a little bit and that helped.

Today we grilled some steak, made s’mores, and enjoyed some good weather.

Tomorrow I start my new job with my pride in tact for having stayed strong and not giving in. I constantly remind myself, when the feeling strikes, that the pleasure is just instant gratification and the long game always feels better.

I do feel like this thread has done a lot to keep me honest, or in a way given me good thoughts to make the decision to stay honest. Another weekend in the books.





10 years to retirement! Just waiting!
October 29, 2023, 07:51 PM
ZSMICHAEL
^^^^^^^^^^^
You need a Sponsor. They answer the phone when you call. Hope you are going to AA.
October 29, 2023, 07:54 PM
P220 Smudge
Has it dawned on you yet that you're still using external solutions to internal problems? Some day, your son, steak, s'mores, good weather, this thread, your job and all the rest aren't going to be enough. They may not be there at all. You might find yourself alone. Maybe white knuckling will keep you from drinking, but how are you living? Do you feel happy, joyous, and free? I promise you there's a better way.


______________________________________________
Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
October 30, 2023, 09:50 AM
OttoSig
Gentlemen,

I took the night to think about your messages. I know you're wanting to set me up for success. I appreciate that.

Some members have said they enjoy the updates and hearing about my journey. That's why I post. I wasn't close to drinking, I though about it. I went through a decision-making process and made the right decision. I'm good. I guess close is subjective, but I, I was in control.

I don't routinely want a beer or shot, maybe 2 days a week is it ever more than a thought and decision. But Saturday I was down, for other reasons, and thought how nice it would be to be happy and have some drinks.

Saying this I imagine you would say, "that's how most people sound that avoid the AA process". And maybe you're right, I don't have the experience to confirm my suspicions. But I can assure you that I am doing well overall.

I chopped some firewood yesterday so of course my lower back didn't let me sleep well but other than that I'm okay. Thank you all.

And P220, to answer your questions, I feel do feel happy to be free from alcohol. It took 25 years to actually listen to me telling myself I should stop and that it aint doing me any favors, but I started somewhere. And for that I feel good. I'm making small changes, something I've never been good at.





10 years to retirement! Just waiting!
October 30, 2023, 10:10 AM
HRK
Glad to hear you're still on track, great work and wish you Godspeed as you continue on the path....
October 30, 2023, 10:19 AM
P220 Smudge
quote:
I, I was in control.


AA doesn’t work for people who aren’t out of ideas yet. If you’re happy with your path, then walk it. I just see you charging off into the brambles by yourself and I’m trying to tell you there’s a whole paved walkway here where the rest of us go where you don’t have to walk alone and figure it out for yourself. You don’t have to be terminally unique, but plenty of people do make that choice. Those thoughts about drinking simply don’t go away with time, be it two months or twenty years. There is a known program of action that completely removes all that, I promise you one last time.

Look, I’ll stay out of your thread and leave it for the people who want the updates. It being distressing to me is my problem and the simple answer is to not read. Good luck.


______________________________________________
Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
October 30, 2023, 10:36 AM
DanH
Have you thought about trying one of the non-alcoholic beers to take the edge off of the temptation? They've come a long way from that sadness in a can known as O'Douls.
October 30, 2023, 10:38 AM
P220 Smudge
Oh, one last thing.

quote:
Originally posted by DanH:
Have you thought about trying one of the non-alcoholic beers to take the edge off of the temptation? They've come a long way from that sadness in a can known as O'Douls.


Lots of alcoholics relapse on NA stuff. It's well-known. Like throwing gas on embers.


______________________________________________
Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.