An update on my success so far, Wife's birthday present

[madokie]

Thursday I posted that I gave my wife the best birthday present I could give her, quitting the bottle. Well, last night we had our annual birthday and thanksgiving dinner with turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Some of our friends who are casual drinkers and with my not telling them of my decision to quit, they brought their drinks along. Not a drop crossed my lips nor was I tempted. Not a word was said. They still don't know. These friends have been with me since I returned from VN way back in '70 and I wouldn't drop them for anything. I figure that if I am to succeed with my mission I will have to not deny it's existence, stand up and face it. I will continue our friendship's and also conquer this demon, to be totally in control of myself. Great party, lots of pool playing, heck lots of games. great time. I save the best for last. I succeeded in this first test.:woohoo:

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement, in number's we can do anything.
edited: heading

[wryter2000]

1. Way to go

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Nimrod2005]

2. Way to go, keep it up...Good luck.

[BlueIris]

3. Excellent. Keep it up.

:-)

[MuseRider]

4. First test,

passed with flying colors!

Good for you. One day at a time, one test at a time.

Sending more encouragement and a big :hug: and pat on the back.

:woohoo:

:applause:

[madokie]

5. Oh, guess what, I had a blast too.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. oh, I'm so glad for you

If these friends are real friends, they will support you. All it will take is, "No thanks", and they won't put temptation in your way.

[madokie]

9. You are right, I'm saying I have to not hinge my sucess on not being

around it. Defeat the beast

[redwitch]

7. Good job madokie!

As someone who recently quit smoking I can say that was my greatest fear- giving in because others around me are smoking. I tell myself now that I feel healthy for the first time in ages and have more energy. Instead of envying them, I feel happy to have achieved a non smoking state and do not envy them at all.
Every day, a little easier, I am so happy for you, keep up the good work. You have given yourself a great gift too.

[kywildcat]

8. Congratulations!

:yourock:


:applause:

[BanzaiBonnie]

10. Hooray madokie

Good on ya.

You'll likely be around for many more birthdays for you and your wife.

[madokie]

11. We can only hope so.

I wake up this morning feeling so good both physically and mentally. Kinda' like David must have felt.

[PDJane]

12. congrats........

and may you have many years to re-discover self!

[NMDemDist2]

13. superb! the holidays are often difficult trigger days

:applause: :yourock:

[wake.up.america]

14. Congratulations!!!! I have worked with people with such problems...

as a counselor. We can give you support, but remember it is you who has to bring it under control.

I have never partaken of alcohol, but I have a good idea how difficult it is break free from its grip.

Keep up the good work.

Your wife did indeed receive a terrific birthday present. She loves you with all her heart.

You made my day.

[madokie]

16. Thanks, You made My Day Also

You can't win by running.

[wake.up.america]

17. You know, your relationship with your wife will be perhaps more loving...

than had you not experienced this. You are a big winner and so is your wife.

As a reult, you look upon others with more compassion than many of us


Stay away from situations where people are doing what you should never do.

God Bless You

[TallahasseeGrannie]

15. One day at a time

and easy does it!

[kineneb]

18. hang in there

congratulations on getting through this holiday. Next assignment, make it through to Christmas.

I live with clinical depression issues, and I agree with the "one day at a time" motto.

:applause:

[WildClarySage]

19. Congratulations!!!

Happy birthday to your wife, also.

As the child of a recovering alcoholic, I can promise you that there is nothing you can do for those you love that will mean more or affect their lives more positively. Good for you, and good for them!

[FlemingsGhost]

20. Are you seeking counseling/group support?

Congratulations, madokie. Recognizing the problem and genuinely wanting to change, is most of the battle. I applaud your efforts, and wish you all the best, but "white-knuckling" rarely succeds, in the long run.