Holidays are tough

[irisblue]

Hi I'm Irisblue. This room has been quiet, so I'm checking in. How are you doing? This is my first year as a single woman after 9 years. Triggers abound. I have plans to go to the addithon and what ever womens' meetings I can find here. There will be rooms, everywhere, for us. Keep it simple, just for today.

[NMDemDist2]

1. so true in that first year

your plan sounds just about what i did that first christmas 10 months sober.

today i'm good and happy and serene. i will be doing my usual '4th wednesday of the month' visit to the local rehab facility on christmas night, grateful to spend an hour to try and give back what was so freely given to me all those years ago.

hang in there sweetie

[jschurchin]

2. My wish for you Irisblue.

Is to keep it simple Today. We as addicts and alcoholics have nothing but today. Yesterday is in the past and tomorrow is not given. All we have is Today. Find what works for you and use it everyday.
Peace, John

[TommyCelt]

3. Always the most difficult holiday for me...

...even after 12 years.

I'm taking Xmas Eve "off" this year. No hustle. No bustle. Just heading to a meeting and Mass before the family descends tomorrow.

STAY CONNECTED.

[Stuart G]

4. Holidays are very tough, for most people

Especially us. Yes, We can get through today...one moment at a time..............
best wishes always.....

[charin]

5. Tips

Don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired (HALT)
Buddy up with another recovering person if possible
If offered alcohol, just say, "I don't drink (anymore)."
Have your own transportation. Be ready to make an exit if a party gets to be too much.
Concentrate on what you can bring, not the drinking going on.
Pray. Mentally send your HP into the place you are going.
Use that phone list.
Get to a meeting if possible. Clubs here are open all day Christmas, with snacks and meetings.
Be grateful for the season of peace, love, and joy!

[irisblue]

6. well the biggest trigger of all

my dearly missed and deeply loved ex texted me....sigh..sigh

[NMDemDist2]

7. oh sweetie

has he changed? has he made amends? just because it's Christmas doesn't make it anything but an excuse to emotionally manipulate the season.

[Tab]

8. Hi irisblue, welcome!

I don't usually post here but I check in occasionally. Surround yourself with whatever families and friends you have available, and AA runs events ESPECIALLY during the holiday.

You mention this is your first year as a single woman - is it your first year of sobriety as well?

[libnnc]

9. Kick

Lovely thread that I needed to see. Thank you! Trying to keep it simple on this end.

[Stuart G]

10. Kick again...sometimes the holidays hurt so much..

Too much to deal with.."expectations vs reality"

We need to stay in the moment if we can..today is the best day, if it is a holiday or not.