Today it is official! Thanksgiving without wine, and a week's vacation in New Orleans without wine. Truly a Milestone for me.
These are the things I did to help ensure my No Wine success this week:
(1) As soon as we arrived, I stocked up on flavored seltzer water and diet soft drinks.
(2) I permitted myself food treats this week that I usually steer clear of- my usual diet is No grain, No sugar- and this week I had some of both.
(3) I arranged distractions of Non-Wine things I enjoy: crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzle, new embroidery threat, a quilt that was done except for hand-stitching the binding, a large stash of magazines and a few new books, etc
(4) I enlisted the help of a few trusted folks- DH, one sister, my nephews- to help distract attention from me if there were questions about my not drinking. DH was kind enough to refrain from ordering any alcohol when we ate out.
(5) I took my kindle with me to social gatherings, and occasionally excused myself for a few minutes of Reorientation by Book.
(6) I invented the Detail Game: When I feel disoriented or regretful about no wine, I refocus on my surroundings. I challenge myself to notice at least 10 details that I haven't seen before. This turns out to be fascinating: from cracks in the ceiling (a la Madeline in Paris?) to a carved wooden edge to the table I'd never noticed, to a column of caged oyster shells at the restaurant- this approach seems to add a richness and grounding.
What do you do to help set yourself up for No Alcohol Success?
These are the things I did to help ensure my No Wine success this week:
(1) As soon as we arrived, I stocked up on flavored seltzer water and diet soft drinks.
(2) I permitted myself food treats this week that I usually steer clear of- my usual diet is No grain, No sugar- and this week I had some of both.
(3) I arranged distractions of Non-Wine things I enjoy: crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzle, new embroidery threat, a quilt that was done except for hand-stitching the binding, a large stash of magazines and a few new books, etc
(4) I enlisted the help of a few trusted folks- DH, one sister, my nephews- to help distract attention from me if there were questions about my not drinking. DH was kind enough to refrain from ordering any alcohol when we ate out.
(5) I took my kindle with me to social gatherings, and occasionally excused myself for a few minutes of Reorientation by Book.
(6) I invented the Detail Game: When I feel disoriented or regretful about no wine, I refocus on my surroundings. I challenge myself to notice at least 10 details that I haven't seen before. This turns out to be fascinating: from cracks in the ceiling (a la Madeline in Paris?) to a carved wooden edge to the table I'd never noticed, to a column of caged oyster shells at the restaurant- this approach seems to add a richness and grounding.
What do you do to help set yourself up for No Alcohol Success?
I can't wait to do the Detail Game. It fits my temperament to a tee! As do crosswords, jigsaws, and quilting. I do best when my hands and brain are occupied with things other than a glass of vodka and obsessions :)
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Great tips! I love the detail game, too. A good way to bring you back into yourself and into the moment. Cool. :)
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