Giving Up/Cutting Down Alcohol Thread part 18

AllNightDiner

Checking in early today - 3/9 please @cathybird

Great comments and very interesting to read about everyone's journey towards cutting down.

sukeyboo

5/10 for today please cathybird 

sunshine_raincloud

Day 8 please 

cathybird

August

7 days =

14 days =

21 days =

28 days =

Target reached =

Target beaten =

Entire month =

August targets

AllNightDiner 4/9

alt80 TF Arkers TF cathybird 7/21 doingitanyway 4/21 dustydigger 4/24 Kimmie30 3/20 lantanna 4/15 leftatthetrafficlights 25 maggiem 3/10 maman 5/10 marahouti 7/25 PriceySOS 22 RobM99 9/30 SanguineGina satchmo1 6/20 Season of Mist 6/31 sukeyboo 5/10 sunshine raincloud 8/30 WBF 3/14 Newcomers welcome!

maman

5/10 AFDs please@cathybird 

Kimmie30

Hi all, This is going to be a long one, don't feel obligated to read!

I just want to say this is the best thread I've seen in a long time! It's heart warming to see people trying to be their best selves no matter how crappy things may be from time to time so I thought I would throw in my 2 pence for this as I happen to be on a health journey myself!

In 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 1 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which, as the name suggests, was actually not caused by alcohol but nonetheless barred me from ever drinking alcohol again. Looking back I would say this was a blessing in disguise as it really forced me to take a look at my habits and re-assess my body as it was making the 25 years old to 30 years old transition (which no one warned me about and half shocked me to death when I saw such a big change... roll on 35 ). For frame of reference I turned 27 in 2020 but hadn't let go of my 25 years behaviour and was really starting to feel it. I was 13stn and a M/L size as I am fairly tall which I was quickly reminded wouldn't last forever as we went through the pandemic. Now in 2023 I am a a little over 16stn and XL/XXL which, as you can imagine, has wreaked havoc all over my body and let to the Fatty Liver Disease.

I went through 2 years of being unemployed, fat, financially struggling, medically unwell, depressed and anxious which led me not heading the doctors' somewhat understated advice when I asked if I could still have alcohol... "I'd avoid it" he said. Now to anyone who is liked the occasional wine fest with friends and Italian food or cocktails on the weekend would see that advice as "Nothing too harmful would happen if you had alcohol, just be careful" right? WRONG! Went from having a glass of wine with dinner and a bottle on the weekend to 2 drinks a months! Impressive right?!?! As amazing as this one my liver was not quite happy with my progress and began swelling and aching after just  drink, very painful indeed. 

So here I am in August 2023 having learnt the following lessons:

- Drinking feels horrible
- Struggling for cash feels worse
- Being fat is not an excuse if you can do things to help the situation (I appreciate this issue is not the same for everyone hence the 'if')
- I am capable of whatever task is well thought out and planned with common sense

And here is what I have achieved so far in 2023:

- Secured a great job and a company that I love earning the salary I promised myself by them time I reach 30, got a raise in the first 6 months due to outstanding performance.
- Researched my medical conditions and educated myself on nutrition.
- Cleared 80% of my debts due to reach 100% in April 2024.
- Started my health journey, Including controlled diet, tennis twice a week, daily walks and more to company and I get used to the new lifestyle.
- Started planning my life with the man of my dreams who has helped to champion these changes in me
- Conquered my depression through shear force of will!

I've never said any of this to anyone but that is why I like being a forumite! I can scream from the rooftops and journal every inch of my life or none at all with no blow back. I don't know if I'm allowed to swear on here but all I have left to say is... I'm on top of the !!!!!! world!!!! Bring on 2024!!!!!!!

satchmo1

6/20 for me today please.

Well done @Kimmie30 you're an inspiration! 

Kimmie30

satchmo1 said:

6/20 for me today please.

Well done @Kimmie30 you're an inspiration! 

Thank you! I forgot to mention 03/20 for me!

RobM99

Hi there booze dodgers. It's a nine out of 30 for me today. Thank you. Nothing to report on the band Front. It's all holiday times But we've got a busy fortnight in September. Hooray!

AllNightDiner

Great story @Kimmie30 - nice to hear!

4/9 please @cathybird