Make a decision and stick to it

After a busy weekend of training clients, unpacking and cleaning, today I am sitting here quite happy and content in the knowledge that I did not let one drop of alcohol come near my lips during my three and a half week visit in the states. YAY ME! Yes, I am quite proud...I was truly tested as I was surrounded by alcohol almost daily. Camping, parties, eating out and any other social occasion I was at, almost everyone was drinking. But you know what-it didn't matter-I made a decision almost one year ago and I'm sticking to it, no matter what.

Oh sure, there were several times that a thread of thought passed my mind where I'd think "oh, I'd like to taste that particular kind of wine" or "oh, a beer right now as we sit on the lake in this heat would be quite nice"....I'd be lying if I said that those thoughts didn't enter my mind-I am an addict after all. But I took a moment and shut down the thought before even contemplating acting on it. For me that is the key-shut it down as soon as the thought enters the mind.

To me, the key to dealing with any craving...whether it be alcohol, tobacco, sweets, shopping, you name it, is sticking to the promise you make to yourself. If you make a decision to conquer your addiction, then you should do whatever it takes to follow through. It's different for everybody, some people need counselling, some people need full on aversion therapy, others can deal with reading books and being involved in forums. The point is, whatever your addiction-if it's serious enough to cause you trouble in your life-now or in the future and/or make you question your actions and you've decided to do something about-then do it. Stick to it, no matter what. There is heaps of help out there-something for everybody; you just have to find that thing. It will take work-but isn't your health and the happiness of you and those around you worth it? Not to mention the dangers of addictions like alcohol when it comes to driving and taking care of children. Don't you owe it to yourself to keep the promise?

I am just 2 days away from a full year of not touching alcohol. I'm not proud of my addiction-but I am proud that I've thus far conquered it and intend to keep conquering it. I will never let it control me again.

Have a great week!
Ciao for now!