Week 21 is behind me and I have decided not to set goals at all for a while. It seems like when I just let things unfold naturally, I drink less. My knee jerk reaction to a bad night last week was to do what I have always done. I freak out, beat myself and then make plans that way are too ambitious.

All in all, last week was not too bad. If I look at the big picture, I am still drinking less than half of what I did before, and a little more during some spikes. All part of the process, I'll just continue riding the rollercoaster!

After reading a few posts from cured people, I will just continue to drink when I feel like it, and have AF days when they come naturally. One thing I am trying to change is my erratic eating habits, starting with having a decent breakfast every day. And I am going to try to listen to what my body wants/needs as well as start filling my time with other activities.

I just signed up for a photography class one night a week ... I am very excited about that! Before TSM, I would have been extremely reluctant to do that, because it would interfere with drinking. Now it seems like a no-brainer. So there's some positive news!

Another great thing: I overheard my husband telling one of our dear friends about how TSM has been working for me, recommending that this friend try it too. He said that although I still overdo it sometimes, he sees a big difference in me and my relationship with alcohol. Even if I stayed at my current level forever, I would define that as success because my over-drinking has been a point of concern for my husband for a long time.

I will not be on-line for a while because I am leaving tomorrow for a vacation with my family. It will be interesting to see how it goes as we are staying at an all-inclusive resort. The drinks will be free-flowing, although probably pretty watered down. I will be with my kids, so I don't think I'll be compelled to go overboard. BUT, laying by the ocean or pool with a beer is fun, so of course I will do that!

Have a super week, everyone! Hopefully, if the resort has wi-fi, I can check in every now and then. I always want to know how you all are doing!

Hugs, YG

Yogagirl your graph is looking good. The ups and downs don't matter so much just the downward trend and that is undeniable. Have a great vacation and don't forget to pack plenty of NAL in a carryon in case they lose your luggage.

Hi YG,

I know what you mean about the photography class. I used to go places in the evenings, whether it be a class or something at church or whatever, but I haven't in the past few years because I needed to be at home drinking. I've long been strict with myself about not drinking and driving, so once I was home and poured that first drink, I was stuck there (with my friend, the bottle).

I haven't signed up for any new class or anything yet, but I *could* at this point. Nal is giving us our lives back.

I hope you have a great trip!

Have a great vacation and be good to YOU!

i like the slightly more relaxed going with the flow thinking. it's perfect for vacation. have a great time!
path

YG,

Have fun on vacation!! After your tough week, it will be nice to have some R&R. I'm glad your going easier on yourself. It is definitely a process and overall your graph is heading in the right direction - I'm jealous and would kill for a 26 unit week I'll be curious to hear how your vacation goes. BTDT

Hello to all! I am finally back from vacation and look forward to catching up on how everyone is doing. We had a wonderful time, but are glad to be back home. I made no attempt to limit drinking on this trip, which would have been hard anyway as we were at an all inclusive resort with free flowing drinks.

You'll see on the chart that I had my highest week ever, since starting TSM. I am not worried about it though, because I never got out of hand and I expected to drink a lot on vacation. The drinks just add up when you are lounging by the beach or pool all day! And honestly, last week's number is a complete guess. They water down drinks so much, I have no idea what the real units were.

Anyway, now that I am home, I have had no desire to drink at all. The last two nights were effortless AF. We'll see how the weekend goes. I am trying to follow The Mayo Clinic Diet to lose that 10lbs I just can't seem to shake. This is a very resonable diet, basically exercising, eating healthy foods , limiting refined sugar and simple carbohydrates and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. The only hard part is, the first two weeks do not allow any alcohol at all. I tried this back in April (pre-TSM) and failed miserably because I could not stick to the alcohol restriction. I am curious to see if it is easier this time after 5 months of TSM.

Anyway, here's the chart through last Monday, when I was still on vacation. Hope everyone is doing well!

Welcome back! You sound very relaxed and calm, ready to pick up where you left of with no worries. That in and of itself seems fantastic to me!

It is good to hear someone else also not be worried or concerned when the units go up. Just think how much extinction went on for you last week!

YG,

Have your workouts been affected by NAL? Are you doing the same amount of exercise as you did pre-nal? I am trying to decide if I should just stop exercising for the first few months of treatment if I constantly have NAL in my system...certainly don't want to extinguish my good habits...Thanks!