Today, I'm celebrating one week alcohol free. I got through Christmas by having a small and intimate celebration--just my two grownup daughters and me--and no alcohol in the house. My older daughter drinks, but she seemed happy to abstain. It was nice to wake up on Christmas morning and Boxing Day with energy and a clear head. In fact, it was the best Christmas ever. I recognized a few triggers. One is anything having to do with my ex husband--anything at all. It's the lingering effects of our marriage. I self-medicated through a lot of it. We're still litigating stuff, so still in contact. The other is when my daughters get stirred up. I coped by eliminating all unnecessary stressors--a potentially stressful family outing and a new exercise class--and heading for someplace familiar, the gym. I'm also watching my diet and taking supplements to stay healthy.
