Holiday season

Anyone got any tips for getting through the first holiday season in 35yrs without drugs? Today I am OK. I actually woke up today so happy I wasnt using. But I got a feeling here the want comes.......My quit date is 8th Jan so I aim to get there  

[NorcoQueenoftheUniverse]

Just try to remember that EVERYDAY THAT YOU DON'T USE IS A BETTER DAY THAN WHEN YOU DO...

That statement helps to keep me clean... It's like a mantra I say every morning when I wake up... And wake up I do.. With a clean mind, body and spirit.. something I didn't have when I was using....

Hang in there and just try to take it one day at a time... Post often... as this site is a life saver for me... and many...

Happy Holidays... and God Bless you!
NorcoQueen

[dominosarah]

Surround yourself with people who are supportive to your recovery.  Stay away from contacts and parties.  Make a list of all the things you are grateful for.  Make yourself the No.1 priority and take care of you.  Do whatever you have to do to stay on the up and up.  It is tough no doubt but it can be done.  Are you getting any type of aftercare?  That will help too.........Stay positive and plant your feet and take care of YOU.       sara

[MomOfTheseBoys]

I hadnt really even thought about Christmas.  My husband and kids brought home the tree on Wed, right in the middle of day 4 of my w/d!  I had been in my room dealing with my issues, and by the time I felt human enough to get up, they had the tree all done and decorated beautifully.  I can honestly say it is the most amazing tree I have ever seen, in many ways.  This year brings me a whole new reason to celebrate, and be joyous for my family and myself.  I am looking forward to tomorrow at church, serving in our little 'urban ministry', and for the first time, honestly looking our members in the eye, and truly understanding their issues with addiction.  For  years, I have pretended that I wasnt "one of them"...I had myself fooled more than anyone.  It is only now that I can truly serve with a clear heart and true compassion in my soul.

[dominosarah]

May you have a wonderful Christmas~~~~~~~~sara

[lifesux_thenyoudie]

Thanks for your advice.
I used alone, which means its all up to me - I have to go out of my way to get it. I suppose thats how I've stayed clean this long - I was too easily influenced I admit and that hasnt gone from me. I'm a musician so I work at parties, but fortunately i dont mix in those circles anymore and am unlikely to be offered anything I dont look or act like a junkie....if you know what I mean

I also quit alone, well mostly, some anonymouse meetings at NA and the God of my understanding my support. But yeh I quit for health reasons - for myself and I kept a journal and stuff like that which I advise mom of the boys to do. T

he first few days are hell - yet the human brain can forget pain - (the example I heard was otherwise noone would have more than one child.....)
I like this forum it helps to share. I once read that secrets lose their spell when they are out in the open. I suppose its true.

[NorcoQueenoftheUniverse]

I love the statement that "Secrets lose their spell when they are out in the open"  

One of the toughest but best things that I did to come clean was to tell my husband and my Mom... Oh Lord.. just the LOOK I got was enough to keep me clean this life and into the next!  

Thanks for your wisdom and insight.. I KNOW you can do this...
You are wise beyond your years. (however old you are... don't know... just guessing.. that you're younger than me..)