It's OK, there are no rules....

I love checking in on blogs and reading everyone's stories.  It's so helpful to see what others are going through, their struggles, not only with alcohol, but with other things many of us deal with in life.

I went through a phase where the blog is solely what kept me from drinking.  I absolutely did not want to say I failed.  For me, at that time, drinking and having to say I drank would indicate failure.

I'm not sure why I thought that way.  It WAS a helpful obstacle that kept me continuing to try and go AF, I'll give it that....so I suppose my shame served some purpose.   I wish I hadn't felt that way though.  The word failure is so loaded that I almost want to remove it from my vocabulary.

There are no rules for this "quitting the drink" thing.  There is no right way nor wrong way.  The sober universe, while often referred to as that, isn't just for those who get sober.  It's just a very supportive place to air your thoughts and try to get some additional support for whatever your goals may be with regards to alcohol.

We all set goals, day in and day out.  Some we achieve, some we don't.  Some we give up on, some we persevere and keep trying to achieve.

I read another blog where the blogger spoke of a drinking a little bit.  That's how it should be.  We should feel comfortable talking about whatever level of drinking works for us.  For those who can moderate or even choose to try, great!  For those who decide abstinence is the best for them, wonderful.  We can support all.

I no longer feel ashamed to blog that I had a glass of chardonnay.  I haven't yet, not sure I ever will, but I feel comfortable that I can.  If I decide to drink again, I won't feel embarrassed to say so.  I love the bloggers that try, and try again and are still trying.  I love their candidness, their honesty.  It's nice to connect with someone who can admit they are struggling with something.

If someone does fall off their wagon, it's just that - THEIR wagon, and how they perceive it.  My wagon is just the one taking me forward, making me feel better.  If that can include wine again someday, so be it.  It may not.  Right now, for many reasons, I still don't want to touch the stuff again.

We are all here because somehow, the alcohol became too important in our life and we just want to put it where it needs to be....either totally gone or allowed but not at front center stage....a very personal decision for everyone.

Blogging about our struggles is nothing to be ashamed of.  In fact, that blogging will definitely reach somebody else who feels exactly the same way!

I think I kind of rambled today, but it was on my mind....and it's my damn blog! :-)