Girl Walks Out

Sober Saturday!

And on that note, have a great Saturday night everyone!!
Happy Places




Resetting
This is where I go when the world gets too loud. The sea, the sand, the sun… it’s a proper reset.
💖☀️🕶 💖...#beach #cornwall #swimming #family #soberjourney #sober #sobriety #sobermumtribe #timeout #sobermum #soberaf #beachtrip #summer #soberlife #cornwallbeach ♬ On The Beach - CRW Remix - York" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/On-The-Beach-CRW-Remix-6741581699479504898">♬ On The Beach - CRW Remix - York@soberme_claire This is where I go when the world gets too loud. The sea, the sand, the sun… it’s a proper reset.
Reset


The sun, sea and sand are just what I need to reset!

Honesty

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When I was drinking I hid behind the mask I showed the world, and although I don’t hide so much, I’m not great at saying that things aren’t always easy. It’s a hard one to explain, but sometimes I feel like I’m going to be caught out for being the fraud I feel I am. It isn’t something in particular, more that when I feel like this, I don’t feel like I’m that good at anything and that’s when I begin to pick fault… I have a temper that doesn’t come out unless I’m prodded too much, but then resembles a volcano. I’m told I hold a grudge, although I’d say I just like to deal with things rather than sweeping them to one side. Sometimes I wonder if I’m even in the same conversation as other people, because I don’t seem to hear or remember the things that other people do. I’m too sensitive, and I hate that. I can’t let things go, and spiral downwards because of something so stupid as a bad review, when I know and understand that not everyone is going to like what I write. I’m obsessive and anxious. My mind wanders and I focus too much or not at all. Words go onto paper, but I’m not so good at getting them out of my mouth. Sometimes I wonder why other people like me when I don’t like myself very much. I wonder if the wine broke me, because my logical mind and emotional mind don’t seem to match.
I don’t tend to post too much when I’m under a dark cloud as I feel awkward. It’s hard to admit that I feel down when I know I’m lucky, but unfortunately, being told to cheer up doesn’t help. Just as it didn’t help to tell me to stop drinking when I couldn’t. Sometimes it’s good to share, and if I haven’t bored you to tears, thank you for reading. I'm feeling better today, and know if I ride it out I’ll be okay, but sometimes I just want to hibernate. I do bounce back, but I hate feeling so gloomy, and hating the way I feel only adds to my annoyance at myself. I’m going to take some of my own advice now, and be kind to myself. Beating myself up won’t make things any better, but sometimes, it’s easier said than done.
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Take care,
Claire x
Good Morning


It’s easy to beat ourselves up about the things we can’t change. I know, I’m pretty good at it too, but the thing is, beating ourselves up won’t change what happened or make us feel any better. What will make a difference is our choices going forward. So today try to be kind to yourself. Try to treat yourself with some of the compassion you save for others. Learn from your mistakes but don’t let them define you. Most of all, have a lovely sober day!

Florence

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#Repost from @asobergirlsguide
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"It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I had a problem with drinking because I was one of those drinkers where it was all or nothing. If I enjoy my drinking, I can’t control it and if I control my drinking, I don’t enjoy it.”
Late Nights

Acknowledging
When I began to acknowledge I had a problem with alcohol, I looked for any reason I could to justify it, so I could keep drinking. The thought of giving up completely was just terrifying, but in hindsight, I wish I’d stopped much longer ago. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, why not try going sober for the summer? You never know, you might never go back! Trust me, I wouldn’t!!


💖💖 ..#sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration #sobervibes #overthinking #sobersummer ♬ original sound - SoberMe_Claire" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7124794692374022918">♬ original sound - SoberMe_Claire@soberme_claire When I began to acknowledge I had a problem with alcohol, I looked for any reason I could to justify it, so I could keep drinking. The thought of giving up completely was just terrifying, but in hindsight, I wish I’d stopped much longer ago. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, why not try going sober for the summer? You never know, you might never go back! Trust me, I wouldn’t!!
Staying Sober






Destination Sober

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When I finally got sober, I thought the alcohol would wear off, and I’d just become ‘me’ again. I have, but it’s taken far longer than I expected. I suppose that’s the thing though, when you spend so many years drowning out your feelings and emotions, it’s hard to feel them all again. You have to relearn the way you think and feel and react. For instance, I hadn’t realised how insular I’d become, and how many protective barriers I’d put up, but now as my youngest child’s social circle expands, I’m finding mine is too. It’s hard, not horrible, but hard. I find myself exhausted, because it’s all new. The worst part is the feeling afterwards. I can do things, but after they’re done, I panic and over analyse myself, frequently ending up in tears. I remember too the things I’d rather not, it’s easier said than done just to move on, and while I’m trying, it’s a challenge. It’s just the way it’s got to be for a while. Eventually, these things I’m worrying about will come more naturally, and everything will be a little easier.
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Just remember that sobriety is a journey, not a destination. You will get there, you just have to stick at it. Even on the hard days, I don’t regret my decision. The only failure would be to give up.
Barn's Birthday



True


Into the Water I Go
When I stopped drinking, my mind went crazy. Before, I thought I was a little anxious, but suddenly I found out that was an understatement. Without alcohol numbing my worries I suffered from overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks. I tried new things and I deal with it a little differently now. In fact, I’ve have found cold water swimming makes a huge difference! It calms my mind and soothes my soul, and being out in nature helps massively too!
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What I’d say is don’t rule anything out, who knows what new hobbies you might discover!
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What I’d say is don’t rule anything out, who knows what new hobbies you might discover!
water - Official Sound Studio" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/water-6586874877469264644">♬ water - Official Sound Studio@soberme_claire When I stopped drinking, my mind was no longer numbed and I suffered from overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks. I deal with it a little differently now, and have found cold water swimming makes such a difference! It calms my mind and soothes my soul, and being out in nature helps massively too! .#theheatwaveisover #wildswimming #cornwallswimming #bodminmoor #coldwaterswimmer #sober #sobermum #soberjourney #soberlife #sobriety #sobercommunity #soberuk #soberliving #sobermovement #sobermumtribe #sobercurious #soberlifehappylife #sobernation #sobernotboring #sobernotsorry #soberweekend #sobersaturday ♬
Wild Swimming

Alcohol Free and Fabulous

What Do You Think?



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#Repost from @sobahsistahs
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Alcohol is put up on a pedestal like it’s this magic liquid. You would think it was healthy, would solve your problems, make you look younger. When it does the opposite.
But the way it is used in our culture it’s as if nobody talks about that. It’s the elephant in the room.
Perfect Afternoon


Hey
Hey!
Just thought I'd share my books with you all, have you read either of these?
Just thought I'd share my books with you all, have you read either of these?
💖 Both are available on Amazon and through all good bookshops! 💖 #books #soberbooks #sobriety #soberjourney #soberinspiration #soberlife #soberaf #sobertiktok #sobertok #sobercurious #soberliving #sobermum #soberauthor #authorsoftiktok ♬ live - Official Sound Studio" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/live-6662607336600767234">♬ live - Official Sound Studio@soberme_claire Are you in need of some sober inspiration? Have you read my books?
You Are Strong


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Repost from @drop_the_bottle_
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When we have a craving to drink, our brain will come up with all sorts of reasons to justify having a drink.
Our brain will literally lie to us when we want something bad enough.
Play the tape forward.
What will really happen if you have a drink?
Think about all the negative consequences and remember why you wanted to stop in the first place.
PC: @faithfullysober
London Landmarks

The One Rule I Live By



Summer Sunshine

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One of the hardest things for me was getting over the idea of drinking. Hearing about a social event or driving past a beer garden was difficult; I imagined everyone enjoying themselves and felt I couldn’t. Now, a good time doesn’t include alcohol because for me, like many, the idea and the reality don’t align. I’d be chasing a feeling I couldn’t reach, where one glass isn’t enough. Rethinking and relearning are tricky, but not impossible. Now, more than ever, there are so many alternatives available which give us the opportunity to relax and unwind with something grown up or special, that won’t lead us to say something we shouldn’t or leave us waking up with a headache.
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Finding an alcohol free option is quite a refreshing alternative, mainly because you can get the same enjoyment, without the side effects, and there are so many available now, there is literally something for everyone. Personally, I steer clear of alcohol free wines as they are a bit of a reminder of times gone by, but some of the botanical gins on offer are another story. If you’re thinking about cutting down or avoiding alcohol for any reason, summer BBQ’s and social gatherings don’t need to be avoided. Many of the options, especially the alcohol free beers, don’t look any different to the traditional variety, so no one would even have to know! So why not, when you can have a drink without getting a sore head or saying something you come to regret!
I wrote this piece originally for Launceston Life - but I wanted to share it with you all too.


I love this saying!

My Favourite Things About A Sober Weekend
original sound - SoberMe_Claire" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7121712503163554565">♬ original sound - SoberMe_Claire@soberme_claire #question from @soberme_claire I literally thought sobriety meant the end of the world as I knew it. I couldn’t begin to think what a sober life looked like. I didn’t know how I’d live and how I’d cope missing out on all the ‘normal’ things… now I can honestly say that before I stopped drinking, I was missing out on life. Now I get to enjoy every minute of it, the good bits and the not so good bits! Here’s some of the small reasons my weekends will always stay sober now..#sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobersunday #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration #soberweekend #sobervibes ♬
Hot Weather, Nice Drinks

Wine Bottles

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Honestly though, I don’t miss drinking. Yes, that bottle triggered a thought, but my reality wouldn’t have matched up to the dream my brain was trying to suggest, and I know as clear as anything, that I do not want to go down that road again.
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Just to be clear, I can drink, I’m allowed to, but I don’t want to, and that choice makes me stronger. Remember that if you’re having a wobbly moment. It’s okay to question yourself, just don’t drink. You’ll not regret that choice in the long run.
Peopling

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I hope you’ve all had a lovely day?

Involvement

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I'm looking for stories of recovery and your journey to sobriety. Or perhaps you've supported someone on their journey? I'm looking for real experiences from real people.
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We all have different experiences and different stories in our pasts, but those stories are important as they will mean something to someone else on their journey.
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If you'd like to be part of it, drop me a message or a dm, claire@mynotsosecretdiary.co.uk - I'd love to hear from you!

And thanks to those of you who are already working with me!

The Social Lives of Five Year Olds

Too hot for this!




Bedtime Reading

Remember this

Sober Toolbox
💖 .#sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobersunday #sobermum #kidsparty #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration ♬ Canyons - Official Sound Studio" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Canyons-6681198633301314311">♬ Canyons - Official Sound Studio@soberme_claire Getting sober and staying sober is much easier when you put the right things in place to support you. Whatever anyone says, you can’t rely on willpower alone! Here’s what’s in my sober toolbox, how about you share some of your ideas with me too?
Hot Day Drinks
Hot day… school run… these iced drinks are becoming a habit.




Sobriety is… freedom.

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Tonight I am able to drive my daughter to meet her friends for dinner. I didn’t rush to get back for a drink, I was exactly where I needed to be. I even did the journey twice as she forgot her ID and later if she wants a lift home, I will be more than able to do that too, regardless of what time it is.
Feeling happy

We Did It

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Thanks so much for all your support earlier. It means so much!
The Fear

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Feeling all the feelings today, but I’m doing it anyway. I hope you all have a lovely day xx
Dealing

Sharing


And thanks to those of you who are already working with me!

Reasons to Start a Sober Journey
💖 #sober #soberjourney #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberstories #sobriety #soberlife #soberliving #sobercurious #sobernotboring #beach #cornwall #freedom #summer #dryjuly #soberthoughts #worksforme ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Sunrise-6618871733141113604">♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio@soberme_claire I always looked for a reason to keep drinking because the thought of being sober terrified me. On the otherside, I know there’s no way I’d go back, so I thought I’d share with you a few few of my favourite reasons!
Disappointed

Connection

Friends

It Will Pass

Sports Day

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Today was different. I’m still getting to know a lot of the parents as Stanley’s only in his first year, but the whole afternoon was relaxed and happy; the kids had fun and so did the parents. There was no hiding behind glasses or drinks, we just enjoyed being. And the best bit was that there was plenty of tea to drink, and not a drop of alcohol.
Tuesday

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Peopling is still hard, but I didn’t run away. I consider that a win.
Mistakes
