So, after writing my post yesterday, the little guy and I went to the shops to do some Christmas shopping. First of all, it was an extremely hot day so when we got in the car it was like a sauna and I immediately started to feel irritable.
Thankfully, we found a park straight away (which usually never happens at this time of year!) And the shopping centre is air conditioned so that was nice. But it went downhill from there.
There were people everywhere! And one of the things I hate about busy shopping centres is how slowly people walk. And they take up the whole corridor so you can't walk around them. Or they just stop in front of you. It drives me crazy! So I walk really quickly and scoot in and around people when I can.
Add a 9 year old into the mix doesn't help. So what did I do? I did what works best. I bribed him! "I'll buy you some popcorn if you are patient and let me look at a few shops and get what I need to get" He was happy with that. And it worked for a while. But he soon finished it and then the whinging started. By this time I was getting very frustrated because I had only bought one thing and as I didn't have any lists with me, I had no idea what to get anyone. The little guy was very good considering. It IS tiring walking around shopping centres, from shop to shop, so I don't blame him for wanting to go home.
By the time we left, we were both irritable and just wanting to get home and relax.
Of course, in the past that would have meant having wine. I would wait until dinner, and then I would have my 'reward'. I would certainly deserve it after such a stressful day! But as I was driving home yesterday I thought what would that achieve? I would enjoy the first one or two, but then I would continue to have more until the whole bottle would be gone. And then I would have woken up this morning feeling awful and regretful And because it's another really hot day and we have to go to the shops AGAIN, it would have been 10 times worse!!!
So, I am so glad I didn't drink last night. I am so relieved that I don't have a hangover. I will no doubt feel stressed and irritable again when we go to the shops, but I will get over it. And I will do it all without wine.
Day 26.
A x
Just re-read my post about last Sunday and tell yourself that you do not want be there. In that dark deep hole of hangover and depression and self-loathing. You are doing so great. Don't let stress set your progress back. You are doing amazing on day 26.
ReplyDeleteThanks Time. I definitely don't want to go back to that. I just have to keep reminding myself. And I will get there! A x
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great, I loathe shopping. There has been many a shopping trip that I abandoned for the pub/wine bar. Day 26 is awesome xx.
ReplyDeleteThanks WB. We survived the shopping centre. On day 27 today. A x
DeleteYou're doing such a great job catching your thoughts and re-framing them. Well done you! Good luck braving the shopping hordes again! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Thirsty. Catching my thoughts helps. If I don't think it through like that I am more likely to give in. Would you believe I still have more shopping to do?! But I'll get there in the end. Ax
DeleteThis is exactly what helped me!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I don't have hangovers anymore.
Day 26 is wonderful!!
xo
Wendy
Day 27 today! I survived yesterday. Getting closer to Christmas and I'm still sober! A x
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