As I said before, it might feel a bit random or unstructured how I post my thoughts on this blog, but at the moment I just try to write off my mind thoughts that have to be outsourced from my brain, because otherwise it may just blow to pieces.

That’s why I want to address two aspects today I came across in the last week: PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms), which is an interesting aspect of my 3 months being sober. Everybody keeps telling you that it will be better sleep, better energy, better concentration, better everything. But every now and then, something will come across your way which makes you feel completely different: The PAWS, which means you will have to endure depressive phases, concentration problems, bad sleep and the like. I am experiencing a stressful weekend and my energy level and my emotional state suggests I am having a burnout. Reaching out to people and certain communities gave me the feedback that this is most likely the PAWS. This really calms me down a bit, because it lets me stick to my goal of sobriety. Coming to the aspect of RAS:

The RAS (reticular activating system) is something that gives you opportunities to concentrate on your goals and, simply and shortly put, give you the power to concentrate on habits and actions you will be able to condition your subconscious to focus on an become a new form of habit. I don’t know if I grasp the RAS correctly, nevertheless it give me a good feeling of controlling and reframing my mindset and my habits. If you combine this with visualizing your actions, use positive affirmations and set yourself deadlines, this is a powerful tool to save you from cravings and deal with upcoming triggers.

I need this system a lot right now, because I will be having an upcoming holiday party with my company and this ist going to be hard to say “no” once I am going to be offered some booze. In other situations, I was able to say “no”, but this is a special opportunity to raze down the walls of resilience, which is made even harder in the dark months of the year.

If anyone wants to keep their fingers crossed, please do.

Until then: Keep up the faith in yourself and take one step at a time.