Couldn't agree more on your second paragraph. I have lurked Reddit for years. This, however, is my first comment, and it's on Lemmy...

To be honest I came here because of the blackout. I intend to stay. I have already been more active here than in years lurking on Reddit!

You and me both! Look at that, I've doubled my number of comments...better go and lie down :)

Niklas Ekstedt's recipe is authentic, Swedish, and tasty AF. If you can't find venison, beef will do.

EDIT: I imagine this is one of those things where there are 1,000's of different "proper" recipes. I shared this one as the guy who wrote it is Swedish, so I thought there must be some authenticity there, and I've made it, so can testify that it's good. Not saying it's the best or the most authentic, so slightly confused by the commenters saying it's somehow wrong?

Feeling so much better, thanks! It hasn't been a big bang of "oh wow, I feel great now!" but an accumulation of smaller things - being more present at the weekend, especially in the mornings - taking better care of myself (small things like brushing my teeth before bed rather than thinking "feck it, I can't be bothered") - losing some of the beer belly... and so on. But mostly just being far more steady and sharper mentally.

Happy Birthday shabbyj! IWNDWYT

Since 2nd April this year. Never every day, but never had that switch to say "time to stop now" once I'd started. Decided to prioritise my mental wellbeing and jump on the wagon. Not looking back.

IWNDWYT

If it helps, you might want to consider not characterising emotions as "good" or "bad". It's too easy to think of yourself badly for feeling "bad" emotions - something I have done many, many times.

I try to think of emotions as useful or not. Sometimes feeling hate can be useful, if it leads to positive action. Sometimes feeling love can can be the opposite of useful, if it leads to negative action. When going through an emotion ask yourself if it can be useful. If it can, great! If not, then accept that, but don't beat yourself up for feeling a "bad" emotion. It's just not a useful one.

Happy Friday! IWNDWYT

I think I'm just glad it's here. And in a way, sharing jokes and recipes is a valid method of support too! I guess we see how much traction we get here and whether people have stronger feelings than me :)

IWNDWYT 💪

Are they your own icons or is it an icon pack?

That's a helluva milestone SpaceBar, well done and keep up the excellent work, attitude, and support for others. IWNDWYT.

IWNDWYT

Invitation accepted - IWNDWYT

IWNDWYT

Thanks for sharing - now that sounds like a fun Friday! Great start to the weekend. IWNDWYT.

I know what you're feeling. Pretty soon after I stopped I was going away with some friends and I was so worried that it wouldn't be fun as I wouldn't be drinking. Not only were my friends amazing and totally supported me, it was a great week!

Maybe it would be useful to reframe it? Instead of thinking into the future and talking of "never drinking again" just consider the next day, or next weekend, or next night out? And then think of the next day and what you'll actually be missing out on - the nausea, the headache, the wasted day... Easier said than done I know, but I hope it helps.

Keep going, you're doing so well.

Thanks!