In my youth this used to mean getting the key of the door to come and go as you pleased. Nowadays as parents we say "You're twenty-one now, give me back that key and sod off."

What I am referring to is that today I complete 21 alcohol-free days. Four weeks ago I would have given long odds on this possibility. However the consultant has convinced me that I need a long stretch to allow the anti-depressants to do some serious work, instead of merely patching me up. My first target was payday. Now I hope to get to Xmas and see how I feel. I went to a support group meeting yesterday but didn't really feel it was for me. Fortunately I am feeling strong at the moment.

I went back to work last week. Everyone seemed genuinely pleased to see me back so I took a few of my staff into my confidence. Everyone has been really supportive. Interestingly enough the Management Committee with which I had so many issues seems to have imploded in my absence and has gone from being dysfunctional to totally non-functional. This ironically means that I am able to get on managing the business without interference.

I still go to the pub occasionally but I find non-alcoholic beer is not as satisfying and easier to say "enough" to, so I don't feel the need to visit as often or stay as long.

I had expected a smooth recovery. However it seems to go two steps forward one step back. I had a very productive day yesterday getting some key tasks done but I am working from home today as I woke up feeling rough. (I used to blame the beer for this but it now has an alibi!) I have also found the local library to be a quiet place to get on with work. (Libraries: quiet! Who knew?) It also means I don't go to the pub afterwards.

Twenty-one steps into the thousand-mile journey: So far so good...

Norman

A Moodscope member.