It's not deprivation, it's freedom - Page 2

Jonahsafta · 06-27-2009, 05:22 PM

((((((((((((((Roamer))))))))))))))))) My prayer is that you are set free!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ONE DAY AT A TIME

FloridaShell · 06-27-2009, 06:42 PM

What a great post.

roamer723 · 06-28-2009, 04:25 AM

thanks everybody. day 2 down, here comes day 3!

Sunny7 · 06-28-2009, 04:57 AM

You can do this roamer, i am pulling for you --it will make you the happiest man in the world

NeverGoinBack · 06-28-2009, 05:24 AM

Good job! You're making everyone proud!

cookie34 · 06-28-2009, 06:31 AM

Good Job, Roamer! I am going to take your advice about thinking of lc as freedom!

BonBon19 · 06-28-2009, 07:39 PM

Wonderful job, Roamer! It's all a mind game now! You can do it buddy!! Every day that you rack up makes you want to see that number grow. Eventually, it doesn't take up that space in your mind. For now, it's a battle to change that habit. Soon, not drinking is the habit. When I drank, I wondered why everyone did not drink!!! It just puzzled me that anyone could be enjoying themselves much if they weren't. I am so glad to see the picture from a better view now. It is a much prettier picture! Good luck, and keep charging up that hill.

fawn · 06-28-2009, 08:14 PM

Roamer, congratulations buddy......

Prior to low carb, I drank a 6 pack of beer a night and smoked pretty heavy. I quit the drinking because I was so motivated to lose however, I started on weekends again.

My last real binge was about 4 years ago (into a 9 year journey btw) with a pack of cigarettes and a lot of beer. That was my last night......

I feel your struggles...........

L-Glutamine is the perfect supplement for you. Do you know that sugar cravings and alcoholism addiction go hand in hand? I was able to ditch the sugar but for me, cigs and beer were perfect partners......my best friends......

Grab some 500mg capsules and when the urge hits, open them under your tongue.
get busy with some exercise to help ease the physical frustration and increase your B vitamins.

I wish you much success

roamer723 · 06-29-2009, 03:56 AM

holy crap, Fawn used to.....

wow. what a complete turn around you've made. You're one of the guru's around here.

thanks again for the support everybody. last night was night 3 without drinking myself to sleep.

BonBon19 · 06-29-2009, 04:22 AM

As always, Fawn is spot on. I am sure you are reading about GABA on the other site also. I just want to say that it helped tremendously with sleeping and anxiety for me. I found that anxiety is not nearly the problem for me now that it was for me while drinking/first quit.

pooticus · 06-29-2009, 06:03 AM

Roamer congratulations! You know, someone on another board mentioned this and it is so true for me and eating. I think it applies to other addictions as well.

You don't have to quit for life. You only have to quit for today. For this minute. For right now. And as long as you can say "no" to the moment, the days and years will take care of themselves. Just put blinders on and only think about the now. Pretty soon, the addiction loses power over you.

Hugs and way to go! You are doing so well!

JennyKitty · 06-29-2009, 06:58 AM

Roamer - just wanted to give you a big hug.

scandalouslyglam · 06-29-2009, 08:22 AM

Hey Roamer,

Your post really made me think and I have made a new commitment to my health and self. I have decided that the 3-4 glasses of wine every night is too much. I am not losing weight, often eat crap when buzzed and feel bad some mornings.

I have decided that I will no longer drink during the week. I realize that I was using alcohol as a way to sleep better, and this is Bad...very bad!! So Sunday nite was Night one down. I am happy to report that I slept fine, woke feeling not Super, but I am clear headed. Tonight is Night 2 and tomorrow morning I will walk upon rising.

Thanks so much, my hero!!

August

fawn · 06-29-2009, 08:35 AM

Roamer, I have experienced more than most know.......even drugs and I'm not ashamed to admit it because I'm proud of who I am now......a self made woman. That means everything to me.

You know, it's interesting.....when we drink ourselves to sleep, we don't realize that the alcohol really is a sugar of sorts and we actually have disrupted sleep. Remember waking in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep? Once you have normalized sleep without depressants, sleep has a whole new meaning the next morning.

Congratulations to everyone for recognizing the changes you can make to elevate your health!

huskerfan · 06-29-2009, 08:51 AM

What a great, inspirational post Roamer. Congrats to you and I know that you can do it. Please keep us posted on your journey as you bring others hope

Mayberryfan · 06-29-2009, 09:18 AM

Hey Roamer, et.,al..

Good luck! You're off to a GREAT start. It's very difficult to give up something you love. If I had to give up coffee....

KUTGW. You can do this!!

peanutte · 06-29-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

You know, it's interesting.....when we drink ourselves to sleep, we don't realize that the alcohol really is a sugar of sorts and we actually have disrupted sleep.

Ain't that the truth. Alcohol is terrible for your sleep. You may fall asleep or pass out, but you're not getting good restful quality sleep at all. I saw an episode of Dr. Phil once where they had videotaped a really serious alcoholic at night when he was "asleep". It was horrifying. He was completely unconscious but he was tossing and turning, punching his pillow, crying out, screaming, shaking, and thrashing as if he were being tortured from the inside out. I've never seen anything like it. I'm sure I had nights like that back in my heavy drinking days and it was horrible to watch that.

August, that's awesome! I'm happy for you. You'll have much more self control--I know what you mean about being under the influence and getting sloppy about food choices. Think of all the calories you just cut out by eliminating those nightly glasses of wine. I want to recommend a book to you called Eating, Drinking, Overthinking. Even if a woman isn't an alcoholic or doesn't have an eating disorder, it's a good book that addresses the relationship between our emotions and those crutches we reach for like food, alcohol, smoking, etc.

SmileySue · 06-29-2009, 09:50 AM

Roamer, I'm so proud of you!!!!

seejay · 06-29-2009, 11:00 AM

Great news Roamer!

There's a guys' list also at radiantrecovery.com, the place for DesMaisons' "potatoes not prozac" plan. Worth a read to add to your understanding of the biochemistry of addiction.

There's a lot you can do with nutrition to make it even better for you and make the cravings go away completely over time - well as long as you eat the good stuff and don't eat the not so good.

I know from personal experience. It is so much better it's hard to describe !

roamer723 · 06-30-2009, 04:53 AM

Thanks so much everybody, you all are so great with your support. For those interested, I'm keeping a tally on my blog and will post there for those who wish to follow so it won't be on the main board anymore.

Thanks again. You guys are a big part of how I've been able to lose 65lbs, and you guys are gonna be the same for me quittin the sauce.

Bloggedity Blog Blog

ps...to all those that read this and are able to gain strength from it, you RAWK.

peanutte · 06-30-2009, 06:03 AM

Way to go, Roamer! I bet you're starting to feel very clear-headed and "lighter"--spiritually, emotionally, physically, whatever. Keep going!

Glam, I hope things are going well with you, too.

NeverGoinBack · 06-30-2009, 06:36 AM

wannabethin55 · 06-30-2009, 06:49 AM

WOW! I've been MIA lately, thinking LC was not working for me. But I decided to try again and saw your post and I soooooo can relate to you and the others that have suffered with addictions! After reading all these posts, I'm definitely back on the LC wagon!

roamer723 · 06-30-2009, 07:01 AM

sveet.

back in the game!

roamer723 · 06-30-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peanutte

Way to go, Roamer! I bet you're starting to feel very clear-headed and "lighter"--spiritually, emotionally, physically, whatever. Keep going!

Glam, I hope things are going well with you, too.

the mornings are definitely less fuzzy.

peanutte · 06-30-2009, 07:06 AM

I remember that new feeling so well--and I still get to enjoy it today!

I hope you are discovering new habits and activities. One thing I remember so clearly was the experience of waking up early (like, at 6 or 6:30) and feeling fully alert and clear-headed. I'd make some coffee and go water all my flowers and plants, and then sit out on the patio with my coffee and enjoy the quietness of the cool summer morning.

How are you doing in the evenings? Are you finding new things to do?

fawn · 06-30-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peanutte

I remember that new feeling so well--and I still get to enjoy it today!

I hope you are discovering new habits and activities. One thing I remember so clearly was the experience of waking up early (like, at 6 or 6:30) and feeling fully alert and clear-headed. I'd make some coffee and go water all my flowers and plants, and then sit out on the patio with my coffee and enjoy the quietness of the cool summer morning.

How are you doing in the evenings? Are you finding new things to do?

What a fabulous example of sober clarity. You make me want to go sit outside Peanutte!

Evenings were difficult for me as well, vacations. My hand in hand habit was cigarettes and beer and yahtzee and other games on my patio in the evening. I had to change my whole evening schedule. DH and I gave up the games too for a period of time.

Like others have said, switching up the routine makes it easier.

roamer723 · 06-30-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fawn

Like others have said, switching up the routine makes it easier.

yup, the other part besides the addiction is the habit. gotta come up with new activities and form other habits besides just shutting down for the evening.

peanutte - yes I am finding new things to do in the evenings. it's working well so far. the real test will be when I get my family back this weekend. the stress from everyday family life with 2 young children is definitely a trigger for me.

way2fluffy · 06-30-2009, 08:58 AM

Roamer, the kids can drive anybody to drink! But seriously, step back and look at how that sounds....you seriously wouldn't want to use your precious children as an excuse to drink?
You are being honest with yourself for sure. Kids can ratchet up your stress level in a heartbeat (i have 4 so i'm familiar with the high maintenance level when they are young-I wanted to velcro them to the walls some days...but trust me here.....when they get to jr high and high school....OMG the stress is amazing!!!).
Replace drinking with reading them a book or two? or any other 'plan' that sounds good to you....the tea in the evening is brilliant. I'm going to go back to that 'treat'. When it's hot, you might consider a diet tonic with lime as your evening 'reward'.
I stopped drinking until I was no longer "obese"....but your thread reminds me of how subtle alcohol can be..... slowly having a drink here or there until I'm back to drinking way too often...not to the point of abuse...but really, why should I be ingesting those empty calories so often?????

Time to cut back.
Thanks for the 'wake up'.

peanutte · 06-30-2009, 09:16 AM

I think it's good that you have this time to yourself right now, to get mentally prepared without being pulled in a lot of different directions.

You're probably going to want to sit your wife down and have a very honest conversation with her. It may not feel "fair", but you are going to need more of her patience, grace, and strength than usual, and hopefully she will be on board with that. I'm not saying that you have the right to take any frustrations out on her, to underfunction, or to expect her to coddle you--but hey, this is a huge life change and she needs to know exactly what you would like from her as far as support. And she can tell you what she needs from you, too. I strongly feel this is something you should not try to "keep to yourself" or be tough and self-sufficient about.

Family life is super stressful at times. But remind yourself that millions of people manage to do it every day without alcohol. You CAN do it--you just need to find other ways to counter those stressful feelings. Identify what it is that makes you feel tense and anxious so that you can target those issues. Is it misbehavior and chaos from the kids? Is it feeling impatient and easily angered? Is it the ingrained belief that as the father, everything is on your shoulders? Is it that you never feel caught-up on everything that needs to be done around the house? Is it the feeling that your time belongs to everyone else and you never get some time just for you? Being as precise as possible about your stress triggers will help you better formulate some new responses to them.

Hang in there.

06-29-2009, 08:22 AM	#43
scandalouslyglam Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gorham, Me Posts: 6,994 Gallery: scandalouslyglam Stats: 6'1-261.8/222.2/220 WOE: LC down 39 Start Date: 1/2/2012	Hey Roamer, Your post really made me think and I have made a new commitment to my health and self. I have decided that the 3-4 glasses of wine every night is too much. I am not losing weight, often eat crap when buzzed and feel bad some mornings. I have decided that I will no longer drink during the week. I realize that I was using alcohol as a way to sleep better, and this is Bad...very bad!! So Sunday nite was Night one down. I am happy to report that I slept fine, woke feeling not Super, but I am clear headed. Tonight is Night 2 and tomorrow morning I will walk upon rising. Thanks so much, my hero!! August __________________ -My real name is August...nice to meet you! Losing weight is hard. Being fat is hard. Pick your hard.

06-30-2009, 04:53 AM	#50
roamer723 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Floriduh Posts: 1,355 Gallery: roamer723 Stats: 6' 6" 354.4/292.4/250(or until "Scoop" is gone) WOE: low carb'ish Start Date: March 18 2008	Thanks so much everybody, you all are so great with your support. For those interested, I'm keeping a tally on my blog and will post there for those who wish to follow so it won't be on the main board anymore. Thanks again. You guys are a big part of how I've been able to lose 65lbs, and you guys are gonna be the same for me quittin the sauce. Bloggedity Blog Blog ps...to all those that read this and are able to gain strength from it, you RAWK. Last edited by roamer723; 06-30-2009 at 04:56 AM..

06-30-2009, 06:03 AM	#51
peanutte Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 10,208 Gallery: peanutte Stats: 188 then/118 now WOE: Atkins maintenance Start Date: 01/03/09	Way to go, Roamer! I bet you're starting to feel very clear-headed and "lighter"--spiritually, emotionally, physically, whatever. Keep going! Glam, I hope things are going well with you, too. Last edited by peanutte; 06-30-2009 at 06:50 AM..

06-30-2009, 08:58 AM	#59
way2fluffy Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,854 Gallery: way2fluffy Stats: 211/206/165 WOE: Atkins induction (again) Start Date: January 2009/June 2011	Roamer, the kids can drive anybody to drink! But seriously, step back and look at how that sounds....you seriously wouldn't want to use your precious children as an excuse to drink? You are being honest with yourself for sure. Kids can ratchet up your stress level in a heartbeat (i have 4 so i'm familiar with the high maintenance level when they are young-I wanted to velcro them to the walls some days...but trust me here.....when they get to jr high and high school....OMG the stress is amazing!!!). Replace drinking with reading them a book or two? or any other 'plan' that sounds good to you....the tea in the evening is brilliant. I'm going to go back to that 'treat'. When it's hot, you might consider a diet tonic with lime as your evening 'reward'. I stopped drinking until I was no longer "obese"....but your thread reminds me of how subtle alcohol can be..... slowly having a drink here or there until I'm back to drinking way too often...not to the point of abuse...but really, why should I be ingesting those empty calories so often????? Time to cut back. Thanks for the 'wake up'. __________________ *smile often---pray more---complain less* Excuses - I can have excuses or I can have results, but I cannot have both.

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06-27-2009, 05:22 PM	#31
Jonahsafta Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: LV Posts: 2,432 Gallery: Jonahsafta Stats: 165/157.8/153 WOE: Atkins Start Date: orig. 1995 @248#	((((((((((((((Roamer))))))))))))))))) My prayer is that you are set free!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE DAY AT A TIME

06-27-2009, 06:42 PM	#32
FloridaShell Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 6,264 Gallery: FloridaShell Stats: Grrr/Grrr/130 WOE: My own way of l/cing Start Date: 1/2/08	What a great post.

06-28-2009, 04:25 AM	#33
roamer723 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Floriduh Posts: 1,355 Gallery: roamer723 Stats: 6' 6" 354.4/292.4/250(or until "Scoop" is gone) WOE: low carb'ish Start Date: March 18 2008	thanks everybody. day 2 down, here comes day 3!

06-28-2009, 04:57 AM	#34
Sunny7 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,414 Gallery: Sunny7	You can do this roamer, i am pulling for you --it will make you the happiest man in the world

06-28-2009, 05:24 AM	#35
NeverGoinBack Guest Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 3,219 Gallery: NeverGoinBack Stats: 310/132/140 5'8'' WOE: ZC-Love my meat!	Good job! You're making everyone proud!

06-28-2009, 06:31 AM	#36
cookie34 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lake Elsinore, Ca Posts: 3,912 Gallery: cookie34 Stats: 273/186/150 WOE: VSG/Low Carb Start Date: 5/20/2012	Good Job, Roamer! I am going to take your advice about thinking of lc as freedom!

06-28-2009, 07:39 PM	#37
BonBon19 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: At a location near you Posts: 3,295 Gallery: BonBon19 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Summer 2008	Wonderful job, Roamer! It's all a mind game now! You can do it buddy!! Every day that you rack up makes you want to see that number grow. Eventually, it doesn't take up that space in your mind. For now, it's a battle to change that habit. Soon, not drinking is the habit. When I drank, I wondered why everyone did not drink!!! It just puzzled me that anyone could be enjoying themselves much if they weren't. I am so glad to see the picture from a better view now. It is a much prettier picture! Good luck, and keep charging up that hill.

06-28-2009, 08:14 PM	#38
fawn Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 16,072 Gallery: fawn	Roamer, congratulations buddy...... Prior to low carb, I drank a 6 pack of beer a night and smoked pretty heavy. I quit the drinking because I was so motivated to lose however, I started on weekends again. My last real binge was about 4 years ago (into a 9 year journey btw) with a pack of cigarettes and a lot of beer. That was my last night...... I feel your struggles........... L-Glutamine is the perfect supplement for you. Do you know that sugar cravings and alcoholism addiction go hand in hand? I was able to ditch the sugar but for me, cigs and beer were perfect partners......my best friends...... Grab some 500mg capsules and when the urge hits, open them under your tongue. get busy with some exercise to help ease the physical frustration and increase your B vitamins. I wish you much success

06-29-2009, 03:56 AM	#39
roamer723 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Floriduh Posts: 1,355 Gallery: roamer723 Stats: 6' 6" 354.4/292.4/250(or until "Scoop" is gone) WOE: low carb'ish Start Date: March 18 2008	holy crap, Fawn used to..... wow. what a complete turn around you've made. You're one of the guru's around here. thanks again for the support everybody. last night was night 3 without drinking myself to sleep.

06-29-2009, 04:22 AM	#40
BonBon19 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: At a location near you Posts: 3,295 Gallery: BonBon19 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Summer 2008	As always, Fawn is spot on. I am sure you are reading about GABA on the other site also. I just want to say that it helped tremendously with sleeping and anxiety for me. I found that anxiety is not nearly the problem for me now that it was for me while drinking/first quit.

06-29-2009, 06:03 AM	#41
pooticus Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2004 Location: somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 21,049 Gallery: pooticus Stats: 314/220.4/150 WOE: PersonalPlan Start Date: Nov.20, 2007 (restart)	Roamer congratulations! You know, someone on another board mentioned this and it is so true for me and eating. I think it applies to other addictions as well. You don't have to quit for life. You only have to quit for today. For this minute. For right now. And as long as you can say "no" to the moment, the days and years will take care of themselves. Just put blinders on and only think about the now. Pretty soon, the addiction loses power over you. Hugs and way to go! You are doing so well!

06-29-2009, 06:58 AM	#42
JennyKitty Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,840 Gallery: JennyKitty	Roamer - just wanted to give you a big hug.

06-29-2009, 08:35 AM	#44
fawn Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 16,072 Gallery: fawn	Roamer, I have experienced more than most know.......even drugs and I'm not ashamed to admit it because I'm proud of who I am now......a self made woman. That means everything to me. You know, it's interesting.....when we drink ourselves to sleep, we don't realize that the alcohol really is a sugar of sorts and we actually have disrupted sleep. Remember waking in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep? Once you have normalized sleep without depressants, sleep has a whole new meaning the next morning. Congratulations to everyone for recognizing the changes you can make to elevate your health!

06-29-2009, 08:51 AM	#45
huskerfan Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 314 Gallery: huskerfan WOE: Low Carb Lifestyle-whole foods Start Date: 6/6/2009	What a great, inspirational post Roamer. Congrats to you and I know that you can do it. Please keep us posted on your journey as you bring others hope

06-29-2009, 09:18 AM	#46
Mayberryfan Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,785 Gallery: Mayberryfan Stats: 22/14/10 or 8 if I can! WOE: Atkins Start Date: June 6, 2007	Hey Roamer, et.,al.. Good luck! You're off to a GREAT start. It's very difficult to give up something you love. If I had to give up coffee.... KUTGW. You can do this!!

06-29-2009, 09:50 AM	#48
SmileySue Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 5,239 Gallery: SmileySue Stats: 332/125, size 2 Maintaining since 3/08!! WOE: Low carb and clean eating/whole foods Start Date: 9/05	Roamer, I'm so proud of you!!!!

06-29-2009, 11:00 AM	#49
seejay Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 283 Gallery: seejay	Great news Roamer! There's a guys' list also at radiantrecovery.com, the place for DesMaisons' "potatoes not prozac" plan. Worth a read to add to your understanding of the biochemistry of addiction. There's a lot you can do with nutrition to make it even better for you and make the cravings go away completely over time - well as long as you eat the good stuff and don't eat the not so good. I know from personal experience. It is so much better it's hard to describe !

06-30-2009, 06:36 AM	#52
NeverGoinBack Guest Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 3,219 Gallery: NeverGoinBack Stats: 310/132/140 5'8'' WOE: ZC-Love my meat!

06-30-2009, 06:49 AM	#53
wannabethin55 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 611 Gallery: wannabethin55 Stats: 165/161/135 WOE: low carb Start Date: restart 3/13/10	WOW! I've been MIA lately, thinking LC was not working for me. But I decided to try again and saw your post and I soooooo can relate to you and the others that have suffered with addictions! After reading all these posts, I'm definitely back on the LC wagon!

06-30-2009, 07:01 AM	#54
roamer723 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Floriduh Posts: 1,355 Gallery: roamer723 Stats: 6' 6" 354.4/292.4/250(or until "Scoop" is gone) WOE: low carb'ish Start Date: March 18 2008	sveet. back in the game!

06-30-2009, 07:06 AM	#56
peanutte Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 10,208 Gallery: peanutte Stats: 188 then/118 now WOE: Atkins maintenance Start Date: 01/03/09	I remember that new feeling so well--and I still get to enjoy it today! I hope you are discovering new habits and activities. One thing I remember so clearly was the experience of waking up early (like, at 6 or 6:30) and feeling fully alert and clear-headed. I'd make some coffee and go water all my flowers and plants, and then sit out on the patio with my coffee and enjoy the quietness of the cool summer morning. How are you doing in the evenings? Are you finding new things to do?

06-30-2009, 09:16 AM	#60
peanutte Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 10,208 Gallery: peanutte Stats: 188 then/118 now WOE: Atkins maintenance Start Date: 01/03/09	I think it's good that you have this time to yourself right now, to get mentally prepared without being pulled in a lot of different directions. You're probably going to want to sit your wife down and have a very honest conversation with her. It may not feel "fair", but you are going to need more of her patience, grace, and strength than usual, and hopefully she will be on board with that. I'm not saying that you have the right to take any frustrations out on her, to underfunction, or to expect her to coddle you--but hey, this is a huge life change and she needs to know exactly what you would like from her as far as support. And she can tell you what she needs from you, too. I strongly feel this is something you should not try to "keep to yourself" or be tough and self-sufficient about. Family life is super stressful at times. But remind yourself that millions of people manage to do it every day without alcohol. You CAN do it--you just need to find other ways to counter those stressful feelings. Identify what it is that makes you feel tense and anxious so that you can target those issues. Is it misbehavior and chaos from the kids? Is it feeling impatient and easily angered? Is it the ingrained belief that as the father, everything is on your shoulders? Is it that you never feel caught-up on everything that needs to be done around the house? Is it the feeling that your time belongs to everyone else and you never get some time just for you? Being as precise as possible about your stress triggers will help you better formulate some new responses to them. Hang in there.