Flipping the Script Around Drinking
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Alright friends, sit tight for a second and hear me out. Because whoa Nelly, I'm about to flip the script. This is for anyone who is thinking about quitting drinking, or who recently quit, or who doesn't think they could ever quit because -- ugh -- that just sounds miserable.
When I first quit drinking, it felt like a punishment. Like, "Celeste needs to go back to the kiddie table because she cannot drink like a grown up and she is now condemned to apple juice and club soda from here on out."
I was miserable with the idea. Skipping a night of drinking sounded sucky. But a lifetime? No, thanks. I mean, everything revolves around drinking these days. The idea of a lifetime of weddings and BBQs and summer beach days without beer, wine and endless cocktails sounded like a living hell. The very definition of living hell, in fact.
But somewhere after the first few months, once I got my habits reversed and started getting more comfortable in this new lifestyle of alcohol free living, something incredible happened... LIFE GOT BETTER.
And not just in the morning, with not waking up with a hangover. Not just in the evening, where I had to self-check for slurred speech, and who was watching me, and the constant nag of my inner voice saying "where will you get your next drink? Just one more... you deserve this."
I'm talking about every living breathing second. Every second got better. My health got better (especially my sleep). My relationships improved (especially with my kids). My anxiety went down significantly. And then there are so many little things: the time I got back, money saved, my taste buds returned (hallelujah!).
LIFE GOT BETTER.
And it bears writing this over and over because this is not the script we are handed when we decide we need to quit drinking, or the court or our loved ones, or our bodies decide on our behalf.
When we realize we have a drinking problem, we are told it is our problem and we are condemned to a lifetime of basement meetings, judgement, labels, stigma and YES, so much deprivation. We think it's about what we CAN'T have. And it feels like something's being taken away.
But it's not. Life is being returned to us. Giving up alcohol is the opposite of giving up. It is getting back. Getting everything back.
We need to flip the script. An alcohol free life is a blessing. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain from making this choice for our health, our families, and our quality of life. When we tell our friends we quit drinking, that should be calls for celebration, high fives and big bear hugs. Because it means we want a better life. We want more from life. We aren't giving up.
Next time you're sitting with someone and they say, "I quit drinking", you don't need to feel sorry for them. You don't need to lower your eyes in mourning at their loss. I challenge you to say "THAT IS AWESOME." Because it is awesome. It's life-changingly awesome.
What I’m Reading/Watching/Listening to Right Now
Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You. Looking for all the benefits of quitting booze in one place, or need a final nudge to go dry for a few weeks and see what happens? This book is great for someone who is sober curious.
Come As You Are: Anyone else grow up with ZERO information on sex other than the tv/movies? I still remember my grandma telling me the only purpose of sex is to keep your spouse satisfied. I’m still unpacking so much and this book is AMAZING. It teaches how to love and understand our bodies and sex drive without judgment.
Atomic Habits. I mentioned this book in my last email, but this is a great book for anyone who needs a reminder that little changes in what we do each day can make a BIG difference. And some proven strategies to creating healthy habits.
Favorite quote: ‘I chose sober because I wanted a better life. I stay sober because I got one’ - Unknown
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Bad Ass Mom non-alcoholic sparking rose is right in time for the holidays! 0.0% ABV and delicious! Not too sweet, either. A perfect balance with zero guilt.
Instagram Accounts I Love:
@sobermomsquad
@elyse_myers
@noideadaddyblog
@amberlylagomotivation
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