No Liquid Courage Required

Alright, folks, buckle up because June 12, 2024 marked two whole years of living alcohol-free, and let me just tell you, I need a drink, lol. Just kidding! Gone are the days that I actually feel that way. I used to feel that way quite regularly. Have a bad day? “I need a drink!” Crappy stock market day? “Nothing a drink can’t cure, right?” WRONG! It’s such freedom for me to have that monkey off of my back!

It has been a wild ride! Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the clarity and health that sobriety has brought into my life. These past couple years threw some curveballs my way, but each one only strengthened my resolve to stick to this path.

So, picture this: I’m on a tour of Tuscany, Italy surrounded by rolling vineyards and the intoxicating aroma of the finest of the finest aged wines. Sounds like a recipe for a drunken escapade, right? Nope! I found myself at a wine tasting, and guess what? I didn’t sip a drop. That’s right, folks, I was the only person in Tuscany not sloshed on Super Tuscans. It was tough, especially in a place where wine flows like water, but choosing my well-being over a fleeting glass of vino felt downright empowering. Plus, I got to enjoy the scenery without stumbling into a grapevine and taste some high polyphenol olive oils that knocked my socks off… IYKYK!

Traveling has given me plenty of moments to reflect on this two-year journey. On a United Airlines flight, they offered me Justin Isosceles, a wine that used to be one of my go-to faves. I declined. Politely, of course. Same story in the United International Business Lounge where they served The Prisoner wine... another old favorite. Only this time I didn’t feel like ‘The Prisoner’. I felt more like ‘The Escapee’. As a side note, since when did they start serving decent wines on planes and in these lounges? Everything I’d ever had tasted like fermented jet fuel. But regardless of these tempting wines they were offering me, I reminded myself that I didn’t drink anymore and stuck to my principles. Each time I said no, I felt a surge of freedom from the crutch alcohol once was.

Alcohol used to be my go-to for coping with social anxiety. You know, like that one friend who offers to fix your Wi-Fi but ends up crashing your entire network instead. 😂 Sure it gave me a quick fix but it deepened my dependence and anxiety over time. Much like anxiety medications that can exacerbate the very symptoms they aim to alleviate, alcohol created a vicious cycle. It provided temporary relief while deepening my dependence and anxiety in the long run.

I often found myself in awe of friends and acquaintances who chose to live sober. Their ability to navigate life’s ups and downs without the crutch of alcohol always seemed like a superpower to me. I admired their strength and self-control, looking up to them and wondering how they managed to thrive in a culture where everything seemed to revolve around drinking. From holidays and promotions to buying a new home, alcohol seemed to always be up in your grill, making it feel almost impossible for me to quit. I confided in these sober superheroes over the years, expressing my wish to one day join them in their clarity. Their unwavering commitment and resilience were a constant source of inspiration, even when I felt trapped by social norms and my own anxiety.

Now, having reached this two-year milestone, I reflect on those conversations with deep gratitude. Their example planted the seeds of possibility in my mind and heart, showing me that a life free from alcohol was not only possible but incredibly fulfilling. I often wonder if they are surprised that I finally did it like I said I would. To them, I say thank you for being my role models and for showing me a different way to live. Your influence has been invaluable on my journey to sobriety.

Breaking free from that whole cycle has been one of the most liberating experiences. Now, I can handle social situations with a confidence I never knew I had, without needing a drink to feel at ease. Who knew I was actually funny and charming without a glass of liquid courage?

But wait, there’s more! I also ditched coffee too. Yeah, I know, what am I, a masochist? But believe it or not, I feel more awake and energetic without it. This experience was a huge eye-opener for me: the stuff we think we need to function is often totally unnecessary. Turns out, all I needed was a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, not a quadruple shot of espresso that made me talk faster than an auctioneer on fast-forward.

The time and energy I used to spend on drinking and recovering are now channeled into self-care. Daily exercise, meditation, exploring new hobbies, and skincare... these are my new jam. Looking back, my drinking days were filled with a lack of self-love and neglect. Sobriety has taught me to prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical health. Plus, my liver is throwing a nonstop rave in my honor. 🥳🎉

These changes have brought a deeper sense of self-respect and appreciation. I see the world through clearer eyes and face challenges with a resilience I never thought possible. I’m not here to preach sobriety, but to share the amazing personal growth that can come from it. Besides, nobody likes a preachy sober person. I promise I’m not handing out “Sober and Loving It” bumper stickers.

If you’re leaning on alcohol as a crutch, just know that there’s a way out. The journey might be tough, but the rewards are huge. Embrace the process of rediscovering yourself and taking care of your well-being. You might just be amazed by the strength and clarity that’s been inside you all along, waiting to be unleashed.

So, here’s to living life to the fullest... sober, spunky, and loving it! And remember, the only buzz you really need is the one from living your best life. Cheers to that!