Alcohol.
Let’s talk about it.
For the past two years, I’ve found myself being extremely sober curious…
Meaning, I’ve been becoming more aware of my relationship with alcohol…
Why I drink…
When I drink…
And how it makes me feel.
Oh yeah, it’s been fun. 😉
I can’t exactly pinpoint when this all happened, but I suddenly found myself one day listening to sober podcasts, following sober advocates on Instagram, and taking occasional breaks from alcohol myself.
Because drinking has never been my “vice”…
I honestly felt SILLY feeling such guilt around it, especially when it’s promoted everywhere, for every occasion, for all the “guarenteed” fun!
But when just a couple beverages started gifting me guaranteed anxiety, and had me feeling less than who I authentically am and aspire to be… I felt compelled to dig in!
Now, although I still partake, I feel proud to say that my sober curiosity has led me to some great realizations that I’d love to share with you.
For starters, and what I believe to be a huge and very important realization, is that if I need a drink to have fun, the event and/or company may not be for me!
Yes, hard to accept… but so true.
Secondly, all the things that are good for me and I love doing are far more enjoyable and effective with minimal alcohol; food choices, exercise, being a present and patient mama/wife/friend, coaching, and writing.
Lastly… no hangovers are topnotch (and sadly, these days… it doesn’t take much for one)!
I’ve also noted when I truly enjoy a beverage (or two, let’s be honest), and when I don’t want one and am simply partaking out of habit.
I’ve accepted that at 5pm pretty much every day… I will get “the urge”… but it’s mostly a reminder that it’s time to pause and take a breather.
Now, for anyone who is reading this and having a lightbulb moment…
Maybe you’ve been sober curious as well…
I want to share a few reflection questions I often ask myself when it comes to alcohol.
Feel free to simply think these through, or actually pull out your journal, and go on your own self-discovery journey around your relationship with alcohol.
- Why and when do I choose to drink alcohol?
- How does alcohol make me feel?
- Could I benefit from less or no alcohol?
- How would I rate my overall relationship with alcohol?
When it comes to living a happy and purposeful life…
Intentionality is key.
We cannot make changes on things we aren’t aware are happening.
You may be like me, and feel that you don’t drink that much…
And therefore, it’s not a problem.
But truly…
If any habit… no matter how big or small… is affecting the overall quality of your life and well-being, you owe it to yourself to get curious about that!
For me thus far, this journey has led me to realize I am capable of allowing my awareness to guide me and feel more in control when it comes to drinking and my choices around alcohol…
Especially during summer!!!
I know others who have decided to refrain completely, because they can’t just have one or two…
And all of that is OK!
That’s why it’s all a personal journey, and there is absolutely zero judgement here.
We’re all doing the best we can.
And the fact that you’ve read this far shows you care about your choices and well-being!
As Maya Angelou once said…
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Awareness helps us do better!
Wishing you the best on your own sober curious journey.
Believing in us, always.
There is an anxiety podcast with Lynn Lions. Lynn Lions brought up the topic that its become popular to joke about needing alcohol because of our kids!! And what does that teach them as far as coping skills (things are difficult, I better drink alcohol?)?
This is so true!… and I hate to admit, I’ve definitely said those words!!!! Probably not so my kids heard them, though. 😉 But yes, so important to find a variety of ways to cope when stressed out; a walk, massage, chat with a friend!