It is amazing how cutting one thing out of your life–alcohol–can change it completely. And if you’re caught up in drinking, a changed life is a blessing. It’s not only changed in the sense that it’s different. Much of how you experience your life sober is the exact opposite of what you are used to.
When you’re trapped in a lifestyle of drinking, life becomes small. You think and behave in selfish ways to get what you want (your daily fix) and you justify it by saying, “I deserve it; life is hard!”
In the hours you aren’t drinking you experience anxiety. Anxiety over making daily promises and breaking them and realizing that you can’t trust or depend on yourself to keep your word. Anxiety over repeatedly doing what you don’t want, yet not being able to stop.
You probably also feel a sense of depression that clings to you like a sticky fog. Depression because alcohol is a depressant and it numbs any good feelings along with the others. Depression because you are phoning it in, a passive participant in your own small, dissatisfying and disappointing life.
But, the complete opposite reality is waiting for you on the other side.
When you choose a lifestyle of sobriety, your life expands. Instead of life being about you and your next drink, it becomes about others. Your eyes open to the people and experiences around you. Watching your son’s basketball game or your daughter’s gymnastics class. Noticing that a friend needs support and being available to give it to her. Having a real, quality conversation with your husband on a dinner date…and remembering it!
In place of anxiety you feel peace because you CAN trust and rely on yourself. Peace inspires joy, that clings to you like a soft, warm blanket. This sense of joy is from doing your best for yourself and for others in this big, beautiful life you have chosen to actively participate in.
If you are still caught up in a life where alcohol chooses for you, it’s time to trade up. Wouldn’t it be nice to experience: connection over isolation, self-love over self-loathing, gratitude over greediness, grace over shame, peace over regret. I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
As we enter this new year, this new decade, consider giving yourself the gift that will change your life completely; completely for the best.