My Sober Curious journey started in 2020. This was during the the start of a global pandemic, a time where drinking would have been seen as acceptable considering the circumstances life had thrown our way.
I had decided I had enough. I wanted more for my life than a sore head on mornings, anxiety over what I had done or said while drinking and the physical, emotional and monetary cost that alcohol came with.
I would continuously go back and forth between sober stents for the following 2 years. Back and forth, back and forth. It was a love affair I didn’t know how to end, or even if I wanted to.
Living in a country where social circles revolved around drinking it was even harder to break free. I was still new to the town I was living in and wanted to meet people. I didn’t know how to do this without my friend alcohol.
Over time I learned many lessons about myself, why I choose to drink and why I ultimately decided to stop. I hope these 5 things I learned inspire you to consider a sober lifestyle.
At the time of writing this I still have the occasional glass of wine or cider at the pub. But my life is no longer ruled by alcohol and the poor decisions that come with it. I wish the same for you!
1. You think everyone will care why you aren’t drinking- they don’t.
When I first started my sober curious journey I was all consumed by what people would think of me. I was worried about what I would order at the restaurant when my husband and I would go out. I was anxious when we went to a social gathering and I had a kombucha instead of a cocktail. Here is what they said: ….. Crickets …. NOTHING!
Absolutely no one cared- If I was offered a drink, I would mention I brought my own. They would say okay – great! Then moved on. In my head I thought I was going to be bombarded with questions and ridiculed. NOPE. Absolutely NONE of that happened. When I would get asked what was in my fancy glass with fruit I would just say Kombucha- then it would turn more into a conversation about what the heck Kombucha is rather than my not drinking. It was a win win.
2. Sunday mornings are for more than a hangover.
You will be amazed at how much can get done on a sunday! Gone are the days where you are laid in bed until 10 am just to move onto the couch. You can actually be productive, have a clear head for the day and have a restful day instead of a creature day. One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday now is to go for a nice long walk. I realize how many beautiful mornings I missed by being hungover.
3. Life is better when you can remember what you said last night.
One of my worst qualities when I would drink is I would say some pretty mean stuff- this was rooted in a lot of my own insecurities. The next day when I would wake up to hear about what I said or did I would be mortified. Embarrassed doesn’t even cut it. I would be so disgusted with myself- for saying or doing those things in the first place. Then I would feel even worse that I couldn’t remember. Every time I would drink it would be like playing russion roulette – but with what I would say or do this time.
4. You can still be & have fun.
The thought of attending a social event without drinking was one of my worst nightmares. I thought I would be the boring person that doesn’t drink and stands in the corner all by myself. This was FAR from true! I realized I am still allowed to BE fun! Alcohol is not the only time you have the permission to relax or let loose. I promise. Social events no longer scare me- I look forward to them. It is even more fun being the only one who remembers what actually happened!
5. You are making the decision for the future YOU.
One of my favorite sayings when I was young and carefree was “Future Amber will deal with that”. It was a fun mindset at the time- but when it came time to be that future Amber I was not happy with the debt, too many blacked out nights to remember, and the relationships that mentality had cost me. I knew in my core that drinking was not in alignment with who I wanted to be. There were times in my journey I would give in and have a drink – no one was pressuring me except myself. These times I would feel so ashamed of myself. This would then turn into a guilt spiral that was just not worth it.
Intuitive Souls 