I noticed that alcohol really affects me happiness levels. Eg. If I drink on a weekend or a Sunday when I wake up Monday I’m feeling really LOW. And I’m not talking five drinks I’m talking one or two. So I am doing sober January too and I feel so much better. Thanks for sharing a lot of us can relate.
Thank you for sharing your story. It will help others experiencing the same thing. I don’t drink for health reasons and I don’t feel I miss out, in fact I do other more enriching things than many of my drinking friends!
There is a mis-conception that alcohol dependant folk are those waking up and reaching for the bottle, but in reality it is more about dependency.
I’ve worked with many clients who use/abuse alcohol. I’m writing an article about this and how to stop atm. The work is to tolerate and process the difficult feelings you already encountered without alcohol so they subside, and develop alternative soothing. If you lose friends when you stop drinking, are they really good friends? Good luck with it, and channel your inner warrior! 💛✨
Thanks Jo! I'm excited for the alchemy! And I think my fear about my friends is an unfounded anxious one. I went to a dinner party the other night and my friend hosting confessed she did a little research about how to support a friend who's not drinking. I know my people have me. That's some alchemy too, isn't it. Thank you for your support and congratulations on 10 years! ❤️❤️
I freakin' loved readind your thoughts on alcohol! I will also venture to extrapolate that the feelings you have so eloquently described towards it are quite universal in those who have examined their individual relationships with the substance. It's so far beyond "black and white" but I do know it to be true that alcohol, generally speaking, is not good for us. Socially acceptable/EVERYWHERE, yes. But actually good for our emotional growth, awareness, physical and mental health? Not so much. (and, for the record, I am a mostly social drinker like you but find myself drinking at the casa more often than not during the holidays -- they always get me). I do Dry January (or "Damp January") often as a reset and find myself wondering each time I take some time off when and if I'll ever just be done with the damn stuff!
I've made comments like "I'll probs end up a teetotaler down the road..." but not yet. Because like you, I feel the social pressure of having drinks around for visitors and/or socially drinking in the circles we are used to drinking in. And yes, our lives would/will change when/if we totally quit. But I think we forget to look at the immensely positive ways they do. There's a lot of well-slept brightness and possibility there =). Anyway, thanks for being so vulnerable on a topic many of us grapple with!! I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful and thought provoking words, Bethany! I relate so much to the holidays trap. I definitely couldn't have started then. I'm here in solidarity whatever you decide to do! It sounds like you've marinated on it as much as I have - it's complicated, right?? ❤️❤️❤️
I noticed that alcohol really affects me happiness levels. Eg. If I drink on a weekend or a Sunday when I wake up Monday I’m feeling really LOW. And I’m not talking five drinks I’m talking one or two. So I am doing sober January too and I feel so much better. Thanks for sharing a lot of us can relate.
Thanks for sharing, Brenna! Curious how Dry January changes your February! Keep me updated!
I’m definitely cutting back. I’m shooting for 3 dry nights a week.
Thank you for sharing your story. It will help others experiencing the same thing. I don’t drink for health reasons and I don’t feel I miss out, in fact I do other more enriching things than many of my drinking friends!
There is a mis-conception that alcohol dependant folk are those waking up and reaching for the bottle, but in reality it is more about dependency.
I’ve worked with many clients who use/abuse alcohol. I’m writing an article about this and how to stop atm. The work is to tolerate and process the difficult feelings you already encountered without alcohol so they subside, and develop alternative soothing. If you lose friends when you stop drinking, are they really good friends? Good luck with it, and channel your inner warrior! 💛✨
Thanks for reading and for your support, Kate!
Awesome that you are being curious around your drinking habits. It all begins with awareness.
I stopped drinking to numb emotional pain about 10 years ago. It has changed my life in a positive way a million times over.
I lost friends though.
But I asked myself who are these friends who encourage unhealthy behaviour ( I was a mess but they liked my party ways)?
True friends support you in your decisions to live a better healthier truer life.
It can be a lonely time, so find people who support and uplift the real you. They are out there - I promise.
The only way through pain is to feel it fully. It is quite miraculous the alchemy that occurs. It is a high like no other.
All the best!
Thanks Jo! I'm excited for the alchemy! And I think my fear about my friends is an unfounded anxious one. I went to a dinner party the other night and my friend hosting confessed she did a little research about how to support a friend who's not drinking. I know my people have me. That's some alchemy too, isn't it. Thank you for your support and congratulations on 10 years! ❤️❤️
What good friends!
I freakin' loved readind your thoughts on alcohol! I will also venture to extrapolate that the feelings you have so eloquently described towards it are quite universal in those who have examined their individual relationships with the substance. It's so far beyond "black and white" but I do know it to be true that alcohol, generally speaking, is not good for us. Socially acceptable/EVERYWHERE, yes. But actually good for our emotional growth, awareness, physical and mental health? Not so much. (and, for the record, I am a mostly social drinker like you but find myself drinking at the casa more often than not during the holidays -- they always get me). I do Dry January (or "Damp January") often as a reset and find myself wondering each time I take some time off when and if I'll ever just be done with the damn stuff!
I've made comments like "I'll probs end up a teetotaler down the road..." but not yet. Because like you, I feel the social pressure of having drinks around for visitors and/or socially drinking in the circles we are used to drinking in. And yes, our lives would/will change when/if we totally quit. But I think we forget to look at the immensely positive ways they do. There's a lot of well-slept brightness and possibility there =). Anyway, thanks for being so vulnerable on a topic many of us grapple with!! I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful and thought provoking words, Bethany! I relate so much to the holidays trap. I definitely couldn't have started then. I'm here in solidarity whatever you decide to do! It sounds like you've marinated on it as much as I have - it's complicated, right?? ❤️❤️❤️
Quite— cheers with LaCroix— to your journey ❤️
Also saw you're a 1 - I'm an 8 and also highly sensitive... I think. :) Glad we're connected.
😂 same same!