Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 - I quit alcohol right BEFORE the Octoberfest. Recent studies about the negative effects of even small amounts and my ongoing training finally made me switch. I am not missing anything. Sleep has also greatly improved, getting Garmin sleep badges one after the other :-). When it comes to social meetups I wish I had alcohol to calm me down or make feel to fit in... I just don't go or go early. I've become more authentic and listen more to what I need.
Congrats! It feels so liberating to be comfortable with your sobriety. For the last few years I have completely changed my relationship with alcohol. It’s made me realise what I really enjoy doing and what I thought I enjoyed doing cause I was drunk. That was one of the biggest things for me. I’m quite happy to politely decline these days!!
Congratulations! What a beautiful journey you’re on. I love reading your reflections on finding absolute pleasure over the false promises of alcohol. And isn’t it incredible how choosing not to drink is becoming so cool? I found my peace with alcohol and other substances 5 1/2 years ago through a neuroscientific, mindfulness-based habit change group. These days, my wife and I stroll past the aisles of nonalcoholic options at Whole Foods, and I can’t help but smile and think, ‘Yep, I was a little ahead of the curve!’ Keep up the fantastic work—you’re inspiring!
Thanks for this perspective! It’s so relatable and inspiring to read. I’m currently “sober curious” and mid-dry-January, but also can’t see myself forgoing the occasional glass of wine forever and ever, but I am so ready to cut it out of my regular lifestyle. Reading what has worked for others has been wonderful!
I drink less these days, as I have definitely noticed over the past couple years how it affects me. I’m working on paying attention to my why (i.e. do I want it for the flavor/indulgence, or for the crutch as you called it?) Case in point - I took my mentee out tonight for a holiday cheers with the intention of getting a mocktail but ended up feeling too awkward to let her drink alone. I’m sure it would have been fine but alas, we reflect and learn!
I'm just so happy you are HEALTHY and happy! Very proud of you. I never had an issue stopping drinking here in Italy - we are a pretty mixed group of friends here in Como. But when I was younger and living in Manhattan and didn't drink for a while but wanted to keep socializing, I didn't even tell anyone and just ordered my own sparking water with cranberry juice at the bar, imitating a vodka cranberry. I love the idea of all ways of socializing being "cool" but kind of hate that she is making so much moolah off of what is already existing Italian branding, aperitivo culture and drinks.
Congrats on six months! And your journey of self-awareness and growth. Embracing this path is a powerful testament to good insights and appreciation. Well done!
Perfect timing on your post as so much about the holidays revolves around drinking--no matter what country you're in. I've gone off and on w/ no alcohol. For the first week it was always work, but then, voila. It just kicked in. I went 7 years without early on, and to this day I cannot recall why I decided to drink again.I think it's commendable you just stepped back on your own. In my 20s, my old boyfriend suggested it. You know that's not a good sign.
Thanks Jeanine. Life has different seasons, my drinking season was long! I am going to a holiday party on Saturday and plan to bring a cute mocktail. I think it's always easier if you make yourself something special pretty.
Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, thanks for reading!
Well done!! I, too, have (had) a love/hate relationship with alcohol. And like you it also took me quitting in stages. God! I certainly don't miss the crazy headaches a hangover would often give me, nor the self loathing or bone-deep fatigue. Good riddance!!
I sleep way better now am less anxious, and I know I've done my body the biggest favor by giving up drinking.
Congratulations on this accomplishment! I am working on the addiction to anger, especially to things I can never change, and things that try to live rent free in my head. I’d made good progress since moving to Portugal, then after the November elections I’ve had a bit of a relapse. All will be well and at least I recognize the signs sooner.
Love to read this! I’ve seen myself in your words, never had a problem with alcohol but this year started to question how we normalize the consumption as a society. I event wrote about it as well. I haven’t completely quit, but I’m drinking way less - I was able to even travel without drinking (and I would allow myself more drinks during trips). Such an important topic!
I love this, Brenna. Congrats on six months! I really appreciated your reflections on pleasure and deprivation. Replacing the false pleasure of alcohol with the true pleasure of genuine connection and inner alignment has been the best change I've ever made.
Also, had to laugh at the emotional chocolate bar. Sugar definitely rushes in to fill the void left by alcohol, lol. I remember Leslie Jamison quoting David Foster Wallace calling it "the pastry dependence of early sobriety" or something along those lines. Honestly, I'm very okay with that being my vice.
Yes I am ok with treating myself to yummy foods too.
One particular stressful situation was quite funny. We were in small town Italy with my in-laws who have trouble walking and my husband forgot where he parked. Everyone was hungry and tired. I walked away from everyone, sat on a bench in the sun and ate a chocolate-covered fig that I had bought at the xmas market. As soon as the pleasure hit me I had an idea for a solution and soon enough we were back at the car. Sometimes that dopamine hit works :)
Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 - I quit alcohol right BEFORE the Octoberfest. Recent studies about the negative effects of even small amounts and my ongoing training finally made me switch. I am not missing anything. Sleep has also greatly improved, getting Garmin sleep badges one after the other :-). When it comes to social meetups I wish I had alcohol to calm me down or make feel to fit in... I just don't go or go early. I've become more authentic and listen more to what I need.
That's so wonderful Sven :) I like the idea to go to social gatherings early.
Congrats! It feels so liberating to be comfortable with your sobriety. For the last few years I have completely changed my relationship with alcohol. It’s made me realise what I really enjoy doing and what I thought I enjoyed doing cause I was drunk. That was one of the biggest things for me. I’m quite happy to politely decline these days!!
Love it RP!!!! Well done
Congratulations! What a beautiful journey you’re on. I love reading your reflections on finding absolute pleasure over the false promises of alcohol. And isn’t it incredible how choosing not to drink is becoming so cool? I found my peace with alcohol and other substances 5 1/2 years ago through a neuroscientific, mindfulness-based habit change group. These days, my wife and I stroll past the aisles of nonalcoholic options at Whole Foods, and I can’t help but smile and think, ‘Yep, I was a little ahead of the curve!’ Keep up the fantastic work—you’re inspiring!
Thank you Dan!!! And way to be ahead of the curve :)
Thanks for this perspective! It’s so relatable and inspiring to read. I’m currently “sober curious” and mid-dry-January, but also can’t see myself forgoing the occasional glass of wine forever and ever, but I am so ready to cut it out of my regular lifestyle. Reading what has worked for others has been wonderful!
Thanks for reading Liv! I agree!
Go you! Congratulations from one sober sis to another! Life for sure is ‘felt’ more- but I wouldn’t swap it for the world!
Way to go Brenna!
I drink less these days, as I have definitely noticed over the past couple years how it affects me. I’m working on paying attention to my why (i.e. do I want it for the flavor/indulgence, or for the crutch as you called it?) Case in point - I took my mentee out tonight for a holiday cheers with the intention of getting a mocktail but ended up feeling too awkward to let her drink alone. I’m sure it would have been fine but alas, we reflect and learn!
That's so nice of you to take out your mentee! I'm sure she felt treated and special.
I'm just so happy you are HEALTHY and happy! Very proud of you. I never had an issue stopping drinking here in Italy - we are a pretty mixed group of friends here in Como. But when I was younger and living in Manhattan and didn't drink for a while but wanted to keep socializing, I didn't even tell anyone and just ordered my own sparking water with cranberry juice at the bar, imitating a vodka cranberry. I love the idea of all ways of socializing being "cool" but kind of hate that she is making so much moolah off of what is already existing Italian branding, aperitivo culture and drinks.
Thank you Lolly :) The vodka cranberry trick works every time.
So funny about the Italian branding. HA. I agree with your assessment. I've tried the drinks and they're not revolutionary!
Congrats on six months! And your journey of self-awareness and growth. Embracing this path is a powerful testament to good insights and appreciation. Well done!
Thanks Frankie! I never thought about this as a journey to self-awareness but now that you've called it out, it has been! Thanks for reading.
Perfect timing on your post as so much about the holidays revolves around drinking--no matter what country you're in. I've gone off and on w/ no alcohol. For the first week it was always work, but then, voila. It just kicked in. I went 7 years without early on, and to this day I cannot recall why I decided to drink again.I think it's commendable you just stepped back on your own. In my 20s, my old boyfriend suggested it. You know that's not a good sign.
Thanks Jeanine. Life has different seasons, my drinking season was long! I am going to a holiday party on Saturday and plan to bring a cute mocktail. I think it's always easier if you make yourself something special pretty.
Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, thanks for reading!
Feliz Navidad!
Well done!! I, too, have (had) a love/hate relationship with alcohol. And like you it also took me quitting in stages. God! I certainly don't miss the crazy headaches a hangover would often give me, nor the self loathing or bone-deep fatigue. Good riddance!!
I sleep way better now am less anxious, and I know I've done my body the biggest favor by giving up drinking.
Today, I celebrate you in all your greatness!
Thank you so much Rachel. You get it! It feels nice to celebrate with people who understand.
Congratulations on this accomplishment! I am working on the addiction to anger, especially to things I can never change, and things that try to live rent free in my head. I’d made good progress since moving to Portugal, then after the November elections I’ve had a bit of a relapse. All will be well and at least I recognize the signs sooner.
Maria, anger is a precious gift! It tells us a lot about what no longer serves us :) It seems like you're doing all the right things, keep it up!
Love to read this! I’ve seen myself in your words, never had a problem with alcohol but this year started to question how we normalize the consumption as a society. I event wrote about it as well. I haven’t completely quit, but I’m drinking way less - I was able to even travel without drinking (and I would allow myself more drinks during trips). Such an important topic!
Well done Laura! You should be so proud of yourself for cultivating such great mindfulness.
I love this, Brenna. Congrats on six months! I really appreciated your reflections on pleasure and deprivation. Replacing the false pleasure of alcohol with the true pleasure of genuine connection and inner alignment has been the best change I've ever made.
Also, had to laugh at the emotional chocolate bar. Sugar definitely rushes in to fill the void left by alcohol, lol. I remember Leslie Jamison quoting David Foster Wallace calling it "the pastry dependence of early sobriety" or something along those lines. Honestly, I'm very okay with that being my vice.
Yes I am ok with treating myself to yummy foods too.
One particular stressful situation was quite funny. We were in small town Italy with my in-laws who have trouble walking and my husband forgot where he parked. Everyone was hungry and tired. I walked away from everyone, sat on a bench in the sun and ate a chocolate-covered fig that I had bought at the xmas market. As soon as the pleasure hit me I had an idea for a solution and soon enough we were back at the car. Sometimes that dopamine hit works :)