“ I heard you quit drinking. I didn’t know you had a problem.”
I know people mean well, when they say something like this to me. Or maybe they’re fishing to hear some grisly story of my hidden life, passed out under a bridge? I mean, most people might imagine that to choose a life without booze, I must be badly broken? 😉
Are you on a path to being your best you? I hope you are. On any path like that, you’ll find obstacles- things you repeatedly trip over, people or experiences that suck an inordinate amount of my time, attention or joy. For me, a stumbling block was wishing to escape- from this moment, responsibilities and especially from emotions. I used alcohol to distract myself from life.
Alcohol numbs our emotions. True! The thing you choose to throw down to celebrate a joyful event is numbing your joy. Who knew? Of course, we might love the numbing when we’re sad but numbing emotions just postpones the inevitable. Eventually you will face your emotions, sometimes the next day with a headache and a poor night of sleep.
Alcohol is also addictive, a toxin (specifically a neurotoxin) and a depressant. Yet is is lauded by our society as being an essential ingredient to celebrate, be sad or just to be cool. Many of us think that health risks occur only for “heavy drinkers” which I was not. However, recent research is showing that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption. ( https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health).
Why am I sharing this? Not to change you, of course not. But I know there are a few of you out there who sometimes wish you could stop drinking just because it doesn’t make you feel well. Most people figure that the only people who quit are those with dramatic problems, “those alcoholics” that must go spend the rest of their lives in AA (which actually is a quite joyful bunch of souls but that’s another story.) The truth is that globally, there is a movement recognizing the dangers of alcohol consumption for our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Many of us are choosing to walk away from alcohol for 30, 90 or 365 days. Often, the dramatic improvements in health, cognitive skills, relationships and level of joy in life helps folks decide to not go back to drinking.
I’m offering up a perspective that choosing not to drink can be a healthy option for anyone. I imagine in 10 years, we might view drinking like we look at smoking now. If a friend were trying to stop smoking, you would never say, “Here, just have one, it won’t hurt.” The non-drinking part of our population is growing. I just ask that you honor someone’s choice when they say, “Not for me.” Have some non-alcoholic options at your events.
Recently at a small gathering, someone asked with if I wanted wine, which I had always enjoyed with this group in the past. I simply said no, I’m taking a break. One other woman in the group smiles broadly and said, “I did that too recently. Didn’t drink for 3 months and I felt great.” End of conversation… the party went on.
For you spiritual seekers, trying to be your best self, connect with higher wisdom, wishing to live your best life… you might consider taking a walk down the Alcohol Free path for a bit and see what that does for your world.
There are myriad organizations out there now encouraging people to explore a life without alcohol. I worked with OYNB based in the UK (OneYearNoBeer.com) and am having a ball with that community and have learned a lot about me, about emotional health and maturity.
Go be your best you… however works for you.
Much love and light.
💖
#alcoholfree #sober #sobercurious