I want to tell you why quitting alcohol has been the best decision I’ve made this year. It’s not just about me; it’s about the profound impact it’s had on my life, my business, and the people around me. So, buckle up as I take you through my journey of alcohol and why I decided to put the bottle down for good.
The First Sip at 16
It all began when I was 16. I remember that first sip of Bourbon and Coke at a party. Surprisingly, it tasted pretty good, and I thought, “What’s all the fuss about alcohol?” I had this stubborn belief that I could control it, and I’d never get drunk. Oh, how naive I was! That first experience left me spinning, out of control, and introduced me to the world of not just alcohol, but using it as an escape from my reality.
Growing up, I had a rather strict upbringing, and I often felt like I needed an escape from it all. So, from the age of 16, I was frequently underage drinking, partying, and rebelling, just like so many teenagers do. I’m sure some of you can relate to those days of sneaking around, hiding your drinks from your parents, and thinking you’re invincible.
A Vicious Cycle
My journey with alcohol wasn’t a casual one; it became a lifestyle. I was heavily into binge drinking, especially on weekends. Alcohol has this sneaky way of making you chase that feeling of relaxation, and I often found myself drinking more than I intended. Those nights were followed by regrets and blackouts. Sound familiar?
I remember one particularly embarrassing incident when I flew from Thailand to Sydney with my husband. I had so much to drink that I ended up with alcohol poisoning and spent the entire flight vomiting. People must’ve thought I had severe motion sickness, but no, it was excessive drinking. I vowed never to do that to my body again. But, like many, I fell back into the cycle.
The Failed Attempts to Quit
Over the years, I made several attempts to quit. I wrote countless rules for myself, promising to limit my drinks, count them, or switch to water at some point in the night. But these plans were hit-and-miss. The moment alcohol touched my lips, I lost control and made poor decisions.
Five years ago, I made my first serious attempt to quit. It was the first time I realized I wasn’t as strong as I thought in the face of alcohol. I had to take a day off from being a mother and a business owner because I was physically unable to function after a night of heavy drinking. That was a turning point, and I tried to throw away all my alcohol bottles, thinking it was over.
The Temptations of Moderation
But here’s the tricky part. Friends started saying, “Why quit altogether? Why not learn to drink in moderation?” And I listened. I became cautious about when and how much I drank. I thought I could manage it. But it wasn’t enough to break free from the cycle.
The Turning Point
Fast forward to three months ago, a hundred days from when I’m writing this, something significant happened. I lost two phones within two months, all because I wasn’t thinking straight when I was drinking. I was fed up, so I went to church and talked to my pastor. He had struggled with addiction in his youth, just like me, and he prayed for me.
What really hit me was the realization that there were people in that church who had turned their lives around and quit for good. They weren’t just doing it for themselves; they wanted to be an example and help others facing alcohol addiction. That hit me like a ton of bricks.
The Shift in Mindset
My mindset shifted from thinking about myself and my battle with alcohol to using my life as a platform to inspire others to live an alcohol-free life. I mean, what benefit does alcohol really bring? I realized there were countless benefits to not drinking – saving money, time, and staying consistently happy.
I no longer needed alcohol to have fun or relax. Instead, I started holding a non-alcoholic drink, enjoying music, and talking to friends. The result? I had the entire night ahead of me, feeling amazing. And the next day, I was productive, not nursing a hangover.
My Support System
Now, I’d like to share a few strategies that have helped me stay on track. First, I joined a community of people trying to quit through the “I Am Sober” app. Reading their stories and seeing their progress keeps me motivated.
I also transformed my Instagram feed. Instead of tempting myself with images of parties and drinks, I started following pages about sobriety. Surrounding myself with positive content has made a huge difference.
Using My Platform
I use my own platform to inspire others as well. I share my journey on social media to hold myself accountable. Some friends may doubt me because I’ve stumbled before, but I won’t let that stop me. Life isn’t about giving up after one failure; it’s about learning from it and striving for a better future.
Embracing Alternatives
Lastly, I’ve stocked up on non-alcoholic drinks. There are so many options out there that don’t leave me feeling like I’m missing out. Whether it’s sparkling water with lemon or indulging in mocktails, I’ve found plenty of enjoyable alternatives.
In conclusion, my journey with alcohol has been a tumultuous one, but quitting has been the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s not just about me; it’s about using my experiences to help others struggling with alcohol addiction. If you’re thinking about quitting, remember that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community out there ready to support you. No addiction is a good one, and letting go of old habits that no longer serve us can be the path to a brighter, healthier future. So, take that leap and discover the many benefits of a sober life. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Until next time! 🌟🥂
