Today marks two years of not drinking.
A few things I noticed:
– our society revolves around drinking
– not enough bars and restaurants offer non-alcoholic beers or mocktails
– being fully present is a gift
– sleeping well is a game changer
– sitting with your feelings instead of numbing them is a journey
– some people get triggered when they hear I don’t drink. I had to learn its not my job to make them feel comfortable.
– sober dating is different. Still getting used to it.
– I sometimes miss enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Its ok.
– the addiction will try to find other outlets (overworking, shopping, sport….)
– grateful for friends and family who support and respect my decision
Happy my two year non-drinking anniversary to you!
I’m happy for you, Tina.
It IS very enlightening to view the world unimplaired. ???? ❤️❤️❤️
Feb 21st, 2023 / 4:25 pm
Great effort, well done ????
Feb 21st, 2023 / 4:44 pm
Well done, Tina. 6 1/2 years, here.
These resonate with me, as well – the first one, especially: it became apparent to me, while grocery shopping, that there’s a not-so-insignificant part of the store I don’t need to visit. (Also, Costco.)
Here’s one more: think of the money you’re saving (though that may be offset by the “…find other outlets…” item).
Feb 21st, 2023 / 4:47 pm
Thank you for sharing! Your points are dead on!
Feb 21st, 2023 / 4:54 pm
What a great share! What a GREAT accomplishment!! Hesch guet gmacht!!
Feb 21st, 2023 / 5:20 pm
Yay Tina!!!! Keep at it. I’m very happy for you, and thank you for sharing your important incite/thoughts. I appreciate that wisdom.
Feb 21st, 2023 / 5:22 pm
Thanks for sharing Tina! And proud of you for continuing the Hard Work and recognizing the gifts you receive in return.
You’re right about our culture being built around alcohol. I was on the board for a couple nonprofits and we had a few people in recovery-narrowed our choices for places to meet but also made those of us that aren’t challenged by alcohol of those that are.
Thankful coffeehouses are a great meeting place alternative-and a good place to sit and chat for awhile.
Feb 21st, 2023 / 5:27 pm
“some people get triggered when they hear I don’t drink.” story of my life, i’ve never drank and 39 years in people still go for the “religion?” question. once they find out its just a personal choice, their minds are permanently boggled.
thanks for sharing, tina! and congrats on two years of good sleep :)
Feb 21st, 2023 / 7:11 pm
So much of this resonates! I still drink in Company, but biggest game changer is not drinking at work events and fully getting everything that folks are saying!
Also I often substitute more caffeine for no alcohol and not sure if that’s super great either, just ask my family, ha ha.
Feb 21st, 2023 / 7:59 pm
Yay you! Congrats! My boyfriend stopped drinking 15 months ago and our relationship has improved tremendously; so glad you have supportive friends and family and hope those relationships are even richer now, too!
Feb 21st, 2023 / 9:39 pm
????
Feb 21st, 2023 / 10:00 pm
Way to do it! Congrats!
Feb 21st, 2023 / 10:25 pm
I’ve followed you since before I got sober almost 8 years ago. It’s the best stage of my life, by far. Just want to thank you for this post and tell you how happy I am for you.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 1:17 am
What a journey! Wishing you all the best!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 1:59 am
Brava!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 2:13 am
Yayyyy!
I needed to hear some of these. I don’t have a drinking problem but as a younger cancer survivor, it’s not a good idea for me to drink, but sometimes I do to make others happy! My friends will say, I hate to drink alone. And so, yes, I’m a people pleaser (recovering) and need to learn that it’s not my job to make them comfortable at the cost of my own health. I will keep this post in mind. Solidarity!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 3:53 am
Congratulations! Life is so much better sober. There are things you will miss, but you get to connect with your real self, which is kind of the reason we are here on earth. I hope you connect with a community that supports you and guides you on this journey. I am 61 years old and got sober on April 15, 1987.
One funny thing is that there are whole trends that you will miss: I never tasted a wine cooler because they were invented in 1988! haha.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 8:03 am
… once again in awe of you!! ( and inspired! ) thank you for being an individual that continually connects through leadership; giving voice to collective challenges that ultimately are a shared vibration. Nearing 58 Iits become obvious that the less poison consumed, be it alcohol, consumerism or screen time (pick your poison) the truer knowing of the good. Brava!!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 8:55 am
Super well done, and so inspiring! I’ve been attempting this for some time now. Your post helps a lot, as do the comments. I was never very interested in alcohol (or coffee) but I drink wine every night with my husband who does have a drinking problem. I love that “it’s not my job to make them feel comfortable.” I’ll be sitting with this and… perhaps today is my day one! We can share an anniversary” :) Thank you Tina!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 8:57 am
So much respect, Tina! Thank you for sharing your achievement, experience and insights.
I still have a hard time to fathom not enjoying an occasional glass of wine with dinner, but I’ve stopped consuming any alcohol during the week. Going there slowly…
But the truth is that no amount of alcohol is safe for the brain, and I sense that where you’ve headed is the future.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Sebastian
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 9:20 am
Alcohol is the only drug you have to explain not using
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 10:25 am
Bravo, quelle belle victoire !
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 10:29 am
Congratulations! You are a winner and role model!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 10:50 am
Congratulations. It is hard and easy at the same time. I hope you feel really good about this and the expression on your face says that you do! That will help you keep going! Good for you!!! I gave up sugar for two years and it reads very similarly to what you wrote about alcohol. Interesting overlap. I hope your journey forward is filled with wonder.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 11:33 am
I am happy for you! Agree with everything you said! I stopped drinking alcohol just prior to getting pregnant with my son 26 years ago, and just never went back. And I would like to also agree especially with the part about addiction showing up in other ways. If the alcohol use served to quell anxiety, or to quiet all the thoughts, those needs still will clamor to be met. Moderation and common sense is key.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 11:45 am
Cheers to you! Sober is a revealing state. It’s a much better state than embarrassed. I’ve had no problem having plenty of fun without the booze. Music festivals, overseas travel, and family are even more fun than before. My only complaint is it has not made me rich.
Hope you continue to enjoy your journey.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 12:13 pm
Tina, that is fantastic and congratulations! For whatever reasons you decided to stop drinking, you are better for it. Your body and mind are thanking you everyday, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 12:29 pm
Another reason you earn my Respect! You go!!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 12:31 pm
FANTASTIC! Congratulations!
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 2:31 pm
atta girl, Tina! I’m on day 184 of my alcohol-free life. Starting a social media fast tomorrow. Clean out those toxins! loving you – PELEG TOP
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 2:42 pm
Well done, you! Not only is it a great achievement you can celebrate every day, but seeing it as a journey, to learn more about yourself and the world, is a huge gift. Thank you for sharing.
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 3:12 pm
WOW FANTASTIC JOB TINA! U R SPOT ON WITH YOUR POST. KEEP THE STREAK GOING IT WILL KEEP U HAPPY THE LONGER U GO WITHOUT ALCOHOL! GET SOME JELLY BEANS INSTEAD! I BINGE DRANK ONCE A WEEK FOR 29 YEARS? WHEN MY MOM DIED IN 2009 I MADE 2 LISTS. 1 LIST HAD BOOZE+DRUGS ON IT.THE OTHER HAD ALL THE GOOD THINGS I LIKE 2 DO.I HAD 2 PIC 1? I STOPPED DRINKING FOR 13+ YEARS. I DONT MISS THE BAR AND I DONT MISS BEING SICK IN BED THE DAY AFTER A BINGE. GOD BLESS ✝️????☮️
Feb 22nd, 2023 / 8:52 pm
Great job, Tina! Thank you for sharing your insights and your triumph!
Feb 23rd, 2023 / 1:15 am
Thank you for sharing! I wish you well!!
Feb 23rd, 2023 / 10:32 am
Congrats, I glad you found a way to happiness. Life keeps getting better and better. I am sure you found a way to surrender (its never easy), we only end our suffering thru learning and I can only learn when I am humble.
Feb 23rd, 2023 / 2:13 pm
Awesome!
Feb 24th, 2023 / 11:23 am
Thanks for sharing, and kudos to you! Presence is the ground note of intention.
Feb 24th, 2023 / 4:31 pm
Thank you for sharing these insights and impressions.
Feb 26th, 2023 / 1:34 pm
Congratulations on 2 years! It was a funny thing when I first got sober, everyone with more than a year awed me. But, after I had grunted and sweated to get a year, I saw the change in perspective I needed – all we to manage have is 24 hours at a time. Something I have to remember all the time- when things aren’t going my way or my itty, bitty, shitty committee in my head is telling me how I have failed. I wish you many more days of sobriety and the clarity it brings.
Feb 26th, 2023 / 6:49 pm
Congrats on that! You are so right, society does revolve around drinking, in France too! Keep enjoying the good things!!
Feb 27th, 2023 / 1:13 am
I’m only a year in and agree with every last bit of your assessment. Congratulations!
Feb 27th, 2023 / 9:15 pm
Champion! Congratulations Tina.
Mar 1st, 2023 / 5:03 am
Very good…!
….and very true incites.
I have put away a series of addictions, one by one over the years, mostly linked to some not related life event.
It certainly pares your social group, well it did for me, many were not friends we just shared meeting and doing.
Food allergy, heart and now diabetes have taken out all the other contacts.
But it is all for the best as longevity has it’s own gifts and I am not dead..!
Here a virtual toast to you and I hope you find and keep great friends!
Mar 2nd, 2023 / 3:17 am
Well done.
Mar 5th, 2023 / 7:00 pm