Today’s blog is a special one in more than one way. This is officially the 101st blog on Simple As Could Be! AND I’ve hit my 3 month sober mark! I feel so proud of both of these milestones and I’ve decided to make today’s topic about my journey on sobriety. Why I decided to become sober, what prevented me from becoming sober sooner, and the 3 things I’ve done since becoming sober that I’m most proud of.
*I want to first say that this article is in no means meant to make anyone feel bad, guilty, or down on themselves for not choosing the path of sobriety. It’s simply meant for those, who like I did, are having a hard time deciding to become sober even though something deep down inside is saying otherwise. For those who might be on the fence about whether or not they should allow themselves to continue drinking. This article is meant to help gain insight or inspiration depending on which side of the fence you might be wanting to climb down to.
Check out the video or read below!
Why Sobriety Was The Right Choice For Me
One of the first reasons I really started to consider becoming sober is because drinking was affecting my health. The occasional hangover affecting my physical health. The occasional blackout affecting my mental health. And more reasons in between. Not that I was starting to feel ill from excessive drinking, but every other aspect of my health started to come into question.
The second reason I considered sobriety is because I felt like drinking was affecting my life in more ways than my health. I wasn’t where I wanted to be (and not in the quarter-life crisis type of way). I wasn’t who I wanted to be (and not in the questioning reality type of way). And I felt like drinking had become somewhat of a crutch for me in social events or outings which I wasn’t happy about.
And the third reason I chose not to drink anymore is because it was affecting my relationships. With my husband, with my family and extended family, and with my friends. I’ve had the dynamic and trust of a friendship change. I’ve lost family members to alcoholism (literally and figuratively). And I’ve gotten into petty arguments that weren’t a battle I would’ve chosen to fight if I were sober. It hurt me to know that I’ve hurt others as a result of drinking.
Why I Didn’t Choose Sobriety Sooner
It may sound weird to some, but even with all the signals in my life to stop drinking, there were a few reasons it took so long to finally do it. One being that I somewhat felt pathetic, or inadequate for not being able to control my drinking. Not that people are in general for that, that’s just how I felt personally. I thought if everyone around me could do it appropriately, I should be able to as well. (Side note: That’s not a legitimate thought to have and I now know that.)
The second reason I didn’t decide to become sober sooner is because I thought I just had to learn my limit. Or that this time is going to be different than that one time (or few…) Or that it’s just that type of alcohol, so I just have to remember to drink any other kind. It was mainly just excuses that I kept giving myself so that I didn’t have to feel inadequate for not being able to control my drinking. (Side note: When boxing, sometimes it takes getting punched in the face a few times before you learn to keep your hands up.)
And the third reason I waited so long before deciding to finally stop drinking is because I was nervous about how certain situations would turn out. I was afraid that I might not get invited to social outings that involved drinking. I thought I’d be judged for ‘not being able to handle my liquor’. And, I was nervous that I wouldn’t know how to act in these situations without drinking myself. (Side note: not getting invited isn’t the end of the world. No one cares about you being a lightweight when we’re older, and if they do, they don’t matter anyway. And in situations where we son’t know what to do, it’s best to just be ourselves.)
The Possibilities I Didn’t Know Existed
When I decided to stop drinking, at first I had to find things to occupy my time. I’d always wanted to be more artistic, but I normally felt discouraged as soon as I started. So I started with making wood projects with my husband. From picture frames to wall art to desks and more! Then I moved on to Legos (because they’re easy and fun). Paint by numbers was next, and then free-hand paint, and then macrame. And I just want to keep going and going!
I’m sure most people have heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Well, I never knew just how true it was until I stopped drinking. Since I’ve become sober, I stay on top of my self-care which is a game-changer in itself. From having the time to reflect daily, to washing the day’s activities away, and paying more attention to what I put into my body. I even have more uplifting energy to get more done instead of calling it after a fun night of drinking.
Since becoming sober, I feel like a new person. I’m able to remember events and the memories from them. I’m able to drive whenever and wherever I want. And I’m able to learn and grow more than I was able to before I quit drinking. I’m able to more maturely reflect on life and choices. I’ve been able to look at my relationships from a place of love rather than embarrassment. And I’ve been able to take the lessons life was subtly sending my way and actually learn from them.
Celebrate The Little Things
I know I didn’t talk much about this being my 101st blog, but they’re all here on Simple As Could Be for you to read! From parent resources and child resources, to home how-tos and hacks, and so much more! As always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas and others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:
With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma
