Giving up Alcohol Made Me Realize the Benefits of Sobriety

HALLELUJAH –

Jan. 30, 2024 – So, I decided to give sobriety a chance. I began working with sober women to figure out why I drank in the first place. In turn, I developed an understanding that sobriety is so much more than just not drinking. Alcohol was my constant companion and my chemical courage throughout college and my early 20s. As I moved on to adult things like a corporate job, marriage, and motherhood, I didn’t let my best friend out of my sight. Alcohol became my coping mechanism, my nightly self-care, my sanity in a bottle.

My drinking progressed as the years passed by. I woke up shaky with alarming anxiety. I couldn’t do everyday things, like folding laundry, without a drink by my side. I was on the verge of being fired, my husband was fed up, and my kids kept their distance. So, I decided to give sobriety a chance. I began working with sober women to figure out why I drank in the first place. In turn, I developed an understanding that sobriety is so much more than just not drinking.

Not drinking is the most important part — I can’t function, in the most general sense, if I’m ass deep in a bottle. But sobriety has also given me a chance at a fulfilling life in so many other ways.

Now, I hold myself accountable. A sober mind has allowed me to see and do something about my flaws. Self-awareness allows me to recognize that I have played a part in every aspect of my past and will play a part in every aspect of my future.

I can also see the humanness in everyone around me. Entitled coworker? Grumpy child? I used to take everything personally. Now, I can accept people for who and where they are.