After more than two decades of drinking, I decided to stop drinking alcohol for good almost four years ago! Some life changes happened that I was completely unprepared for. My life had changed, my values had changed, my career had changed, and my body had changed. I knew I needed to change one more thing. And so I did. I stopped drinking alcohol. In the beginning, I just wanted to “give it a 30-day try,” but then it felt so aweseome that I quit for good.
BENEFITS FROM QUITTING ALCOHOL
First, there were the obvious benefits. I lost some weight. I slept so much better. I saved a ton of money. I am on an incredibly smooth ride which has been an unexpected booster for my life, productiviy and work. Less energy spent trying to manage my emotions is energy that can be invested into my daily life and writing.
MORE CLARITY AROUND MY VALUES AND PRIORITIES
Perhaps the greatest side effect of the steadier mood is that I feel more clarity around what I care about. Back when I used to drink, I used to get excited and worried about so many dumb things. I would dedicate myself to a new idea only to start questioning that idea a few days later. I would ride this rollercoaster of emotions one day feeling like I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing, and the next having an existential crisis that it was all a waste of time.
Removing alcohol from my life has replaced social energy with physical energy. I took up running again and ran a halfmarathon. Overall from the outside, my life probably appears boring and dull, but I’m way more satisfied and happy. And this is all that matters.
So, I don’t want to be preachy here, but if you ever asked yourself after yet another hangover if you drink too much, the answer is most likely yes.
I am sharing the article on purpose on a Friday. You know how many are looking forward to Friday and the weekend to go out (or stay home alone) to get hammered because we deserve it after a long, hard, stressful week of work! This Friday, try a different approach. Let’s get sober as fuck.
Come on, let’s get absolutely sober. It’s Friday. It’s been a long-ass week; I need to get clear-headed.
Teas, right? Let’s get some tea. You want some milk? Get some calcium. Yes, there it is. Okay, first tea of the night—let’s slam this shit down.
Oh man, that’s hot. That’s crazy hot. Whoa, yeah. That’s good. I just got this rush of lucidity. It just hit me straight away. I love it. Friday, is awesome!
Oh , you remember that time I got four teas here? I just lined them up. The server was like, “What the fuck? No way you are drinking four teas!” And I’m just like, “Yeah, just watch.” Boom. Steeped that tea for four full minutes because, you know, got to bring that flavor out. Spent the next half-hour gently sipping every single one. She must have thought I was insane. That was so wild. My mental clarity that night was out of control.
Okay, wow, that first tea has really hit me. It’s like, whoa, you know? My head is so clear. I’m completely present in this conversation. I’m literally holding space for your narrative right now. I’m not just waiting for you to finish saying things so I can say my thing. Come on, let’s go get some sodas. I love it.
You got soda? Damn. That shit’s hardcore. When you want to get sober, you don’t play. Oh, did I tell you? Last Friday we got sooooo sober. I was with Pete, you know Pete? Canadian Pete? We were out-of-control. We had some awesome conversations. Then we spent thirty minutes researching history, politics, and the latest books and movies we enjoyed. It was so serious. Wild.
I felt so good the next day. I was hydrated as fuck.
I am so sober right now. I just texted Jackie to confirm I’m helping him move tomorrow morning. Didn’t even hesitate. Your friend needs you, you check your calendar, and you honor that commitment. Strict reliability.
All right. This has been awesome. I just really needed it, you know? After a long, tough week, you need to go out and get completely sober. I’m actually so clear-headed right now that I’m getting tense. That shit’s too much for a Friday night.
So, yeah, crazy times. I should stop getting so sober. You know, I say that every week. I get crazy sober, and I’m, like, never again. Next Friday, though, I’m back, trying this new juice bar down the road. They make awesome smoothies.
What? Some coffee? For the road? You are so responsible, you lead me astray. Okay. You know what? Let’s make it an espresso double shot. I mean, what else are Fridays for?
I find this very helpful: https://oamn.jetzt/podcast/.
