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I can’t possibly give up alcohol just yet. I actually can’t. No chance. I’ve got a party next week. I’m out with the girls on Thursday. A friend’s coming over with a bottle of wine. I always have wine when I’m cooking and it’s my turn to cook. It’s sunny. It’s snowing. I’m going on holiday. It’s my birthday. It’s your birthday. It’s the dog’s birthday <repeat to fade>…
Having been there and done that around a thousand times I can honestly say there is never a right time to make a change and try life without booze. Ever. If you want to drink, you will find a way. Any opportunity to celebrate or commiserate. Any excuse to open a bottle and get leathered. Even during coronavirus lockdown and socialising restrictions within our Tiers – if you want to give yourself permission to drink, you will.
I chose a date. And I stopped. It was that simple.
When I say it was that simple… let me explain. Making the decision to stop was simple – but the hilarious cycle of shit that came with it… less so! What do you mean, you’re not drinking on Saturday? Why aren’t you celebrating your son’s 18th with a glass of fizz? You’re so boring. Surely you’re going to drink on Christmas Day? Are you an alcoholic? Did you have a problem? How much did you drink? Why don’t you just have one? Do you think you’re better than us? <repeat to fade>
These are just a few of the actual things that have been said to me since I decided to stop drinking.
Please, piss off.
No-one has the right to question your choices. No-one has the right to make you feel like shit and excluded simply because you’ve decided to make a change. No-one.
If I’d waited for the perfect time to quit booze, I’d be waiting until hell freezes over. I’d still be drinking too much, too quickly and too often only to repeat the cycle again and again and again.
What’s that definition of insanity Einstein apparently said?
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
When I set out on this ridiculous alcohol-free journey I was nervous, apprehensive and worried about what people would think. Booze is ingrained into every single aspect of our lives and until I removed it I didn’t realise quite how much. I was defined by alcohol for so long. The loud-mouthed party starter. The extrovert. The one who peaked too soon every single time.
Then I removed one thing from my life and everything changed. And I swear that there is something glorious in every single day you are alcohol-free. No, it’s not easy. Yes, it’s life-changing. And if you’re considering trying a life that doesn’t revolve around booze just start now. You’ve nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain.
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