Quitting alcohol and embracing sobriety is a transformative journey, one that I embarked upon eight months ago as an exploratory exercise prior to my second transformational Origins retreat. It is a decision that carries both curiosity and a desire to improve my overall well-being. Here I delve into my experience of quitting drinking, exploring the motivations behind this decision and its profound impact on my life. By sharing my personal story, I hope to shed light on the challenges, revelations, and rewards that come with choosing sobriety, ultimately inspiring others who may be considering a similar path of self-discovery and growth.

Lesson 1 – Social Settings, Culture, and Saying “I’m good for now.”

One of the most significant challenges I encounter during my journey of sobriety is navigating social settings and confronting societal expectations surrounding alcohol consumption. As I distance myself from the drinking culture that has long been ingrained in my social circles, I find myself facing moments of discomfort and uncertainty. Parties, gatherings, after-work drinks, and even casual outings become opportunities for me to redefine my relationship with others and alcohol.

I  realize that the key to success in social settings as a non-drinker lies in my own mindset and communication skills. I don’t always have to explain my decision to quit drinking, although most times it feels like people want context, or I feel I need to provide context to clean my image from being labeled an “alcoholic”. I find that most people who are curious are understanding and supportive. Interestingly enough, in social settings, I find comfort in ordering non-alcoholic alternatives and releasing the pressure of “being social” and engaging in conversations that center around shared interests rather than relying on alcohol as a social lubricant. These strategies empower me to feel confident and connected even in situations where alcohol is prevalent.

Alcohol can often serve as a numbing agent, temporarily escaping from the complexities of life and tethering our spiritual awareness. In order to fully embrace the spiritual journey and connect with our inner selves, it becomes essential to remove this numbing influence. By quitting drinking, we create space for profound self-reflection, heightened consciousness, and a deeper connection to our spirituality.

I thankfully am able to say “I’m good for now” or “I’m not drinking, thank you” when offered an alcoholic beverage. These two phrases start to work for me; I notice no further questions are asked, except I start to wonder if I belong in those places in the first place. 

Lesson 2 – Recognizing Numbing and Transmuting Pain into Purpose

Quitting alcohol and embracing sobriety allows me to confront a startling truth about myself: I have been using alcohol as a means of numbing my emotions, a social lubricant, and a way to escape and avoid facing deeper issues in my life. For years, I justified the use of alcohol as the norm to unwind from a stressful day at work. After all, someone created all those happy hours for a reason. It probably started before being a working woman in America. But at some point, it slowly became IT for everything.  So when you sit in the absence of it,  and decide consciously to quit, a lot starts to come up. Truth, pain, grief. By eliminating this crutch, I  am aboard a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Saying no to alcohol becomes an act of self-empowerment. It means reclaiming control over my own thoughts, feelings, and actions. I am discovering sitting with the pain and transforming it into purpose. It means choosing healthier coping mechanisms, such as journaling, meditation, and physical exercise, which allow me to process and release emotions in a clear and more constructive way. Every day I say no, I find the next day to be easier.

Lesson 3 – Choosing Your Circle and How to Choose Sobriety Daily

As I continue on my journey  of quitting alcohol and embracing sobriety, I become increasingly aware of the influence my social circle has on my commitment to abstain from alcohol. I recognize the importance of surrounding myself with individuals who support and respect my decision and don’t push me to drink. I’m also able to sit across the table from someone drinking. And I remove myself when I see there’s impairment of others around me. That energy doesn’t serve me anymore. 

I’ve also noticed some people fall off the grid as I don’t frequent the bar scene for that purpose and that is good too. I am able to maintain my close friends in an intimate group and I’ve learned that’s where I’m the happiest. 

My journey of quitting alcohol and embracing sobriety has been a transformative experience, challenging me to navigate social settings, confront numbing influences, and choose my circle wisely. By embracing sobriety, I have discovered the power of self-empowerment, self-reflection, and healthier coping mechanisms. This path has not only deepened my spiritual connection but also brought clarity, purpose, and genuine connections into my life. Through sharing my story, I hope to inspire others considering a similar path of self-discovery and growth, reminding them that the decision to quit drinking can lead to profound personal transformation and a life filled with authenticity and fulfillment.