Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of my quitting drinking… and the first year I actually “missed” remembering my anniversary. I guess that’s a good thing? It helps to celebrate wins, but it’s also important to remain wary and honest with ourselves. This is daily work.
Sobriety is up and down for me - mostly up, thankfully. I find myself pretty content most of the time not craving alcohol, but there are times I just want to escape my anxiety and stress full-force with something stronger than deep breaths and patience. My family and friends are mostly understanding of my giving up the drink, but I still sometimes feel like I’m missing out on part of the social energy, warmth, and connection. Especially as my “pink cloud” has long passed. I just think back to the hangovers and many, many embarrassments I had while drinking - and that helps to quell the cravings.
I’ve moved to different countries twice since giving up alcohol. First from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile… and I moved to Dublin, Ireland in March. To say it’s a challenge to stroll around Dublin sober would be an understatement. I’ve had more cravings here than I had over two years in Santiago. I can’t say anyone has been “pushy,” but the convivial pub atmosphere can make sobriety tough. I manage… at least there are good NA drink options and I can eat my body weight in fish and chips.
Anyway, I’m so glad to join Talking Sober and meet other folks who are navigating daily life without booze in a world that’s soaked in it.
I love to write. I write to manage my emotions around not drinking, to reflect on my past, and to help others who are working on a life with less (or no) alcohol. I maintain a blog on sobriety and I also recently wrote a poetry collection about my experiences with drinking, quitting, and recovery.
I want to keep writing in a more interactive way here - so thanks for welcoming me!
Thank you so much! I’m working hard to find some zen… it’s mostly spastic day-to-day distraction and avoidance for now. Hopefully I’ll get there eventually!
I can’t share a link but if you search for “some like it sober”, you’ll find my blog. There’s a subpage called “The Dark Dance” that has some of my poetry.
Welcome! Thanks for sharing your successful story with us! Very inspiring. Reminding ourselves why we quit is like a muscle we need to hone and do so regularly to keep it sharp. Odaat! Can you link your blog? (Edit: I see you already shared how to access your blog)
Welcome Dana! My name is Dana also Congratulations on ur sobriety! Sounds like uv done alot of work to get here. Its great to have u here and hope to see u posting more!
Thank you! Yes - it was a great “pet project” for me starting a few months into sobriety. I really needed something to channel everything I was learning and experiencing. Something better than alcohol to obsess over! I haven’t kept up with writing posts as often, but I still try to put something out at least a couple of times per year.
Heyo I’ve just read your part about alcohol myopia. Its very relatable. And also gives strength. For me drawing and writing (short stories/books/diary) and dancing are my creative forces I use to regain control in my life. But I have to do it daily to get full effect.
Sobriety is very beneficial to all my creative pursuits, one big reason why I want to quit.
That’s amazing - and I wish I could draw! I agree, using creative energies is an amazing way to regain control and produce something meaningful as a record of our transformation. For ourselves most importantly, but sometimes, for other people as well.
And yes - I couldn’t write (or think) clearly if I was still drinking regularly and dealing with all of the hangovers, anxiety, and shame that came with it! I still have loads of anxiety, but writing is one way to channel it.
Congratulations on 6 yrs what an achievement going from hopless to hope, and from just existing to living. Myself will hit the big 6 mark if my higher power sees fit for me. Thank you for sharing and continue forward on your journey.
Congratulations on ur sobriety! Sounds like uv done alot of work to get here. Its great to have u here and hope to see u posting more!
Yes - it was a great “pet project” for me starting a few months into sobriety. I really needed something to channel everything I was learning and experiencing. Something better than alcohol to obsess over! I haven’t kept up with writing posts as often, but I still try to put something out at least a couple of times per year.