A Journey from Drinking to Sober Joy: My Transformation
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on My Past with Alcohol
There was a time when I believed that drinking was a source of enjoyment, but my perspective has shifted dramatically. I invite you to explore this journey with me.
We were having a fantastic time celebrating my birthday at our go-to restaurant, where the bar was lively and inviting. My best friend, Susie, and my sister Michele treated me to a delightful dinner. Naturally, no celebration felt complete without after-dinner drinks. The bartender surprised us with a round of Cosmos, and before we knew it, a kind gentleman bought us another.
Suddenly, I realized I had enjoyed wine with dinner and was starting to feel tipsy. The evening progressed, leading to a blurry vision and slurred speech. How did I end up on the floor? Mortified, I learned that I had fallen off my stool. Thankfully, we were safely placed in a taxi to head home, but the next morning was another story. My head throbbed painfully, and I was filled with regret and nausea.
You might think that such a night would be enough to make me quit drinking. However, that wasn’t the last time I indulged. While I never reached that level of drunkenness again, I still found myself in compromising situations.
As a business owner and a single mother of two teenagers, I needed to keep a clear head during the week, limiting myself to a glass of wine most nights. The weekends, however, were different. Michele often visited on Saturdays, and we would mix up fancy drinks, sitting on my deck as we tackled our personal challenges and the world's issues.
During those years, I began to suspect that I might be developing a dependency on alcohol to manage my anxiety about finances and the stress of raising my boys. I was determined not to let them witness my inebriation, and thankfully, they claimed not to remember those instances.
Retirement
When I retired and relocated from California to Arizona to be with my high school sweetheart, I found myself swept up in his love for evening cocktails and wine with dinner. I thought, “Why not?” and dove in wholeheartedly.
Day by day, we shared drinks, and I often found myself alone with a book, drifting off into dreams about the future I envisioned with him. I had grand plans to host gatherings and travel to far-off places, but soon realized that my partner wasn't as keen on these activities. Luckily, my adult son was, and we managed to take a memorable trip to Italy together.
I was eager to learn pickleball and had dreams of competing in tournaments. However, my enthusiasm often faded after a night of drinking, leaving me unmotivated the next day. Unsurprisingly, my alcohol consumption increased, while my motivation dwindled.
Quitting Alcohol
Quitting drinking turned out to be less challenging than expected. I tried twice and stumbled both times. Michael Jordan famously said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career... I’ve failed over and over and over again, and that’s why I succeed.” I had not heard this wisdom during my attempts, but it resonates deeply.
What I did was not attend 12-step meetings or seek therapy, though those paths can be effective for others. Instead, I immersed myself in a plethora of quit-lit books that inspired me to change my life.
Here’s my compelling "WHY": I longed to reconnect with my artistic side. Painting had once brought me joy, but I had abandoned it as my drinking escalated. I ventured into collage-making, creating a piece dedicated to my son Anthony, who passed away at 36. This was a monumental achievement for me.
I also craved physical fitness, having neglected exercise due to my drinking habits. I started a weightlifting routine and increased my daily walks. My interest in pickleball grew, and I began attending lessons after becoming alcohol-free. This sport has transformed my life, helping me forge lasting friendships and boosting my confidence.
My social life has blossomed, and discussing sobriety has become part of my conversations with friends. Many have shown interest in my journey and have even made similar choices. Proving that you can maintain a vibrant social life without alcohol is empowering.
Now, I enjoy the freedom of driving myself and others wherever we need to go. This may seem small, but it’s a significant joy—no more worries about how to get home after a night out. I take pride in being the designated driver for my friends.
I experience deep, restorative sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy. This is one of the most significant benefits of sobriety. Before, drinking left me with restless nights filled with anxiety and remorse.
My eating habits have also improved. I no longer crave unhealthy snacks, and when I do feel hungry, I reach for fruits and nuts, which keeps my body healthy.
All these changes stem from my compelling reason to quit. What is yours?
Don’t hesitate—embrace your dreams and goals. If alcohol is holding you back, just like it did for me, it's time to let it go. If I can achieve this transformation in the later stages of my life, so can you. Embrace the best moments of your life ahead.
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