1. There are really cool people (celebrities, people I meet every day) who don’t drink.
2. Most people don’t care or notice whether you drink alcohol or not. Don’t assume the worst before going into an interaction or an event. Some people will surprise you, others may disappoint you, but when given the chance most people will support you.
3. Stand proud in your alcohol-free decision, it’s not for the faint of heart.
4. Life is hard. It doesn’t stop being hard just because you stop drinking. However, a solid, clear strength grows inside of you when you stop using alcohol and you’ll move through the hard stuff a lot faster. Ironic, but true.
5. Alcohol-free living is a revolutionary health choice for the body, mind and psyche.
6. Making the decision is the hardest part.
7. There is a lot of gray on the drinking spectrum. It’s not black or white. Be careful in assuming that end-stage, rock bottom is the only definition or proof that alcohol is a “problem.” That’s an outdated notion! It is your perfect right to step off the drinking spectrum at anytime. You can choose to be alcohol-free and not need to explain, justify or shame yourself! See # 5.
8. It takes months (not days) to rewire your brain. Be patient. You will feel better. Remind yourself, this too shall pass, it always does.
9. Birthdays, holidays, vacations, work conferences, stress, ‘everyone will be drinking’ events, happen all year long. There is no good time of the year to stop drinking, but anytime of the year is a perfect time to stop drinking.
10. Things change. Different reasons and seasons. There are no absolutes. Listen to your gut. What works for one, doesn’t work for all. You’re not broken. You don’t need to constantly fix, change, shrink, scrutinize or ‘work on yourself.’ Breathe. Exhale. Enjoy. Repeat. You are okay.
Proud to be alcohol-free!
Resources For Gray Area Drinkers:
Support your Craving Brain through 1:1 coaching, or my 30-day Sober Choice program or my NOURISH membership for former gray area drinkers.
