How long is forever?
A lot of people tell me they have trouble with the idea of giving up drinking “forever”.
The way I look at it is, my choice to not drink alcohol, a known toxic and addictive substance, is not “giving up”- it’s more that I’m making a healthier choice.
Secondly, I have trouble deciding what I want for lunch tomorrow so if you can predict the future, more power to you! Can I future predict and tell you I’ll never drink again? No. I can tell you that it’s my intention to continue living my life alcohol free because I’m just so healthy and happy without that ole toxic substance. I have no interest in alcohol, it’s not on my radar, I don’t miss it.
Instead of future predicting, I have remained alcohol free for more than seven years (and intend to continue) because, after many years of trying to moderate, after countless Day 1s, I decided focus on today.
It’s not to say I don’t think of future events and what I will do or say in a certain situation (it’s my nature to be an over-thinker), but I plan it, I prep for it, and I let it go. I return my focus to today and just get on with living. This is how I decided to approach alcohol and put the cycle of Day 1s behind me. One day at a time, I make all my decisions without factoring in alcohol. Everything is based on how I want to show up as my best self today. What’s going to help me succeed to do that today?
Another tactic that helped was to turn my mindset to things I wanted more than alcohol. I wonder if this resonates with you.
I want good health more. I’ve been so sick I nearly died from my alcohol abuse. I’ve beaten Diabetes (it took a year to recover). my poor, over-worked heart became enlarged and nearly gave up working. Overall, I was just unwell all the time with migraines, constant panic attacks and depression. I’d had enough of that.
I want a more present, more fulfilling relationship with my husband and my loved ones. I want to remember conversations, every laugh, every smile.
I want to give my all at gym and get stronger with every workout. I’ve worked out hungover and I’ve worked out alcohol-free. Guess which is preferable for getting the most out of your workout or your run; for getting the natural high, smashing personal bests, improving your physical and mental health.
When I’m working, writing or studying I want full clarity more than the fog of a hangover. I’m at my computer a lot. I get so much more done with a clear head. I also find myself up earlier, raring to go, to get things done. With more hours in my day, I am also achieving so much more, ticking those items off my “to do” list.
Once I had this change of focus, alcohol just wasn’t on my radar. I was too busy living a full and healthy life, doing things that brought me joy: exercising, hobbies, chatting with and being totally present with my friends… I wanted that life more. The reality was I didn’t even have a tenth of that life with alcohol in it.
Want more for yourself and for your life today.
“Forever” will take care of itself, by itself.
Article Source: Bee Sober Senior Coach Lisa Ryan
Lisa is a Certified Coach with Bee Sober, This Naked Mind, and a Certified Gray Area Drinking Coach, trained by Jolene Park.
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