I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since Christmas, and before that, it was Halloween. In fact, it’s been over a year since I last indulged. With each passing month, alcohol begins to feel more like a toxin than a treat. I’ve fully embraced a life without drinking.
I can only imagine the shock on my friends’ faces—no, they’re not all heavy drinkers, so let’s not be unkind! In high school, while my classmates were busy drinking at parties, I chose to observe. I watched the initial fun spiral into chaos, with tears, fights, and unfortunate messes in unsuspecting parents’ homes. Seeing all this kept my interest in drinking at bay, even if I faced teasing for my choice. “Why are you even here if you’re not drinking?” was a common question, as if my sobriety was an affront to party culture.
As senior year approached, curiosity and peer pressure nudged me onto the drinking scene, leading to my twenties filled with wild escapades and nights I’d rather forget. Sure, I have some outrageous stories—like the time I swam in a lake filled with gators or made a scene at a club in New Orleans. However, I also faced the darker side of alcohol through relationships with alcoholic partners and learned firsthand about codependency. With a family history of alcoholism, I count my blessings for walking away relatively unscathed.
Gradually, I distanced myself from those party days, adjusting my drinking habits to fit more socially acceptable norms. I drank moderately during my pregnancies and while nursing, which limited my intake. In recent years, I’ve found myself enjoying a glass of wine here and there, but a couple of years ago, I discovered a passion for writing. I quickly realized that I could write much better without the haze of alcohol clouding my thoughts. Writing replaced my evening glass of wine, and before long, I lost my taste for it altogether.
Now, I prefer a clear mind over the fog that comes with drinking. I’ve noticed that I often trip over my own words without the influence of alcohol, so adding it into the mix only complicates things further. A hangover is something I’m no longer willing to endure, and I’ve found that relaxing at the end of the day doesn’t require a drink. Instead, putting my feet up with a good book does the trick just as well!
Social interactions can still be tricky at thirty-five, especially since it seems everyone expects a drink in hand at gatherings. When I decline, I often get surprised looks. I feel a twinge of guilt, almost as if I’m back in high school, worried that my abstinence is seen as judgment. But the difference now is my confidence—I no longer care if someone thinks I’m uncool for not drinking.
The “mommy needs her sippy cup” culture is prevalent, and while I find it amusing at times, I wonder if anyone else out there simply prefers to live without alcohol. For those who abstain for various reasons, be it health, religion, or personal choice, I think it’s essential that we support one another.
If you’re exploring alternatives to alcohol or seeking a supportive community, consider checking out resources like NHS’s guide on intrauterine insemination or delve into other engaging topics like immunity-boosting smoothie bowls. Additionally, for those interested in home insemination, CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit is a reputable option.
In summary, embracing a sober life has allowed me to navigate motherhood with a clearer perspective while redefining my social experiences. The choice to abstain is personal, yet it can foster a strong sense of community for those who share the same journey.