One Year Sober and How It's Been Awesome!

Today I'm sharing a list of tangible ways my life improved after the first year with no alcohol. After being a "Middle of the Road" drinker for many years, I took an extended (and ongoing)  "Sober Vacation" from drinking, and it's been a great decision.

Here is that list in order:

• Better Sleep
• More Energy
• Clearer Mental Focus
• More Productivity
• Time Expanded
• Self-Discipline Became Easier
• More Confidence
• I know who I am
• I Can Count on Myself
• More Mentally & Emotionally Stable
• Happier/Lighter
• Authentic Enjoyment
• More Mentally & Emotionally Durable
• Mind is Quieter
• Fewer Regrets
• Nobody Really Cared Much
• I Saved Money
• Everything is Easier
• Plugged the Leak
• Bonus!

Years ago as I questioned my drinking routine and sought solutions that fit my situation, I watched several videos that gave me inspiration about what life COULD be like if I could just unwind this habit of mine that had migrated into unhealthy territory. They inspired me to move TOWARD something positive and hopeful, rather than just moving AWAY from something negative. So my hope is that this video will serve as a similar ray of light and optimism for those of you out there wrestling with your own drinking habit whether small, medium or large.

If you are drinking a little more than you want to, but don't identify with extreme labels or the solutions they typically entail, you are not alone! Society tends to lump all "drinking problems" into ONE category called Alcoholism. In reality, surveys show that the vast majority of adults who drink above the Recommended Moderate Guidelines do NOT meet the criteria of true Alcohol Use Disorder. But that doesn't mean lower level drinking problems should be ignored. Quite the contrary! It is much easier to resolve them then, before they get worse. The notion that we should wait for a "Rock Bottom" experience to occur before we take corrective action is ridiculous. Why live with that level of risk hanging over your head? It’s a risk that could potentially jeopardize your health, your closest relationships, your reputation and much more.

If you feel like alcohol might be taking more from you than it’s giving, and you’ve tried cutting back on your own but always seem to end up back to your same old routine, just know that you are in good company.

If you're questioning your drinking, a good place to start can be to find out where you land on the Alcohol Drinker Spectrum. You can access it here: The Alcohol Drinker Spectrum