Disclaimer: I am currently drinking a glass, an actual 5 oz glass (did you know you’re not supposed to fill the glass?), of wine as I write this. It’s delicious.
One month ago, I wrote a blog post about going sober. Like forever. It was quite the statement to make 24 hours into sobriety. Alcohol, I thought, was affecting my daily living and it was, to an extent. This month, I have been 100% sober. I went on a trip and didn’t drink. I hosted a party and didn’t drink. It was only a month, but already I learned a lot about myself.
1. I don’t NEED alcohol to have fun
I kind of already knew this going in. Yes, alcohol is fun, but I couldn’t exactly nurse a glass like my husband so I always ended up nursing a hang over the next day. I would usually drink a little too much in social environments where I wasn’t driving and end up feeling it the next day and sometimes even the day after.
I think I’m past the over drinking phase. Just one month away and I don’t have a taste for it any more.
2. When I like to drink and when I don’t
One thing about choosing to be sober is that you learn which environments you would prefer to have a drink in and which you would remain sober. Normally, I would’ve said yes every time I was offered a drink, but over the last month and choosing to say no every time, I learned so much about my preferences.
This past month, I went on a road trip to a lake house, several gatherings and threw a party. I can honestly say that I would choose not to drink in large social events. I lose sense of myself after a bit of alcohol at times and I like to be fully present with the people I’m with. I also like to be in control of what I say and what I do. From past experiences, my worst drinking experiences are in social environments. I was not disappointed that I didn’t have a drink at my party or other gatherings this past month.
I have also concluded that I do like to have a drink on vacation, especially when the view was as epic as it was on Lake Huron. Ginger beer didn’t cut it for me, plus it’s much too sweet. I also enjoy a glass of wine with a fancy dinner since those are as rare as vacations these days. And I like sharing a beer with my husband on a kayak in the middle of the lake.
Because I chose not to drink, I’ve learned how to drink.
3. My sugar intake sky rocketed
I immediately replaced alcohol with artisanal sodas. Whenever I wanted a drink like on vacation or with my brothers, I chose to have a soda. I don’t drink soda and haven’t for a long time (except when pregnant. I inhale EVERYTHING when pregnant) I honestly think a glass of wine is healthier than a bottle of soda … no research to that statement though. I also don’t reach for dessert when I have a glass of wine…. interesting right?
3. Going sober did not get rid of my anxiety or my night allergies.
So it was a coincidence after all. I wasn’t drinking, but I still had restless nights and night congestion. I don’t know why, but I’m working on it.
Sorry for blaming you, wine.
4. A glass of wine is A LOT smaller than I thought
My mind is boggled. I decided that I wanted a glass of wine today and that it was totally okay to have one. But first I needed to learn what a real glass looked like. So I measured out 5 oz and poured it into my large wine glass and PEOPLE, I’ve been drinking double to triple the amount in my glass for the longest time. No wonder I feel hungover after ONE glass (smacking myself in the face as I speak)
Some of you might be sitting there right now thinking, “I thought you quit. I thought you were done.” You might also be calling me a hypocrite or whatever else, but the truth is, I chose to stop drinking for myself. It was moralistic at all. And you’re right. I did think I was going into this for the long haul, but in just this month, I’ve learned enough to alter that decision. We all grow, change and therefore, change our minds on what we want. I am learning about balance and moderation in many parts of my life.
I am very happy I took one month away to really learn about my habits and behaviors with alcohol.
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