6 Years Alcohol-Free: 4 Life-Changing Lessons I Didn’t Expect

Each year anniversary of quitting alcohol, I love to look back on what I've learned and how I've changed (and not changed). Here are some musings from today:

1. I can be with discomfort.  Sure, it can be nice to have some liquid help relaxing from stress.  But ultimately, 

2. Alcohol caused me more stress.  My original stressors were not actually helped by the alcohol. In fact, I ended up feeling worse: my body was stressed from metabolizing the alcohol, and I still had the original issue to deal with. Add in guilt that comes from drinking to “cope,” and it’s just a layered mess. It’s not worth it.

3. I'm still fun without alcohol.  I'm still wild in my own ways and I love that about myself.  It's not alcohol that makes me fun, and wild. That's my nature. I dance anywhere, anyhow, any time.  I am courageous, and a risk-taker.  I don't need alcohol for these things.

4. I'm not missing out.  I used to think that not drinking would be missing out on something - connection, delicious drinks, fun parties. But in fact, I feel more freedom, more connection, more energy and more excitement by NOT drinking.  I think that being a non-drinker is actually one of the best things in my life, so it's the opposite of missing out.  It's opting-in!

I am really proud of myself for quitting drinking 6 years ago, and I continue to learn so many things about myself and about human behavior as a result.  It's perfect that my anniversary happens in LGBTQ Pride month. I think that quitting drinking is what enabled me to come out as gay over 2 years ago.  It has helped me grow my business and take-on financial independence post-divorce.

Not everyone needs to quit alcohol, but I sure did.  The impacts of alcohol, especially for women in midlife, are becoming more understood, and they're worth checking out.  Anything that diminishes your power should really be rejected as poison (a quote attributed to Swami Vivekenanda, who brought yoga to the U.S.). 

Of coure, I am still in process, as we all are - learning and growing. I wish for all women going through the changes of midlife to eliminate and reduce that which doesn't serve us, whether substances, old habits and behaviors, or people who don't lift us up.

We have way too much to do, and we cannot afford to be slowed down.

Check out my upcoming pilot small group coaching program for support and practical ways to feel your most empowered here.