Another October, another sober October, although, this time, it's different.
I have actually been sober almost every day this year. There were a few days that I drank on a girl's trip, but other than that, I haven't had a drop since July 26th, and I don't miss it!
As a mom, I am constantly bombarded by Mommy wine culture. As moms, we are not only encouraged to drink, we are told we deserve it. Heck, I even make a wine and beer soap. Sometimes I feel like I am part of the problem, and certainly don't want to glamorize alcohol, when I feel that it can be so toxic and destructive. And, I certainly was never a better mom when I drank. Waking up tired and fatigued from drinking never makes you a better parent, and I certainly don't want my children to grow up thinking I needed to drink in order to handle the stress caused by parenting.
A few years ago, I came across and Book and Podcast called This Naked Mind, that approaches becoming alcohol free in a new way. Many people, such as myself, do not identify as alcoholics, yet, because alcohol is an addictive substance, became too dependent on it. I drank more and more often that I wanted to, and knowing that I was healthy in every other aspect of my life made the decision to become alcohol free easier.
I joined a program called the Path, which is a year long journey. Every day, I learn more about the ill effects of alcohol, have a supportive virtual community, can participate in live calls with coaches and am encouraged to journal about the lessons, and in doing so, am creating new neuro pathways that are making alcohol small and irrelevant in my life. I no longer want to drink, am feeling more confident, healthier, and am enjoying a more fulfilled life. Social situations may prove to be challenging, but I guess in not drinking, I will be a rebel of sorts.
For now, I will still offer the beer and wine soap, but the soap Black Raspberry Vanilla will soon replace the Pinot Noir Wine soap. It has the same delightful scent, and is even more beautiful. The beer soap no longer contains beer, but does have hops and barley, which are prominent ingredients in beer.
If you have ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, check out Annie Grace's book This Naked Mind. For me, it was a game changer!
