Oh, Louise, I absolutely LOVED reading this. I'm 18 months in, and this piece squeezed me from the inside out. Especially the NOISE. Sending so much love and congratulations. I'm in awe of your courage and grateful for your beautiful words.
When I decided to stop, I looked 'fine' - but I knew the chemicals in alcohol always made me feel profoundly sad, and I knew that I was buffering, tolerating and ignoring thousands of tiny things that were no good for me. I'm still finding my way but I'm so happy to be here.
This is exactly what I needed to read right now! I’m so not interested in being hungover any more, I’m ready to cut back a little, but I’m not sure how that will look in my life. I like being social more than I like drinking, but how will I separate the two? I’m giving it a go anyway.
I think it depends on what kind of person you are. Without drink, I realised I didn’t like crowded spaces and lots of noise etc so that naturally ruled out going to clubs anymore. But I still wanted to see friends so there were a lot more plans to have brunch, go to the cinema/the theatre, go for walks etc. I find the chats you have that way are more meaningful anyway. And I wonder if some of your friends are feeling the same way? That they want to be social but don’t want to drink as much?
I dabbled in sobriety last year and I definitely think my days of hangovers are well and truly behind me. I learned from my experience and know my limits. I don't know how my relationship with alcohol will pan out in 2024 but I'm more mindful of what and how much I drink.
Eimear, that’s so nice to hear - I really appreciate it. And I think being mindful and aware is key when it comes to all of our habits, isn’t it? So we have control over them rather than the other way around x
And it’s so nice to hear that you’ve found a way to navigate an alcohol-free life without feeling like you’re losing out. I think that’s most people’s fear
Oh, Louise, I absolutely LOVED reading this. I'm 18 months in, and this piece squeezed me from the inside out. Especially the NOISE. Sending so much love and congratulations. I'm in awe of your courage and grateful for your beautiful words.
When I decided to stop, I looked 'fine' - but I knew the chemicals in alcohol always made me feel profoundly sad, and I knew that I was buffering, tolerating and ignoring thousands of tiny things that were no good for me. I'm still finding my way but I'm so happy to be here.
Daisy! 18 months is HUGE, fair play to you. (And seriously- why is the world so loud 😭)
I’m glad you trusted yourself and knew when it was the right time for you to stop.
This is exactly what I needed to read right now! I’m so not interested in being hungover any more, I’m ready to cut back a little, but I’m not sure how that will look in my life. I like being social more than I like drinking, but how will I separate the two? I’m giving it a go anyway.
I think it depends on what kind of person you are. Without drink, I realised I didn’t like crowded spaces and lots of noise etc so that naturally ruled out going to clubs anymore. But I still wanted to see friends so there were a lot more plans to have brunch, go to the cinema/the theatre, go for walks etc. I find the chats you have that way are more meaningful anyway. And I wonder if some of your friends are feeling the same way? That they want to be social but don’t want to drink as much?
They could well be! I’m interested to see what reaction I have to pubs when not drinking, cos that will be the basis of whatever I do next 😬
Please let me know how you get on!! I’m genuinely curious x
I always take something from your posts Louise.
I dabbled in sobriety last year and I definitely think my days of hangovers are well and truly behind me. I learned from my experience and know my limits. I don't know how my relationship with alcohol will pan out in 2024 but I'm more mindful of what and how much I drink.
Eimear, that’s so nice to hear - I really appreciate it. And I think being mindful and aware is key when it comes to all of our habits, isn’t it? So we have control over them rather than the other way around x
Good skin and good vibes ⚡️🌙💫
I’m always here for that!!
And it’s so nice to hear that you’ve found a way to navigate an alcohol-free life without feeling like you’re losing out. I think that’s most people’s fear