Rising Stronger: 10 Lessons from 18 Months Alcohol Free

Hello Light Seekers,

A year and a half ago today, I took a 30-day alcohol-free challenge. I never could have imagined how it would change me. Here are 10 things I’ve learned along the way (though the list could be endless, so I’ll start here):

1. I have a lot of different feelings. Joy, happiness, and laughter are the easiest ones to access.

2. Every other emotion teaches me something about who I truly am. They need attention and care, just like any other subject worth studying.

3. Emotions don’t come with a translator, they aren’t in English, and they’re easy to misinterpret.

4. Waking up without alcohol’s fog is better than that first sunny-day buzz ever was.

5. Problems don’t disappear with or without alcohol. They’ll still be there. I am the solution. Doing the work is easier than running from it.

6. I am more confident, adventurous, and creative. I can set long-term goals and see them through.

7. I get to be a role model for my kids: present, calm, supportive. The same tools I use to nurture my inner child are the ones I now offer my children. Living alcohol-free gives them security, safety, and pride.

8. I am breaking cycles passed down through generations, giving my daughters the chance to live differently.

9. Sobriety is not boring, I stay so active I sometimes exhaust myself!

10. Rest is necessary. Water and nutrition matter. Community is medicine. Journaling without fear is cleansing. And living life sober and present is the greatest adventure I’ve ever chosen.

That’s 10. I could keep going and maybe I will. Each one could be a story of its own. Because sobriety is magical inspiration.

With love,

🌞 Hanging By a Sunrise