Chapter 1: The Initial Question

When I first embraced sobriety, the first inquiries about my choice came from friends of my husband—people I didn’t know very well yet. We were out for dinner with another couple, and our usual drink of choice would have been wine—Chardonnay for the women and Cabernet for the men.

I thought I was ready to respond. After all, I had rehearsed my reply at home. Yet, when the moment arrived, I faltered and stumbled over my words. My answer was, "I've been feeling a bit sluggish in the mornings, so I'm taking a break." In my mind, this was going to be a long-term commitment, but I felt the need to leave myself an escape route—just in case I slipped up. After all, I had attempted to quit drinking twice before, managing only a few months each time before relapsing at weddings. I wasn't about to declare my commitment to lasting sobriety publicly.

Seeing Others’ Aspirations to Quit

The next time someone asked me about my sobriety was at another couple’s dinner party two months later. Jim inquired about my drink choice, and when I said I was having club soda, he seemed incredulous. "You're still not drinking?" he exclaimed. "How are you managing that? I’d love to quit as well."

Interestingly, Jim doesn’t drink excessively, and he leads a healthy lifestyle, often favoring fish and vegetables. He enjoys his wine at social gatherings, but he’s responsible about it, always opting for an Uber home after a night out.

Later at the same gathering, another friend, Brad, overheard our conversation and approached me with genuine curiosity. He seemed eager to stop drinking but felt his job almost necessitated it. He was in the hospitality industry, frequently entertaining clients with drinks and fine dining, and I could sense his longing to change his habits.

As the evening wound down, I told Brad I was open to discussing it further anytime he wished. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and I lost touch with him. Although we weren't particularly close, I hope he found a path to sobriety.

Gaining Confidence in My Story

I find great joy in hearing others say, "Me too! I want that." I love sharing the positive aspects of sobriety with others. In the early stages of my journey, I kept my experiences private. I worried about failure; nobody wants to feel like a disappointment. However, once I reached my first anniversary, I felt a surge of confidence.

I remember sharing my milestone while playing pickleball, and one of my friends responded with excitement, mentioning another acquaintance, Joan, who was also sober. I reached out to Joan, who congratulated me and shared that she had been sober for over two years.

When I asked her about her motivation to quit, she revealed that she had been an awful drunk, often staggering home at night but never experiencing hangovers—something I could never relate to. Her realization that her drinking habits might spiral out of control before retirement prompted her to quit cold turkey, without any formal support.

In contrast, I had different aspirations regarding retirement. I looked forward to indulging freely, knowing I wouldn’t have early morning commitments. Another friend of mine quit drinking after her husband issued an ultimatum to save their marriage. Despite her initial anger, she chose to prioritize their relationship over her love for cocktails.

How do you respond when asked, "Why did you stop drinking?" Do you feel comfortable sharing your truth? Ultimately, it’s a personal decision.

Keeping My Response Simple

Nowadays, when asked about my reasons for quitting, I offer a straightforward response: I aim for a more fulfilling and creative life. I have dreams I wish to pursue, and deep down, I know that drinking would hinder those aspirations. Sharing my story has the potential to inspire others to reflect on their own lives and desires for change.

I am fully embracing life now, making the most of each day. Yet, I also remind myself to slow down and appreciate the moments.

Chapter 2: Inspiring Change Through Honesty

The first video titled "When you're ready to STOP DRINKING, watch this" offers insights and encouragement for those contemplating sobriety, focusing on personal stories of transformation.

The second video, "Should You Quit Drinking Alcohol? [New Interview]," features interviews that delve into the challenges and benefits of quitting alcohol, providing a platform for shared experiences and motivation.