When I stopped drinking, I realized that I didn´t even really like some of the things that I was regularly doing in my life. I’m talking about stuff like socializing in groups, small-talking, and any type of going out in the evening (except going to the movies, thát I can do😆).
Instead, I much rather read a book or a magazine nowadays, go for a coffee/lunch with a friend, shop till I drop with my daughter, or watch Netflix at home.
New things to do when you stop drinking
Plus, I discovered a few NEW things I like to do: yoga, meditating, and connecting with others that don’t drink alcohol. And while the first two things help me to wind down and quiet my mind, that last one makes me feel REALLY EXCITED!!
The things that excite you are not random. They are connected to your purpose. Follow them!
Terrie Davoll Hudson
Follow your instinct
I decided to follow my instincts, and in 2019, I set up a blog (this one!) and an Instagram account. Both with the intention to shout out loud about my love for sobriety. Then in 2021, I started organizing sober retreats with the aim of connecting women that all have one thing in common: They decided to nót drink alcohol anymore. For whatever reason! It being health awareness, the fact that drinking started to give them more dis- than advantages, or because alcohol really caused them (social or mental/physical health) problems. ALL very valid reasons to stop drinking by the way. There is NO ROCKBOTTOM needed to make the decision to start a healthier life.
Another thing I did, besides starting these three adventures, was attend as many (international) sober events as I could find! Simply because I’m obsessed with spreading the word about how amazing an alcohol-free life can be AND connecting with like-minded people. TIP: To find fun sober events in the UK, check out this fantastic website from Michael Sargood: Sober Socials. Michael is a great guy, super dedicated to helping others and creating a sober community in the UK. And are you based in the US? Then a great place to start is checking out Eventbrite. Just type in ´sober´ and choose ´USA´ as your destination, and a list of fun sober events pops up!
Anywayyy… So once I stopped doing the things I did out of routine and to fit in culturally, and started doing things that I realized réally excited me, the way was paved. My way! And my happiness started soaring. I can highly recommend following your own vibe…
What excites you? Would love to hear it!
Izzy x
PS: The original quote is from Terrie Davoll Hudson
