BJDW: Ep. 74 Living Alcohol-Free: 10 Things We Wish Someone Had Told Us About The First Year
We hear you, our dear readers, that our list episodes are among your favorites and they happen to be favorites of ours too. For today’s insightful conversation, we are diving deep into the transformative journey of living alcohol-free, sharing our lists of the ten invaluable lessons we wish we’d known in our first year of “sobriety.”
1. Friendship Shuffle: We candidly explore the challenges and blessings of reshaping friendships and social circles after embracing sobriety, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.
2. Temporary Nature of Cravings: We discuss the temporary nature of cravings and discomfort in the initial stages of sobriety, emphasizing that these feelings do pass and are worth enduring for the long-term benefits.
3. Embracing Emotions: We underscore the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions fully, recognizing that numbing feelings with alcohol only delays true healing and growth.
4. Understanding Moderation: We share insights into the realization that even those who appear to moderate their alcohol consumption may be struggling internally, challenging common perceptions of moderation.
5. Heightened Awareness and Appreciation: We reflect on how sobriety brings about a heightened awareness and appreciation for life's simple joys, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world around them.
6. Impact on Children: We discuss the profound impact of our choices on our children, inspiring us to lead by example and prioritize health and well-being.
7. Absence of Desire: We discuss the eventual absence of desire for alcohol, highlighting the freedom and empowerment that come with breaking free from dependency.
8. Expanding Lives: We share how their lives have expanded and become more fulfilling without alcohol, embracing new opportunities and experiences with open arms.
9. Importance of Vulnerability and Connection: We emphasize the power of vulnerability and connection in the journey of sobriety, advocating for honest communication and support networks.
10. Navigating Relationships: We also touch on the challenges of navigating relationships with partners who still drink, offering insights on fostering understanding and compromise.
We hope to encourage you to approach sobriety with openness and curiosity, embracing the transformative possibilities of an alcohol-free life. Through our shared experiences and wisdom, we hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
