4 Months After Going Sober, This Is My New Normal
I no longer insulate myself from what matters most
By now, everyone in my social spheres knows that I’m sober. It’s mostly past the point where people are congratulating me, trying to talk me out of it, or privately asking me follow-up questions. Seems like the buzz has died down and everyone is moving on with their lives. But it remains such a powerful experience that I want to continue examining Life Without Alcohol™. So although nobody’s asking, I’m answering. You’re welcome.
For one, I am physically renewed with a new sense of normal, one gloriously free from hangovers. I wake up most days by 6:30 a.m. and meditate. Often, I will do some yoga or stretching before work. Mornings are quiet and calm, and I move through them with a grateful mind. Evenings are expansive and productive. I have hours to write or cook or paint. I have time for self-care. I’m able to give myself what I truly need with more consistency.
Without the intoxicating fog of a few drinks (and it was almost always a few), my body’s signals come in much clearer. I can now generally distinguish whether I’m hungry, thirsty, tired, stressed, or stir-crazy. Sitting in front of a computer all day, my body can get restless. But I’m never “too drunk” for a run or an emergency call to my mom. Maybe I’m cranky and…
