If I were still drinking during this Annus Horribilis – If I were still Drinking during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the crazy insecurity that these rolling quarentines bring…

I would “excuse” my drinking since these are such stressful times.

I’d be up to 2 bottles at the weekend, rather than one, because “the world is going to hell in a handcart”.

Hubby and son would still be disrespectful and they’d also be drinking more and we’d be completely dysfunctional, vs. having the occasional dysfunctional day – which all families have.  

I’d be depressed upon waking. I’d feel numb. I’d have poor coordination.

My thoughts would be selfish.

I would be drinking every night until I was stumbling drunk.

I would not remember conversations I had with my children the night before.

I would feel sick every morning and ashamed of my behavior.

I would promise myself not to drink or to drink less only to be blackout drunk again.

I’d probably have bruises.

I would start drinking earlier in the day, because WTF. I’d be out of it by dinnertime and unable to cook, which would make me mad at myself and eating crap.

I wouldn’t be able to take my kids’ evening calls because I’d worry about being incoherent and maudlin.

I’d wake up with a hangover, unable to function or think clearly, feeling angry and trapped, worrying about where tonight’s wine will come from because I drank up my reserves last night.

I’d feel terrified that I might have the COVID-19 virus.

I wouldn’t be strong enough for my family.

If I were still drinking, I would probably be in the hospital or dead.

Because I am not drinking…

I worked out yesterday and went for a walk with my daughter.

I got work done and had a productive day.

I dealt with the stress of COVID-19 in a rational way.

I know when to focus, when to rest, when to step up and when to walk away. I know how to manage.

Because I’m not drinking I sleep well and wake up feeling relatively calm and energetic.

I focus on planning healthy, yummy meals and I get out for walks around the neighborhood, which combats my anxiety.

I can talk to my kids and grandkids any time they call. I’m nicer to the people I live with.

Because I stopped drinking I feel in control of my health and well-being.

I can manage what anxiety I have and keep things in perspective rather than feeling overwhelmed and letting everything get on top of me.

I am sober, here and present. I’m loving this time with my family and so very grateful to be able to make sensible choices.

Because I stopped drinking –

I feel whole and serene. I feel free.

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Would You like to stop drinking ?

Quit the harmful habit loop
If you want the sober fruit
It might not be pretty
But it’s the hard truth

There’s freedom in what’s true
In you doing you
Forget what others do
Do what’s right for you

Your journey might be different
Your life is still significant
Skip the sleepy, loopy juice
For your overworked body
Call a truce

Heal your soul
Let the bruises fade
Be proud of recent decisions you’ve made
You’re not the same person you were anyway

So if you’ve said sorry
Quit apologising today

You’re a fighter
A warrior and you’ve got what it takes
Darling, you weren’t made to just hide away

Under heavy boulders of wine
There you can’t breathe let alone shine
Be brave
Get up and face the day

Get surfing
Get curious
It’ll be okay

When a craving raises its ugly head
Distract from it
Get curious about the emotions you’re feeling instead

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If you’re “sober curious” … If you are drinking too much too often and want to stop or take a break…or if you have stopped drinking and are trying to stick to sober! Talk to Us. 

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Don’t let the shame of the stigma keep you from saying

“I think I have a problem with drinking”

There has never been a better time to go alcohol- free.

Come join us for a Sober September. Stopping drinking is not about giving something up as much as it is about getting something back. We are talking about taking back your freedom of choice. Breaking the status quo. Putting down the booze not because you are weak and cannot handle it, but because you have found that you are STRONGER without it.

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