It is zero hangovers and zero alcohol-induced poor decisions; zero alcohol-induced unwanted outcomes.
It is zero damage to my body, mind, and spirit. It is zero loss of my physical, mental and emotional energy.
It is zero deadening of my senses; zero numbing my feelings.
It is zero loss of the inhibitions that stem from the instincts that keep me safe.
It is zero loss of self-respect.
it is zero energy wasted on deciding when to have one, when not to, how many to drink, what to drink, and planning how to get home.
It is zero dollars spent on a substance that I know is toxic to my body; zero dollars pulled from the budget for my family and our future.
It is zero need to explain to my kids why I am drinking a toxic, carcinogenic substance.
It is zero cognitive dissonance in my head.
It is zero moments of feeling like I “need a drink” to take the edge off, to celebrate, or to numb the pain of trauma, grief, or even just a stressful day.
It is realizing that nothing that has happened, or ever will happen, requires a drink.
It is taking alcohol “off the table” so I can enjoy all the great pleasures of life “on the table” every single day.
Being alcohol free is choosing to be present instead of absent.
Being alcohol free is choosing to feel good in my one precious body so I can feel well in this one precious life.
It is going to bed with a clear head and waking up with peace of mind and a feeling of self-inflicted wellbeing. It is choosing myself each and every day; it is putting my needs over other people’s wants. It is accepting life in its full array and letting my five senses experience all of it, even the uncomfortable parts.
It’s not checking out because it’s developing a life I don’t want to escape from, with healthy coping skills, relationships and emotional balance. Being alcohol free is really living. Being in it. Working through it. All of it. Come what may. With gratitude and grace.
