Summary

Michele's journey to sobriety unveiled joy and purpose beyond the superficial pleasures of drinking.

Abstract

Michele shares her transformative path to happiness through embracing sobriety, describing how giving up alcohol allowed her to find genuine joy and contentment. Initially resistant to the idea of a life without drinking, she realized the insidious impact of alcohol on her creativity, health, and fulfillment. Sobriety introduced her to like-minded individuals, enhancing her social connections and overall quality of life. Michele now views sobriety as a gift that has enabled her to live authentically, dispel the toxic allure of alcohol, and discover her passion and purpose at the age of 44.

Opinions

Drinking became an unsatisfying routine for Michele, lacking in genuine happiness.
Society's influence to drink is challenged by the joy that sobriety can bring color and vibrancy to life.
The initial challenge of embracing sobriety was offset by the benefits of improved mental and physical health, presence, and creativity.
Authentic friendships in sobriety are considered more genuine and comforting compared to relationships centered around drinking.
The happiness derived from material possessions pales in comparison to the intrinsic joy experienced in sobriety.
Alcohol is perceived as a poison that deceives people into believing they need it for enjoyment, and the author expresses revulsion towards the alcohol industry for promoting this lie.
Michele views her sobriety as an opportunity rather than a loss, and she strongly advocates for the joys of a sober life, asserting that life without alcohol can be fulfilling and exciting.

THE DAILY WRITE

Finding the Joy in Sobriety

Happiness is an inside job

If you asked me years ago if sobriety made me happy, I would have laughed in your face. Sobriety felt like something I was forced to do.

Feeling different from all of your friends and peers is defeating. But you know what’s worse? Being stuck in the insanity loop of addiction.

Drinking was no longer making me happy. For me, it took many years of trying to be like everyone else and failing to notice the issue.

I didn’t think I could get through the summer, vacations, the holidays, and basically any celebration without it. If I wasn’t drinking, then I would stay home and do nothing.

That is how much it was ingrained in my subconscious, that if I couldn’t drink, I wouldn’t have fun.

At the beginning of 2021, I read a few amazing books where the author explained how sobriety was better than being drunk. Sobriety meant seeing everything in color because life was dull while drinking.

We mute ourselves from feeling and seeing the joy in life. Why? Just to be like everyone else? Just to get a quick buzz that turns into depression and anxiety?

I had to get to the point of despair that my life was going nowhere. I wasn’t being creative, I was stuck in a job that wasn’t making me happy and I was complacent.

I was waiting until the next weekend or vacation when I could party. Looking back, that did not make me happy. I was just passing the time.

When the fog lifted, I was able to see what I wanted out of my remaining time here on earth. I broke free from the insanity and started living.

I made new sober friends. Girls that were just like me. Girls that are around the same age with similar interests and backstories. We commiserate and relate to each other, which is so comforting.

I’ve met some of the most genuine, sweet, and kind people in sobriety. I believe that when you quit drinking you gain humility and that is what makes someone so down to earth.

I no longer pretend to be who I am not, and that is where true happiness comes from. You know what they say, happiness is an inside job.

Material things don’t make me happy. Feeling healthy, alive, present, and creative is what makes me happy and without sobriety, I would feel none of these things.

I decided to stop fighting sobriety, as I’d done for the past 10 years, and start embracing it. I’ve been given an amazing gift and that is how I see it now, as a gift.

I get to be sober. I get to be happy and I get to be alive. Who wouldn’t want that?

My life isn’t lacking. Drinking doesn’t make your life better. It helps you tolerate things that you wouldn’t normally like.

I never understood that until I truly surrendered to my fate. Since getting sober, I have found my passion and my purpose in life. I’ve been searching for these two aspects of life since I became an adult.

Finally, at 44, I can say I am truly happy. I feel joy in my life, complete and utter joy. I refuse to let that go for a drink.

Plus, I am so disgusted with alcohol, the alcohol industry, and all of their horrible marketing, because of what it does to your mind, body, and soul.

Our bodies as human beings are not meant to ingest alcohol. It’s a poison that steals our joy by faking us into believing that we need it to have a good time.

Believe me, nothing good comes from drinking and I am living proof of that. Great things happen in sobriety and I am just getting started.

KEY MESSAGE: Once the blinders of alcohol were lifted, I fully embraced all of the happiness that sobriety offers.

Take a look at this fabulous magazine that Patty McMahon, M.Ed wrote to help you with your next sober vacation!

If you liked my story, become a member and subscribe to Medium.

Much love, Michele