My greatest post-sobriety regret

This is the 84th article I’ve written since late August and I guarantee you this: I could never have accomplished that kind of productivity if I were still drinking alcohol.

My sleep was trash, my nights were wasted, my body was tired and my brain was numb and sluggish.

While I’m proud that my productivity has skyrocketed since quitting and that I’ve started a successful writing business, a brand-new creative services business, and a YouTube channel on the side in a shade over two months, there’s a tinge of sadness at all the years and opportunities I know I wasted.

I quit alcohol because I didn’t feel I was living up to my potential.

The past two months have confirmed it.

I thought it would only make me happy, but I have to admit it’s a bit of a downer too. Where would I be had I not wasted 10 years?

Friday follower check-in

As you know if you’ve followed me for any length of time, I like to post these follower check-ins on Fridays to say hi, wrap up the work (and writing) week, and provide a space as a weekend discussion thread, a spot to share ideas or wins or just to connect with someone going through a sobriety journey just like you.

I also like to post a question of the week to get the discussion going, and since I’m feeling a little melancholy, I’ll ask you this: what have you accomplished in the weeks, months and years since you quit alcohol that makes you proud? Please inspire me!

I check comments all weekend, so please don’t hesitate to say hi.

If you have any questions about sobriety, writing, side hustles, whatever, hit me up in the comments. Consider it an AMA, I’m here for it!

I continue to appreciate each and every person who takes the time to read my stuff, clap and comment. I’m still blown away by the response.

Writer tip of the week

Each week, I like to give a tip out to a writer who has inspired me. We all ask for tips here but I’m trying to make a thing out of actually giving them out!

In the past, I’ve tipped (or tried to but the jar wasn’t active) Clark Webb Michele Maize Diana Leotta Nick Reynolds and Paul Goodman. They are all great writers and you should absolutely check them out!

This week I’m sending a tip to Liam M. Every time I see one of Liam’s posts about quitting drinking, I know it’s going to be inspiring, entertaining, and authentic. Thanks for your contributions to the community Liam! *clinking sound of coins going in a jar*.

My favourite posts of the week from other writers

I missed my Friday follower post last week due to being tied up with my kids’ activities, so this is going to be a bit longer than usual.

• 500* days sober: 6.1 lessons I’ve learned by Liam M
• It’s not betrayal to block a toxic family member by Jason Provencio
• Who the f*ck are you to write self-help by Jamie Jackson
• It’s time to admit Medium is better than Twitter by Zulie Rane
• Why I don’t count my sobriety time by Doran Lamb
• 5 stoic habits to eliminate procrastination from your life by Jari Roomer
• My 3 a.m. alarm clock by Michele Maize
• Social anxiety and introversion by Michele Maize
• Mom going from FOMO to JOMO alcohol-free by Alison Mosiello, The Healthy Mom Coach
• Barely surviving the single parent empty nest by L.A. Strucke

The latest from me

If you’re still looking for something to read, here’s my own work from the past week:

• Taylor Swift revealed the secret to monster career success
• How pets can contribute to sobriety
• What toxic people and activities can you remove to support your sobriety?
• Why you should extend Sober October to No Booze November
• Even Adam Sandler needs therapy
• Are you ashamed to be sober?

My most-read stories all-time:

1. The one priceless book that kicked off my sobriety journey
2. The time alcohol trapped Gwyneth Paltrow
3. Why I finally decided to quit drinking alcohol
4. What musician James Taylor taught me about sobriety — and myself
5. It’s hard to stay fit while drinking alcohol — just ask AJ McLean

Have a great weekend everyone!