Oft-criticized Jessica Simpson shows you don’t need the ‘escapism’ of alcohol
Jessica Simpson has always been a target for criticism, going all the way back to her early reality TV days.
People have made nasty comments about her personality, her intelligence, her weight, and now, following a new Pottery Barn advertisement, her appearance and speech.
Yet despite all the pressure and vicious social media chirping over the years, the singer and entrepreneur has remained sober since deciding to ditch alcohol back in 2017.
In an Instagram post featuring her singing in her studio, she delivers a powerful message that — as tough as things can get — you don’t need to turn to alcohol.
In fact, your resiliency will be even higher without it.
“The most important thing I have learned through the last 5yrs without alcohol being a guard for escapism, is that I CAN and ALWAYS WILL get through it,” Simpson wrote.
“I am capable of pretty much anything I care enough about to put my mind to. I am present. I am deeply inspired. I am determined. I am honest. I care about other people.”
The supposed mental relief that alcohol gives us is actually just a pausing of the feelings we’re trying to escape, and the bill eventually comes due with interest.
Better ways of coping
The great thing about losing alcohol is that you actually have the energy and mental clarity to deal with life’s challenges in a more constructive way.
For a lot of people on this site, myself included, that means writing.
For others it could be going for a long walk or a run or a trip to the gym (my personal favourite).
For Jessica Simpson, it’s music.
“After grounding myself just now with my voice and the lyrics across my heart, I feel compassion for the opinionated hate that some people can so effortlessly just blurt out with such intensity on social media or in the media in general,” she wrote.
“We all have our days of wanting to be, look, do, and feel better. Nobody is alone with that feelin’ that I can promise you. I woke up at the same time anxious and insecure but also also angry and defensive — like some of you.
“I know what works for me and that is to let go and simply sing while lookin directly inside the mirror, straight in my eyes to really see and understand myself. I can connect with my heartbeat. I am stable and strong. I am home.”
I was in the media before, so I know a thing or two about getting attacked on the internet.
But the scale of spitefulness people like Jessica Simpson have to deal with is staggering.
Her decision to become, and her commitment to remain, alcohol-free truly is inspiring.
I hope you draw strength from her story as you face your own challenges on your sobriety journey!
Thank you so much for reading this post all the way to the end! If you enjoyed it, please give it a clap or two so others can find it!
My latest posts:
- I fixed my sleep by applying Morning Pages to my night owl sensibilities
- My greatest post-sobriety regret
- Taylor Swift revealed the secret to monster career success
My most-read stories:
- The one priceless book that kicked off my sobriety journey
- The time alcohol trapped Gwyneth Paltrow *NEW TO THE CHART*
- Why I finally decided to quit drinking alcohol
- What musician James Taylor taught me about sobriety — and myself
- It’s hard to stay fit while drinking alcohol — just ask AJ McLean
Have you found Medium via this story but aren’t yet a member? Did you know membership starts at just $5 a month (and you can cancel any time)? There’s no risk and you get access to all Medium has to offer. To continue reading stories like this and give me a ‘lil kickback, please consider supporting this publication directly by using my link to sign up! You can also leave a tip using the button below if you enjoyed this article!