Defy Expectations! How to Embrace Your Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
Defy societal norms, embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, and unlock the benefits of a healthier, happier life
Have you ever noticed how much of our social lives seem to revolve around alcohol? It feels like alcohol is everywhere! From parties and celebrations to casual evenings with friends, they all revolve around drinking alcohol.
If you’ve decided to cut back on drinking or go completely alcohol-free, it can feel like you’re swimming against the tide, especially when friends and family may not always understand your choice. But remember, this decision is personal. It’s also brave and takes a lot of courage and determination, so give yourself a pat on the back for doing what’s right for you.
To help you on your journey, here are some tips that might help you stay true to your commitment to yourself while navigating through a world obsessed with alcohol:
Overcome Temptations and Challenges:
Deciding to break free from alcohol can be tricky, and facing temptations and challenges along the way is normal. Social situations with alcohol around might make it hard to stick to your decision to live alcohol-free, and sometimes friends or acquaintances might question your choice or make the wrong assumptions about why you’re choosing not to drink. All these things can make you question your decision and feel pressure to ‘conform’ to others’ expectations.
But remember, you're not alone in this journey, and these challenges are all part of the process.
With determination and support, you've got this! Stay strong and keep pushing forward – and when you feel like giving up, reach out for help from someone who understands and can support you.
Remember Your Motivation:
Understanding your "why" is so important when embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. Take some time to remember ‘why’ you started this journey in the first place. What was the ‘aha’ moment that made you decide to reduce your drinking or stop altogether? Think about what's driving you to make this life change. Maybe it's about feeling physically and mentally healthier, taking charge of your well-being, or just exploring new experiences.
Whatever your reasons are, understanding your motivation will give you that extra boost of determination you need to stay committed to your incredible new journey.
Knowledge is Power:
Educating yourself about the harmful effects of alcohol can really help shift your mindset around drinking.
There's a multitude of research and facts that prove how alcohol – which is a Class 1 carcinogen, just like asbestos, tobacco, and radiation – is linked to at least 8 different types of cancer and many other health issues. Even The World Health Organization says that ‘no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.’
Reading this information and diving into 'positive sobriety' resources like "Quitlit" books and podcasts can help you stay true to your new lifestyle choice.
These tools can reinforce all the fantastic benefits you'll gain from changing your relationship with alcohol. So, give them a try and see how they can support you on your journey!
Build a Supportive Network:
It's important to surround yourself with a supportive network when embracing an alcohol-free life. Look for others who share your passion for this new lifestyle – they'll be your cheerleaders and allies along the way!
You can connect with local support groups, join online communities, or take part in activities that fit your new way of living. Having friends who understand what you're going through and can offer encouragement, advice, and a sense of belonging will make your journey so much more enjoyable and manageable. Remember, we're all in this together!
Explore Alternatives:
When it comes to social situations that seem to be all about alcohol, don't worry – there are plenty of fun alternatives you can try! Get creative with non-alcoholic drinks that taste great and look just as fancy as the boozy options.
You can whip up some craft mocktails, enjoy infused water, zero-alcohol wines, and spirits, or even sip on kombuchas or herbal teas. These choices will add variety to your drink lineup and help you feel part of the celebration without giving up on your goals.
Be Honest:
Be open and honest with your friends and loved ones about your decision to cut back or quit alcohol altogether. Sharing your intentions, your ‘why’ and what it means to you will help them understand and respect your choices.
Keep in mind that their reactions might be different, but it's important to stand your ground and not let others influence your decision. Share the positive changes you're experiencing and how living alcohol-free (or reducing your drinking) is making a difference in your life. You never know – you might even inspire some of them to rethink their own relationship with alcohol!
Building Confidence and Self-Awareness:
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle often means getting to know yourself better and understanding what triggers your desire to drink. Take some time to develop self-awareness and pinpoint situations, emotions, or people that might influence your craving for a drink. By recognising and dealing with these triggers, you can create healthy coping strategies and discover new ways to handle stress, celebrate, or enjoy socialising.
One fantastic method for reducing triggers and managing stress is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or Tapping). EFT is a potent self-help tool you can use anytime, anywhere, once you learn how to do it. Some of the benefits include reducing negative thoughts and feelings, letting go of limiting beliefs, gaining clarity and perspective, calming your central nervous system, and even helping with cravings. For the best results, it's a good idea to work with a trained, certified practitioner who can guide you through the process.
Choosing to live an alcohol-free lifestyle in a world where drinking is the norm can feel pretty challenging. But don't worry, by discovering your motivation, creating a support network, trying out alternatives, learning more, opening up, and becoming self-aware, you've got this journey covered!
Remember that choosing to live alcohol-free is a personal decision, and staying true to yourself and your goals matters most.
Be proud of your progress, concentrate on the positive changes, and enjoy the freedom that comes with living life your way.
And above all, remember to be kind to yourself – you deserve it!
My top recommended QUITLIT books & podcasts: (in no particular order)
BOOKS
This Naked Mind - Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained – William Porter
The Sober Diaries – Clare Pooley
Happy, Healthy Sober – Janey Lee Grace
A Happier Hour – Rebecca Waller
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober – Catherine Gray
High Sobriety – Jill Stark
Mrs D is Going Without – Lotta Dann
Kick the Drink Easily – Jason Vale
Quit Like a Woman – Holly Whittaker
Alcohol Lied to Me – Craig Beck
PODCASTS
Alcohol-Free Life - Janey Lee Grace
She’s Sober Sydney – Meg & Bella
How I Quit Alcohol – Dani Carr
Sober Awkward – Vic & Hamish
This Naked Mind – Annie Grace
To 50 and beyond – Lori Massicot
Soberful – Veronica Valli
Hot Chocolate with Amaretto
Hot chocolate is a winter favourite, especially when you need a bit of a pick-me-up!
You can make this with instant hot chocolate powder or by melting chocolate into warm milk.
Add a splash of alcohol-free spirit for an extra kick of flavour.
My personal favourite combination is hot chocolate with Lyre’s Amaretti.
For the ultimate treat, add some whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
JUNE SPECIAL OFFERS
HIGH VIBES DRINKS – 10% Discount -
Use Code SOUL SOBRIETY
Try some amazing non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy a 10% discount with our friends at High Vibes Drinks
COACHING & EFT - DRY JULY
Are you ready to unlock your limitless potential and start living a life you don’t need to escape from?
Register for the upcoming online DRY JULY Education Sessions to be held over 6 weeks from June 27 until the end of July.
You’ll receive professional guidance, support, and practical tips, plus learn how to use EFT tapping to manage stress and cravings. Use the QR code to register your spot.
Book your free discovery, and let’s chat about how I can help you tap into sobriety.
*These offers are for June and July 2023 onlySave the Date!
DRY JULY LONG TABLE LUNCH FUNDRAISER EVENT!
Mark your calendar for Sunday 23 July 2023, (12 - 4pm)
You won’t want to miss it!
Grab your friends and grab your seat at the Long Table Lunch for a delicious winter warming 3-course shared rustic menu and savour the flavours of delicious, thoughtfully paired alcohol-free wines.
Share in the laughter and friendly competition of outdoor games like giant Finska and Bocce on the manicured lawns of the stunning homestead venue of Willow Farm, Berry, just 2 hours south of Sydney.
Chance your luck and be in the draw to win some amazing raffle prizes and auction items.
Be part of something special by attending the 2023 Dry July Long Table Lunch in support of LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER (LGFB), a not-for-profit charity dedicated to helping those on their cancer journey.
Your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need by funding valuable workshops to help them face their cancer with confidence.
Secure your tickets now and be part of this fabulous experience for a worthy cause.
Can’t attend but would still like to support the fundraiser? Make a donation below!
Together we can make a difference
It’s time to start practising self-care and taking some time out for you.
If you need help on your journey to self-care in sobriety, I’d love to chat. Simply book a free call via the button below.
