I’m unsure of how things will unfold in the future, but I wanted to share (for those interested!) that I am quite active on my social media platforms, including Twitter @mrsdalcoholfree, Instagram @mrs_d_alcoholfree, and my Facebook page – Mrs D Is Going Without.
Currently, I am doing fairly well. I’m still searching for work outside the home but have faith that the right opportunity will come along soon. In the meantime, I am managing the Living Sober website, cherishing my time with my kids, and engaging in various household activities. I’m focused on taking care of my mental health through healthy eating, walking the dog, and hitting the gym. This is how I navigate my recovery by monitoring both my physical and emotional well-being and striving to maintain balance. I certainly don’t consider myself perfect (just last night, I had crackers slathered with butter and jam for dinner!), but that’s perfectly acceptable. Overall, I have made enormous strides since I decided to stop drinking.
I’ve fully come to terms with being an addict, recognizing that anything that triggers dopamine in my brain is like kryptonite to me. Thus, I avoid these stimuli (alcohol consistently, and sugar and flour about 90% of the time) because when I do, I experience freedom from cravings and compulsions, which is a much happier state for me. How mature of me!
Being sober is fantastic. I’ve become completely comfortable in my sober skin and can’t envision a life saturated with wine like it once was. I’m beyond thrilled to have removed alcohol from my life. I look at those who drink and see nothing that I feel I’ve missed out on. Perhaps that’s because I’ve forgotten the allure of the intoxicating liquid, but honestly, I don’t mind. Life, in its unfiltered state, is amazing. It’s daring, rebellious, gritty, authentic, grounded, and deeply rewarding. I have gained so much.
The transition from a boozy lifestyle to a sober one is a significant adjustment, so if you are struggling in the early phases, please hang in there. You are making a monumental and courageous life change that will be worthwhile in the end. Nothing negative ever arises from becoming sober, and the transformations that occur from quitting alcohol are typically beneficial (even if they don’t appear that way initially). I know I’m generalizing, but this seems to hold true.
Here’s a selfie I took during a long walk with my family last weekend. This is me at 46 and a half, six and a half years sober, 14kg lighter than when I stopped drinking, with my brain chemistry mostly in a stable place (aside from usual mood swings and hormonal changes).
Sober. Not perfect, but confronting every challenge with honest intentions and my best effort.
Who could expect anything more?
With love, Mrs D xxx