In celebration of 1.5 years of sobriety, I was inspired by a subscriber recently to talk about this very important topic: sobriety in parenthood.
If you prefer to watch my more in-depth video on this topic, you can watch it here.
We're constantly bombarded on social media with how other people are living their lives. This can make it difficult to separate what is healthy/normal/okay, and what is problematic/unhealthy/harmful.
Before I became sober, I really romanticized alcohol. I feel that different forms of media propelled this; not just Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, but shows like Sex and the City and Mad Men. These forms of media showed an image of people's ability to have it all together (lovely family, great house, successful job) and also manage to drink at night with no ill-effects. I can't even think of the amount of times I've seen little snippets of stressed-out moms pouring a huge goblet of wine at the end of a hard day. This seemingly harmless action can have damaging consequence though...
What we see is the mom stressed out, burnt out, tired, overworked, etc. She's finding her solace in that biiiiig glass of wine. But what are the long term effects of her doing this? Is her life any better with the mommy juice or could she feel significantly better without it?
Truth is, my life is better sober. I'm a better person, wife, and mom because of the fact that I don't drink. I want to share with you 5 reasons I'm happy I don't drink [as a mom] and I hope this will challenge you to imagine your own life without alcohol.
More Present
When I was drinking on a regular basis, I was far less present. I often fantasized about drinking at the end of the day and was consumed by these thoughts on many occasions. Now that I don't drink, I can be more present; and I literally never think about wanting alcohol anymore.
More Patient
Ohhhh man. My emotions are so much more regulated since I quit drinking alcohol! I didn't realize the emotional rollercoaster I was riding until I got off the ride and reflected back. I have more patience in myself, my husband, and definitely my baby. I used to be a little more of a loose cannon while I was drinking, and now I'm more myself.
Feel Better Physically + Mentally
No more hangovers, nausea, anxiety, depression, bad skin, bad sleeps, subpar workouts.... need I go on!?!
Setting a Good Example for my Kid
My parents didn't drink when I was growing up, and at the time I didn't think anything of it. I had nothing to compare it to. But now that I'm older and I'm a mom myself, I see the importance of setting a good example for my child (and future babies). I want my kids to understand that you can live a full, happy, amazing life without the need for alcohol. If anything, I don't want them to learn drinking habits from me.
Save Money
Dude, alcohol is expensive! This particular point is going to really depend on you and your personal drinking habits, but I encourage you to take some time and reflect on how much money you'd save if you quit drinking (you might be surprised).
So guys those are the 5 reasons I'm happy I don't drink as a mama.
What else would you add to this list?
Also, be sure to check out my video on this topic! I go way more in depth and we have a good old fashioned chat about it all. If you decide to watch my video, please consider subscribing to my channel to support me!
Comments