Wow. Four whole years without alcohol.
I never imagined I’d have the life I have now. I didn’t know much about myself before I quit drinking. I wasn’t aware that people like me existed. What I’ve learned in the last four years is that although there is only one Blair, my story is not unique. This fact keeps me telling my story. It keeps me creating. It keeps me writing about things that matter. It keeps me growing.
Four years ago I needed to hear that living a life without alcohol was OK. I needed someone to tell me the answer to my question of “how?” was just don’t drink. It sounds simple now, but at the time it terrified me. I needed to find out that some of us just can’t drink, and that life goes on. Life might turn out to be really good. Mine is and it has only just begun.
I didn’t even know that I wanted a life without alcohol. I thought drinking was the only way to enhance my life. I thought drinking Blair was who I was.
Turns out, I was very, very wrong.
My fourth anniversary of a choice to live alcohol-free is on February 26. To celebrate this year, I’m sharing four ways that I’ve changed since that day:
Comfort is My Top Priority
If I had my way, sweatpants would be considered business casual. If you know who I can talk to about making this happen, let me know. If I don’t have to put on real pants, I don’t. The first thing I do when I get home (from anywhere) is to change into comfortable clothes. I wash my face, I throw my hair up in a ponytail, and I get comfy.
Not only do I focus on my physical comfort with soft clothes and a freshly washed face, but I prioritize my entire life around it. I don’t make plans that will make me feel uncomfortable or awkward. I find my small cozy home very comforting, and I enjoy being there. I don’t need fancy things to make me happy, I like to keep it simple.
I Stopped Doing Things I Didn’t Want To Do
For so long I was doing things because I thought I had to. I was frequenting places (to drink) because that’s “what we do.” Now, I only go places if I have to – #homebody. I have no shame on days that I don’t leave my house once. When I get the feeling of needing some social interaction, I make it happen. In the last four years, I’ve become aware of my feelings, needs, and wants. And I’ve been focusing on putting myself first.
My homebody-ness has even rubbed off on my son. The other day we had been away for an hour or two and as we walked through the door he said, “boy it feels good to be home.” He gets it. I’ve taught him that a home is a place you should feel good coming back to. Your home should be your safe space.
I Have Hobbies and Interests…Who Knew?
I sure didn’t. If you would have asked me 4+ years ago what I did for fun, if I came up with anything it would involve drinking. So much has changed.
I’m creative and I like learning about myself.
I had always been a creative kid. My friends and I did lots of pretending. I drew pictures and did crafts, and I wrote for fun. As I got older, I didn’t focus on those things at all. I got lazy. I put a boozy mask over the top of my creative side.
Since quitting drinking, I have found my love for writing. I did a lot of writing when I was younger (middle and high school) but never did much in my 20s. It’s funny how removing the booze can boost your motivation and confidence. As I look back on the last year at how much I’ve accomplished, I’m astonished at myself. If you put yourself out there, good things will come.
I Have a Future That I Look Forward To
The only thing I used to look forward to was the fun plans I had on the weekends. I looked forward to events that involved drinking, or hangouts with friends so we could drink. Drinking wasn’t something I thought about at all times, but at every social situation, I was at…I drank.
Today, I look forward to spending time with my son. I love watching him learn, and I love that I get to teach him about the world. I look forward to seeing my husband. I love the conversations we have and I enjoy our time together.
I also look forward to the time that I get to be by myself. Before I quit drinking, that time was never something I cared about. I wanted to be around people, I was the life of the party. Now that I am alcohol-free, I’m aware of what I need, and I put a focus on my alone time.
After four years without alcohol, I’m at a place in my life that I’m happy with. I have a future with writing. I take care of myself. I’m so much more than one note. I am self-aware and I care about myself. I am content.
THE FACTS OF (AF) LIFE: You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both, and there you have THE FACTS OF (AF) LIFE. So you’re sober, now what? Well, you’re in the right spot. This is the place to be for all things AF (alcohol-free) living. Remember we’re sober, not boring!
#ADDTOCART: Celebrating Sober! Badass Balloon Co. Will Help You Celebrate Your Next Soberversary
Resources are available
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
