Sober: 2 Years

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To consider one self a writer, one must write. That’s what the Ten Minute Blog (TMB) is about: whatever is on my mind at the moment, about a topic, for 10 minutes.

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It’s the 2nd anniversary of the day I decided to be the girl that chooses not to drink, everyday. I take a moment to reflect on my journey. And I realize: I am right in the thick of creating new rituals for myself around my relationship with alcohol.

Today, it feels right to write about it, just a bit. I am for sure opening more about this topic is the bourgeoning of something new in my life. I realize: I have here and there already shared about my decision to redefine my relationship with alcohol. On the blog, on the podcast, in the digital bits and bobs that make up my personal social media accounts and more intimately in one-to-one conversations, my favorite medium. Every time, the response is always intimacy-building: it results in the deep sharing of experiences. I could use more of that. And I think I can give more of that too.

Dry January

My abstinence from alcohol started disguised as a Dry January. In 2020. I was the only one that knew this time 2 years ago that I was taking on an experiment. I was looking to use January to explore a new answer to some pretty important questions. Could I live my life, without consuming alcohol? Would I be and have as much fun, sober? The answer turns out: yes, to all!

I sympathize with those taking on that challenge. My best advice: One day at a time.

The Pandemic made choosing not to drink easier for me. There were no temptations, no social gatherings, no business travels, no events. It was a solid 16 months of sobriety before I started to experience the world again. First time pool side at the Arizona Biltmore in May. First dinner with a client in June. First BBQ in July. First transatlantic flight and trip abroad in August, all of it. First conference in September. First global team meeting and all the accompanying lunches and dinners in October. First live pitch in November. First concert in December.

All of it redefining my perception of life alongside alcohol. My relationship has evolved, from avoiding it for myself to observing how it is integrated into our collective lives. I see: It’s everywhere. In fact, I literally watched Andy Cohen get drunk on CNN last night!

And for me, being sober in the controlled environment that is my home is easy now. Being sober, away from home is a whole other experience I now look forward to experimenting with.

This Dry January, I’ll be the girl observing, sipping on Pellegrino and hopefully sharing stories.