9 months is a long time.
It takes a human female 9 months to grow a baby. One of the reasons it takes so long is to allow you to get yourself ready for the impending arrival both physically & mentally, and for the massive lifestyle change ahead. Soberdom is no different.
The last 9 months have been preparation for my new life. Solid structures need firm foundations. I've been getting to know myself without the cloak of alcohol. I've been 'trying out' what the new me likes & doesn't like & learning to say no.
I've tried socialising and not socialising then socialising again. I've tried alcohol free wines but prefer good old Elderflower. I've developed a taste of things I didn't like before such as feta & lentils & coffee & sparkling water. I've decided I don't like Kombucha.
The new me can't lie in. The new me also doesn't like a late night. I love eating out but avoid pubs after dark. I've decluttered my flat & my wardrobe & noticed that the old me had a penchant for floral items to disguise the mess beneath. The new me is avoiding flowers like the plague & is proudly displaying the butterfly emerging.
I've decluttered my head.
I've discovered a love of walking & Magnums & skinny jeans. I've climbed back on the dating horse & surprised myself by buying things such as sportswear & a cagoule & more trainers than I've bought in a lifetime. I've made friends for life & inspired people to give Soberdom a try.
I've learnt that I am emotional .. what woman isn't? But that I'm not the wreck I believed I was when I was drinking. I'm calmer & happier & far less stressed. I don't cry anymore because I don't have anything to cry about. I am lucky & I am loved.
Everything has changed. Literally everything. I am accepting that this is it, this is my life. I do not drink alcohol. My choice is a sober life of freedom from the one thing that was killing me slowly. I am free.
#9months