13 things I have discovered in sobriety

1. Negative emotions suck and cause discomfort, but sitting with them and feeling them 100% in the raw helps immensley in understanding them and getting over them quicker.
   
   
2. I am a very watery person and used to say that sadness was my least favourite emotion. But nowdays I find sadness intimate and tender and a good excuse to be kind to myself. 
   
   
3. Powerful positive emotions like pure elation or overwhelming joy don’t come often, but when they do it feels soooo good (way better than drunk happy emotions).
   
   
4. It’s really important to recognise when things aren’t particularly bad or good but just trucking along nicely. Notice the ordinary.
   
   
5. Life is not a party all of the time nor should it be. Parites and energetic times are great, but most of life is hugely mundane and busy and routine and we need quiet times to help recharge from that.
   
   
6. Uplifting music can brighten any day. Remember to play it when you’re feeling stuck, bonus points if you do a kitchen boogie!
   
   
7. Speaking of moving your body, it’s vital. I still struggle with this as I tend to want to sit and lie around. I LOVE lying on the sofa or my bed drinking tea and watching tele, but if I let too many days go when I’m doing nothing but lying around I feel blah. Pick your movement – gentle, vigorous, slow, fast, indoors, outdoors, whatever you like. It really does make a difference to your mental health. 
   
   
8. Adopting a curious attitude towards your emotions can help when you're navigating a sober life. Notice what you're feeling and investigate why and what can be done to soothe the way.
   
   
9. I love escape rooms! And live music. And jigsaw puzzles. And colouring in. And lego. 
   
   
10. Owning a dog changes your life for the better in numerous ways. I’m sure cats to the same thing. Pets are good for humans.
    
    
11. Getting solid sleep is fundamental. If your sleep is crap, work hard to turn it around. Try supplements, soft lighting and gentle evening wind-downs. Line up lovely soothing bed-time stories (there are loads on YouTube) or gentle podcasts (for me it's Tara Brach) to listen to if you're awake in the night. Take steps to soothe your central nervous system. Be kind to yourself and accept it sometimes takes  time to reclaim good sleeps. One night at a time - gently. 
    
    
12. Owning your truth is empowering and brave and no-one judges you harshly for admitting your struggles.
    
    
13. It is entirely possible to live a full, fun life without touching alcohol ever. Believe it.

Now it's your turn. What have you discovered in sobriety? Share it in the comments below...