There is no downside

Member @ylang-ylang posted this update in the Members Feed the other day and many of us thought it was so fantastic it needed to be featured here as a guest post…

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@ylang-ylang: I haven’t got a story or a new experience to share. I just wanted to send you all, my fabulous sober family, love. If you’re struggling today or new, or feeling a little overwhelmed, or if you’re just wondering about the value of living a sober life, I have something to say to you.

There are difficult days being sober. Emotions that you’ve previously avoided will come back and bite you on the arse. These can be difficult. I do want you to know though, that they are entirely do-able.

You’ll have some shit days sober. But you won’t have the 3am body check (oh god, dehydration and another hangover) that comes with the regret/self loathing/guilt (I drank HOW MUCH?! Really? AGAIN!) middle of the night self hatred sessions, and the constant feeling (because it’s true) of having let yourself down, again.

You’ll have some days when you wish you could be a normie (you can’t, that’s just how it is).

You’ll have days when you’ve convinced yourself that the only thing that will make you feel better is booze. This is bullshit, and you’re wrong. The only thing that will keep you feeling better, long term, is staying sober.

Remember at all times that the support here at Living Sober is fantastic and that everyone on here is on their personal version of the exact same journey as you. We get it. We understand the good days and the bad days. We have all made the exact same choice as you.

Sobriety over booze.

Life over booze.

Our families over booze.

Our physical and mental health over booze.

We all chose ourselves. This is not a hairspray ad, we really are worth it.

I woke up this morning, unhungover for the 330th morning in a row. No regrets. No desire at all to go back to those shitty mornings from before. When I stopped drinking I knew it was to reclaim my life. At no point have I thought of this process as ‘giving up’ something. In fact, it’s all been gains. I am proud of myself. That’s something I’m not prepared to give up.

I’m healthy. I’m not prepared to give that up either. My kids are proud of me and I’m a waaaaay better and more involved parent, absolutely no way am I giving that up. Let’s not forget the money Wooooo hoooooo I’m paying for my car with what was formally my booze money. A car. A CAR! How’s that for something that is a gain. The ability to drive safely at night without the fear of being pulled over for the dreaded breathalyzer test. That never gets old.

I only see gains. I haven’t given anything up. There is no loss here. There is no upside to booze. Being sober; there is no downside.

Happy Day everyone. I am so proud to know you all you fabulous sober warriors.

@ylang-ylang