Someone was trying to tell me the other day that ‘sober’ is a negative word with staid and boring connotations. I told them very clearly that I totally disagreed!
Sober is the one word that beautifully represents the hugely positive transformation I have been through over the past eight years. How can I think negatively about a word that sums up all the many improvements to my life since I stopped drinking alcohol?
I live sober. I think sober. I am sober.
I’m reclaiming the word sober. I refuse to accept that it implies dull, boring or staid.
For me sober is a decidedly sparkly word. It signifies positivity, connectedness, bravery, and authenticity. I’m proud to say I’m sober, and I appreciate every emotion and experience so much more now that I encounter them with a clear, wide open brain (and not a boozy, blurry numbness).
Sober life is more real. Sober fun is more authentic fun. Sober sadness teaches me so much. Sober celebrations are more genuine. Sober anger is easier to understand. Sober pride is more heart-swelling. Sober stress has more clarity. Sober joy is more awesome. Sober contentment is true contentment.
My attitude toward the word ‘sober’ is part of my deeper belief that we reclaim our lives when we stop drinking. Getting sober is not a negative process – although it’s hard work at first – it’s positive. We’re not giving up, we’re gaining! We’re not miserable, we’re joyful! My sober life is sparkly and I refuse to believe otherwise!
Throw the positive attitude wider. Wear your sobriety like a badge of honour. Use a martini glass for your mocktails! Dance with gay abandon at a party (or in your kitchen)! Appreciate the genuine connections you make with people. Stand proudly in your truth. Relish your freedom from an addiction that used to weigh you down and stifle your authenticity.
That’s what I try to do anyway.
For too long we have equated an alcohol-free life with being staid and dull. Frankly I see that as a deeply flawed way of thinking,
I label myself ‘sober’ with pride. Even when I am grumpy or low or stressed I love my sober life. If anyone wants to think me boring then that’s their problem. What other people think of me is none of my business. It’s what I believe that matters.
And I believe sober is a sparkly word.
Love, Mrs D xxx
Sober life is GLITTERY. Mrs. D you help us all remember that with your wise words. Thank you!!
I always had so much more fun sober and I want that back. When drinking I am boring and not fun at all, quite the opposite of what most people think. I was not “sparkly” drunk. I want that sparkle back and I will get it!!!! I am getting it!!!
You are so right, we should all wear the sober badge with pride. We are still us, just with the ability to walk in a straight line, think straight, be more positive and feel our way. Being sober rocks.
I love the idea that actually its a positive thing and it should be all about the SPARKLE!
I really need to remember the horrible side of myself (and others) when I think drink not the fun party idea that sometimes slips into my head thanks to the media (its not really as like that as I think it was). I love waking up, remembering what happened last night and smiling… this is the sparkle that others don’t understand I get every day – I don’t have to piece my own life together when my head thumps anymore…
I woke up this morning, my head sore. I want to be sparkly !
Putting down the drink 382 days ago was the best choice I’ve made in my 44 years. My life has literally turned around. The next time you feel like pouring a drink, force yourself to go on a 2 mile walk at a brisk pace. You won’t want to drink when you get back. Doing something good for your body will somehow reduce your desire to self-destruct. Not sure why, but it seems to work.
“What other people think of me is none of my business” I luv that, it gives me the freedom to be who I really am.
I’m 24hours without a drink
I want to be sober
When i stopped312 days ago I made a shopping list and went out and bought nutritious food, comfort food like chocolate and nonalcoholic drinks. I loved and still do lemon lime and bitters. I wrote out a list of what I wanted to do and have in this life and wrote about my ideal day sober a year later, 5 years later. Then I did the same but a day in my life a year later as a drinker, 5 years later. Bought myself some sober books. I put fresh sheets on my bed and made it nice and comfy to recover. for me I had a chair I drank in. I decided to sit in a different chair. I changed some of my routine around so it wasn’t lining up with the drinking one. I posted here heaps and loved reading everyone’s replies.
I want to feel sparkly too. Today is my number whatever attempt to refrain from alcohol. I must find some determination to make it past my triggers. Being a high functioning drinker, I’m also mainly a closet drinker, which means my friends know I drink, but hubby has no clue of the amount. And that shames and frightens me. I’m stopping because I’m tired of hiding it all. Thanks for your support and advice. It’s quite comforting. My decision is just a couple of hours fresh, but it’s now been eight hours since my last drink, since 10 pm last night.
I’m day 2 today. How are you going?
You always hit the nail right square on @Mrs -D. I may old(ish) but I’m sparkly sober!?
This is awesome. Sober life is full of sparkle and I definitely see things “clearer”.
I want to be sober sparkly! Love this Mrs D.
Love this!
Wow!!
I’d love to rewrite the thesaurus for the word ‘sober’. It would include synonyms like “free”, “clear”, “authentic”, “real”, “focussed”, “shiny”,”liberated”…. you get my drift? 🙂
Amen sister!!