Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. - Proverbs 4:5-6
So, you've made one of the best decisions you could ever make, that being to either quit or trying to moderate your alcohol intake. A massive congratulations to you, because quite honestly it's not an easy one to make. Not when we're living in an alcohol-saturated society where those of us who choose to lead a healthier lifestyle are wrongly judged, criticized, sometimes condemned or even made fun of for doing so.
Just yesterday I was at a large retail chain looking for a gift, and was disgusted to see a massive display of Prosecco in the pre-teen and teen section of the store. The alcohol industry is getting desperate, now going after your kids and my grand-kids, and we need to fight back. I did so by posting the picture on Instagram along with my message to the store.
Before I go any further, let me tell you from my own experience and observations through many friends I've made in the last many years of my life who are also living with same mindset, that in spite of what you've possibly been programmed to believe ... you do NOT have to hit the proverbial "rock bottom". I think the world at large does more harm than good by promoting this notion. For me, for so many years, I knew I was drinking too much while trying to get any amount of sleep I could. It scared me; yet, I had never gotten a DUI, lost my job, or any of my relationships. The enemy of my soul and yours kept telling me I "wasn't that bad, EVERYONE drinks this much, you're OK," etc. ad nauseum.
Granted, once I had my horrible accident while alone at our vacation home years ago, that could have definitely qualified as a "rock bottom", but my mind was so sick that even after recovering from my injuries, I still tried to drink in moderation. Alcohol is a powerful foe, my friends. And no wonder it comes straight from the pits of hell, especially since it's not on a toxic poison, but a flammable liquid.
Back to the topic at hand!
Now that you're taking steps to improve the quality of your life by reducing or eliminating alcohol all together, you need to create a sober 'toolbox'., a/k/a 'wellness kit'. A sober toolbox (or wellness kit) is a list of things you will have on hand in a moment's notice, when the bloody cravings creep in and/or life throws you a massive curve ball and you need to find a way to cope with life in healthier ways that are projecting you towards the winning lines of this battle.
Examples of what's in my wellness kit include my daily devotional readings, Scripture (always, specifically the book of Psalms and Proverbs), scrolling through many Instagram accounts of well (sober) people I follow, quit lit books, exercise, journaling, meditation, hopping onto a Zoom call with trusted friends in my online community, deep breathing, changing my environment, taking a hot bubble bath, adult coloring books while listening to podcasts, looking for ways to encourage others in various Facebook communities I'm a member of, and talking to my most trusted friends in real life who - while they may not have this thorn in their side - they know how important it is for me to do whatever it takes to help my wellness journey.
I keep this list on the "Notes" feature of my iPhone, ready to go through it in times of need.
From a spiritual perspective, gaining wisdom, knowledge, discernment and understanding is imperative, as in doing so the Holy Spirit will help you weed out what's ineffective and precisely what will be helpful to you in your own wellness kit.
Drop me a line and let me know what's in your wellness kit these days? :)
What I'm Reading: Liminal Thinking - Creating the Change You Want by Changing the Way You Think, by Dave Gray
Personally, I stay away from anything remotely resembling my former drinking career, unless I know in advance it may be triggering. Usually when this happens, I either bow out of the event gracefully, or show up with a bottle of alcohol-free wine to sip on. The mocktail rage is catching on, and only you know what is best for you. You can Google numerous recipes and try them out. They may help you; or, they may tempt you, depending on how far along you are on your journey. Only you can decide what's best for you.
Mocktail Recipe: Cinnamon Cider Mule
Ingredients: Base (apple cider, spiritless Kentucky 74 (spiced) non-alcoholic whiskey, ginger beer and maple syrup.
Directions:
1. Add the first four ingredients to a glass and stir to combine.
2. Add ice
3. Top up with ginger beer
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stock
Recipe provided by https://somegoodcleanfun.com
Inspirational TED Talk about Recovery
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