I Stopped drinking. here's what I'm Learning.

A little about me. Going out, being social, and in turn, drinking had been a core piece of my identity for the majority of my adult life. Last January, I was hospitalized due to a birth defect in my pancreas that makes it extremely difficult for me to process anything fermented, including alcohol. Long story short, the diagnosis I was given was to consider taking a break from drinking, among other things, to see how my body would react. I never envisioned I would have to make a change like this but it has truly been a blessing in disguise. The amount of growth I feel like I’ve been able to make physically and mentally in just this short period of time has been immense. 

My goal for this blog is to share one aspect of this experience once a month or so. I’ll include topics ranging from new hobbies, things I have picked up that have made the sober going out experience easier, and how it has effected friendships/dating, etc. I just want people to know they have options. Drinking is so engrained in our culture and I know from experience, there are social situations where it can feel like you don’t have a choice but to partake and I’m here to tell you that you really don’t, and no one will even notice. 

I would also like to make it clear that I am no fucking saint. I’m not preaching that what I’m doing is the end all be all. Honestly, there are been plenty of moments in this journey that I’ve thought “I hate feeling different. I hate not being able to enjoy myself like everyone else.” I’m just a regular guy, happy to share my thoughts in real time for anyone who is willing to listen and who is trying to figure it out like everyone else. There will be topics I discuss that I am actively working to improve, and I am using this platform as a way to hold myself accountable. Whether you’re looking for a permanent change or doing something like “75 Hard”, I hope my perspective can be helpful in your journey. If you have any questions, I’m an open book. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with anything you’re going through or aspects of an alcohol-free lifestyle you are interested in hearing more about. I am so thankful for my support system and if I can be that for you, I’ll do whatever I can to help.