Let go of the notion that alcohol is a treat

Let go of the notion that alcohol is a treat – catherine gray

An inspirational letter from a friend who’s about to celebrate one year alcohol free

I love hearing from people whose lives have changed after quitting alcohol.

This letter is meant to provide inspiration to those who think that alcohol is a treat – or they will never have fun again without a drink.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and purchase. 

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober

But before I share the letter, I also wanted to offer up this quote from Catherine Gray, author of The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober.

I mentioned Catherine in an Instagram Story this summer. – and we had a short conversation.

Here is what she wrote back after me telling her I have had lots of white knuckles moments in the beginning of this alcohol free journey. Thought I would share with you, because, it was during these moments that I still viewed alcohol as a treat.

Inspiring right? O.K. On to the letter from my friend:

“I once thought that quitting drinking was a punishment to me. I truly believed that I was going to miss out on all the fun, the romantic dinners, that I wouldn’t dance, that I wouldn’t belly laugh.

Boy, was I wrong.

Not drinking is a gift. I can clearly see that now. And I also know that I can have fun, that I am fun!

Now, I truly laugh because something is funny, I engage in conversation, and I truly connect.

Drinking blurred every little thing and detail for me, I was missing half,  if not all of the night. Piecing together forgotten moments the following day. Now, I clearly see things, I have so much more clarity and more hope and more honesty.

The Cutest, Quirkiest Little Treehouse

I’m up very early at the cutest, quirkiest, little treehouse with my dearest friends.

I decided that I was just going to relax and enjoy, just let it be. And, boy did I.

We got here right after lunch and explored the cute town. Anyway, the place is just the cutest, it’s literally a treehouse. It’s right on the water.

We made a fire and gathered around and shared stories and had conversations about our lives, things we’ve never really talked about. We talked about friendship and how we are truly besties.

I shared with them how some of my relationships have changed since I stopped drinking, I shared how I really miss one of my friends that I made at my kids school six to seven years ago who’s not really in my life anymore.

We all shared and all had concerns but hopes too. These girls know me, they support me, and make me feel loved.

Then a giant storm rolled in, white caps quickly covered the water and debris fell from the trees, we rushed up to the house, giggling as the fat raindrops bounced off our heads, that was fun too. We ended the night all snuggled on the couch and talking and laughing.”

This little sliver of contentment can be yours, too.

Change can be challenging. But it can also open doors to new experiences, unexpected adventures and peace of mind that is truly priceless. If this is what you are searching for in your life, I truly wish for you to find it.

A final word on inspirational literature