Reclaiming My Life: The Journey to Quit Drinking

As a psychotherapist, I’ve spent years helping others navigate the complexities of their bodies and souls. But there came a point in my own life when I had to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing—one that led me to quit drinking. In this article, I’ll share my personal journey of quitting alcohol, the reasons behind my decision, and the transformative effects it has had on my life. My hope is that my story will inspire others, especially those in Australian culture where alcohol consumption is prevalent, to consider what they’re putting into their bodies and the heights they could reach by embracing sobriety.

Deciding to Quit Alcohol: My Turning Point

My journey towards sobriety didn’t begin with a single life-altering moment, but rather a gradual realization (probably starting around 2013). I found myself waking up feeling horrible after drinking, and the recovery period seemed to stretch longer with each passing day. I yearned to wake up and feel good in my body, to be capable of seizing the day without the burden of a hangover.

One crucial aspect of my decision to quit was a spiritual experience. It solidified my understanding that when we consume alcohol or drugs, our energetic layers become compromised, leaving us susceptible to negative energies. I wanted to cleanse my aura and rid myself of these unwanted attachments.

Simultaneously, my journey of self-work naturally led me away from drinking. My body began to repel alcohol, and I found that I no longer needed it to have fun, start a dance floor, or keep me out at night. I discovered that sobriety offered a clarity of mind and presence that I had never experienced while under the influence. It was eye-opening to be sober and fully aware of my surroundings, especially when I encountered potentially risky situations.

The Early Struggles: Navigating the Path to Sobriety

Quitting drinking wasn’t without its challenges. Dodging the judgments of others proved to be one of the most significant hurdles. Early on, I was continuously harassed for not drinking, as if my choice affected others around me. I soon realized that some people sought validation for their own drinking habits or feared judgment when they were drunk in my presence.

At first, it was challenging, and I often felt like an outsider. However, I learned to navigate social situations by employing strategies like discreetly replacing alcoholic beverages with water or having a non-alcoholic drink in hand. I discovered that it’s essential to have a non-alcoholic drink that you genuinely enjoy, ensuring that you always know what you have in your glass.

Over time, the feeling of being left out faded. I found that I could connect with others and enjoy social gatherings just as much, if not more, while staying sober. My presence on the dance floor remained, and my ability to engage in conversations and approach people was unaffected.

Sobriety and Rediscovering My Body

Sobriety brought about a heightened awareness of my body’s needs and desires. I started listening to my body and respecting its signals. When I was drinking, my body often rejected it with tiredness or vomiting—a clear message of rejection. Now, I am very sensitive to what I put into my body, extending this sensitivity to the foods I eat and the drinks I consume.

In addition to paying attention to my body, I engage in various practices to connect with and nurture it. Bodywork, exercise (particularly surfing), and somatic meditations have become integral parts of my routine.

Sensitivity to Emotions and Feelings

One of the most remarkable transformations in my sobriety journey has been my increased sensitivity to emotions and feelings. By honoring my feelings, I can experience and process emotions fully, without the need to numb or cope with them through drinking.

This newfound emotional awareness has left me feeling more in tune with life and significantly happier. I’ve faced inner demons head-on, and they no longer haunt me with the intensity they once did.

The Intuitive Awakening: Trusting My Inner Voice

With my emotions and body in harmony, sobriety has allowed me to embrace my intuition fully. I can now distinguish between mere thoughts and genuine intuitive insights. Trusting my intuition has become second nature, guiding me in making decisions from a place of authenticity.

I’m not pulled in a particular direction by external influences, and my body no longer constantly struggles to recover from the night before. This balance has allowed me to enjoy both nighttime activities and morning pursuits. I’ve connected with fellow morning people who share my values and interests, fostering a deeper sense of community.

Conclusion: In closing, my journey of quitting drinking has been nothing short of transformative. It began as a desire to wake up feeling good and evolved into a profound exploration of self-awareness, emotional sensitivity, and intuition. My background as a psychologist, combined with my personal experience, has given me unique insights into the challenges of addiction and the hidden harm in even moderate alcohol consumption.

My hope is that my story serves as an inspiration to those who may be considering their own relationship with alcohol. Sobriety has allowed me to live a more authentic, fulfilled life, and I believe it can do the same for others. By listening to our bodies, honoring our emotions, and trusting our intuition, we can unlock the incredible potential that resides within us.

In the end, it’s not about missing out on life’s experiences; it’s about embracing them fully and authentically, one sober step at a time.