Wow, this is so thoughtful Alex and you really articulated so many things so well here from the surprising benefits of quitting to why there's this almost meme of sobriety on Twitter now. I found myself nodding when you highlighted some of the changes, I think I went through some similar ones but I wasn't that reflective when I quit and didn't notice it.
Great essay, super well written and gave me a lot to think about!
Adored this piece. Almost all of it resonated with me really deeply. This line in particular: “Without the core compass that emotion provides, I had to outsource my direction and identity, losing myself in the process. Drinking went from something I did for fun, to something that allowed me to have fun, to something that allowed me to be fun. Alcohol became a cheap surrogate for emotional maturity, stunting any real growth that should’ve been happening.”
Thank you for writing this and being so open. It’s an incredible and important experience that more people now have a chance to feel inspired by via you telling your story!! (And it helps you’re an incredible writer!)
I think you hit a strong point we often fail to admit. We drank because it was an easy escape of shadows small or big. Like a reward for a tedious work week or needing to be engaged and positive at gatherings.
I like the theme of intention behind all this, I stopped drinking regularly about a year ago and at first it was cold turkey, but I realized at some point I didn't want to live in absolute terms. I still drink occasionally, but I plan it ahead of time and make sure it's worth it. It's informally the "weddings and birthdays rule" now
Congratulations on making this transformation! The social pressure is real. Learning more about the health aspects from Matt Walker's sharing sleep research and Andrew Huberman's podcast have got me almost completely away from it. Hearing more stories like yours helps too :)
Dang Alex! This piece is packed with generously shared self-reflection and universal insights. I took a lot away, but the insight I loved the most was this, "Modern life is complicated, which has led us to believe that we are complicated. We aren’t, really . . ." and the para that follows. Thanks for dropping a comment on my article because I don't know if I would have stumbled on your work. Following now.
Wow, this is so thoughtful Alex and you really articulated so many things so well here from the surprising benefits of quitting to why there's this almost meme of sobriety on Twitter now. I found myself nodding when you highlighted some of the changes, I think I went through some similar ones but I wasn't that reflective when I quit and didn't notice it.
Great essay, super well written and gave me a lot to think about!
Adored this piece. Almost all of it resonated with me really deeply. This line in particular: “Without the core compass that emotion provides, I had to outsource my direction and identity, losing myself in the process. Drinking went from something I did for fun, to something that allowed me to have fun, to something that allowed me to be fun. Alcohol became a cheap surrogate for emotional maturity, stunting any real growth that should’ve been happening.”
Thank you for writing this and being so open. It’s an incredible and important experience that more people now have a chance to feel inspired by via you telling your story!! (And it helps you’re an incredible writer!)
I think you hit a strong point we often fail to admit. We drank because it was an easy escape of shadows small or big. Like a reward for a tedious work week or needing to be engaged and positive at gatherings.
Get off social and see what happens
I like the theme of intention behind all this, I stopped drinking regularly about a year ago and at first it was cold turkey, but I realized at some point I didn't want to live in absolute terms. I still drink occasionally, but I plan it ahead of time and make sure it's worth it. It's informally the "weddings and birthdays rule" now
Congratulations on making this transformation! The social pressure is real. Learning more about the health aspects from Matt Walker's sharing sleep research and Andrew Huberman's podcast have got me almost completely away from it. Hearing more stories like yours helps too :)
Dang Alex! This piece is packed with generously shared self-reflection and universal insights. I took a lot away, but the insight I loved the most was this, "Modern life is complicated, which has led us to believe that we are complicated. We aren’t, really . . ." and the para that follows. Thanks for dropping a comment on my article because I don't know if I would have stumbled on your work. Following now.