Three years ago, during a lunch break at work, I casually opened a newsletter that caught my eye. The title, “Moms Keep Telling Me to Drink, Here’s Why That Matters” by Laura Thompson, piqued my curiosity. Little did I know that this moment would set off a chain of events that transformed my life.
In her post, Laura recounted a shopping trip with her daughter as they prepared for a slumber party. As they filled their cart, two women behind them jokingly suggested that she’d need some wine to survive the night. They even teased her about the coffee cup she was holding, implying it might contain alcohol. At first, I skimmed through the words, but then I paused when she revealed, “Those strangers didn’t know I’m sober.” Her honesty struck me.
As I continued reading, tears filled my eyes. It was as if she was narrating my own experiences. Her battles mirrored mine, resonating deeply within me. I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out to this woman. I had to know: was it true that she didn’t drink? Was her life fulfilling without alcohol?
I searched for Laura on social media, and as I typed, I realized I was reaching out in desperation. I hit send, unsure of what would happen next. To my astonishment, she replied quickly. Suddenly, I was sharing my struggle with a stranger who understood. “She gets it,” I thought.
Laura offered invaluable advice: “Don’t future-trip,” she said, encouraging me to focus on the present. “Just worry about today, don’t drink today.” This guidance became a pillar of my journey. I now share similar advice with others. I recommend reading Annie Grace’s book “This Naked Mind” and suggest starting a private Instagram account for support, as I did. There’s an entire community online dedicated to living alcohol-free, and it was a lifeline for me.
Fast forward to today, I am just weeks away from celebrating three years alcohol-free. I can honestly say I am thriving. I’m discovering who I was meant to be and engaging in activities I would never have pursued while trapped in a cycle of drinking. In these three years, I’ve devoured over 30 books. I became a contributor to a local blog, writing more than 20 posts, including one that became the most-read piece in 2019. It detailed my choice to eliminate alcohol from my life. Recently, I launched my own alcohol-free Instagram account and became a host for the @1000hoursdryparents page, embracing every moment.
Society bombards us with alcohol messaging—on television, clothing, even in playful mom humor like “They whine, I wine.” It’s portrayed as a rite of passage in motherhood: “Congratulations on your baby! Here’s a bottle of wine!” The truth is, this narrative is misleading. I had to step back to see the bigger picture. I’m grateful I stumbled upon that blog post. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, or curious about a life without it, check out my page @soberjourney. Remember, it’s never too late to start living your best life.
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Summary:
A blog post by Laura Thompson opened my eyes to my struggles with alcohol and inspired me to reach out for help. Through her guidance, I embraced an alcohol-free lifestyle, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. Now, as I approach three years free from alcohol, I share my journey to encourage others questioning their relationship with drinking.