Six Months Sober: A Journey Back to Myself
Six months ago, in December 2024, I began a personal experiment. One rooted in curiosity, healing, and a desire for something deeper. I wasn’t drinking every day, and I would never have called it a problem. But alcohol had become a social norm in my life - something I turned to out of habit, routine, or simply to fit in. And somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling aligned with the version of myself I was working hard to become.
I made the choice to step away from alcohol, not out of fear or guilt, but out of intention. I wanted to create more space for internal healing. I wanted to go deeper in the work I’d already been doing on myself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And I knew that alcohol, even in small doses, was getting in the way of that.
Now, six months in, I can honestly say: this journey has changed me.
The most surprising part of this decision hasn’t been what I’ve missed - it’s what I’ve gained.
Decreased anxiety. I used to normalize that post-drinking fog or the random anxious spirals the next day. Now, I realize how much alcohol was amplifying anxiety I thought was just “part of life.”
Better PMS symptoms. This one shocked me. My cycle is more manageable, with less emotional turbulence and physical discomfort.
Clearer skin. Goodbye stubborn acne that I thought was just hormonal. My skin has genuinely thanked me for cutting out alcohol.
More energy and mental clarity. My brain feels sharper. My mornings are brighter. I’m more present in conversations, and I feel a deeper sense of clarity in decision-making.
Freedom from the noise. I don’t spend time wondering if I should drink at a party or trying to "drink less." That mental tug-of-war is gone, and with it came peace.
And Yes, It’s Been Fun!
One thing I want to shout from the rooftops: being sober doesn’t mean being boring. I’ve had so much fun exploring the world of non-alcoholic drinks!
Some of my favorites:
• GO Brewing
• Athletic Brewing Co.
• Seaglass Wine
And there are so many others I never would’ve discovered if I hadn’t been willing to try something new. These drinks have made me feel included, intentional, and inspired to keep discovering more that supports this new chapter of wellness.
A Deeper Commitment to Myself
This wasn’t just about removing alcohol, it was about reclaiming me. It was about seeing what could rise when I removed something that had been numbing, distracting, or disconnecting me from my truth.
I’m not saying I’ll never drink again - but right now, I don’t want to. I love how I feel. I love the person I’m becoming. And I’m deeply proud of how far I’ve come!
This is a year-long experiment, and I’m only halfway through. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and sharing what unfolds along the way.
Here’s to more clarity, more joy, and more freedom. One day, one choice at a time.
- Caroline