Month 5
This is a bit of a hard one to write. In the the first 3 months of sobriety, I found clarity and time, but now I feel I have little clarity and no time. There have been a few ups and downs this month, more than in previous months. This is more likely due to running a new business and the stress that brings, but I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if I was still drinking. I just have to trust that it would be a lot worse.
The “up’s”; I met a new ally in Richard, he has been sober for 2+ years and killing it. During our first phone call we spoke for over an hour and it was so refreshing to talk to someone who feels the same way I do about not drinking. He’s a staunch advocate of the alc free life and unapologetically so. We’re looking to collaborate on some exciting things, stay tuned.
Another “up” is my new construction business is doing well and I’m proud of where it’s at. There are some strong headwinds in the construction industry at the moment, with large home builders going under, so we have to be on our toes.
The “down’s”; I keep feeling that I’m missing out on connections I would normally make “on the beers”. I would usually take clients to a long lunch or an afternoon drink to catch up. But that seems a bit awkward and clunky now that I don’t drink. I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable around me drinking and I just don’t think there is any escaping it. It’s just such a integral part of networking in the construction industry that I will need to figure something out. Coffee catch ups are the norm now for sure. Any suggestions welcome!
The other thing on my mind is I often wonder if it was a mis-step to let everyone know I am not drinking anymore, whether it would alienate myself from friends and business opportunities. But I still get messages about how I helped other people think about their own relationship with alcohol and that they stopped drinking as well.
As for Alc Free Life, our weekly catch ups have had low numbers so far, which is ok with me since I’ve been so busy. But I’m looking forward to numbers picking up in the future, and being able to host a monthly or quarterly evening events soon.
In closing, I have lot of admiration for people going sober because it’s no easy journey. I haven’t had any cravings or urges to drink. I can only imagine the struggle I would have if I did. Well done to you all out there, that are battling everyday.
