I’ve chosen to live my life alcohol-free and in total sobriety. For many, this presents a stark contrast to my previous lifestyle. However, these past 90 days have been the best I can remember. My mind is clear. Burdens have been lifted from my shoulders, and I feel a renewed vigor for life that was absent before.
Yes, I still work as hard and run as fast – if not faster – than before, but now I’m clear-headed and consistently feel great, as opposed to always being tired. The decision to stop drinking stemmed from being sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. But I’m not an alien, even though some people treat me as such.
It feels odd at dinners when I order a mocktail or ask for a virgin drink or something non-alcoholic. It’s also odd meeting up with long-time friends, with whom I used to enjoy our common Friday afternoon beer, and watching them struggle to find the right words, suggesting maybe we should get coffee instead.
I’m not an alien. I can sit with you while you have a beer. I can maintain a good conversation over dinner, whether pre-game drinks and dinner wines are involved or not. I’m not an alien, even though some family members seem at a loss for words around me. They just sit there, looking at me, perhaps wondering what’s going on inside my head.
I’m still the same person, with the same thoughts and feelings, although my feelings are now much better than ever before. Sometimes, I just wish people would realize I’m the same person I’ve always been – only less intoxicated and much more caffeinated.
I’m not an alien, and I’m really enjoying this new venture and a new page in my life. I wish this didn’t seem like a plea for help, but I hope people would realize that individuals choose different paths in life and should be treated as they would like to be treated, not based on your perceptions, but on the genuine, heartfelt qualities of your friendship with them.