And thank you, especially, for pointing out that it makes sense that it takes time. A big part of my sober journey was spent feeling frustrated because my day count was stacking up but GAWD I still felt wonky and uncomfortable and “shouldn’t this be behind me by now” sort of vibe. The unhinging part takes so much time and I appreciate how you remove the self-blame from that equation.
Thank you Allison! And yes, moving away from self-blame to self-compassion and understanding is so key. Especially for those of us who are prone to being perfectionists!
Certainly both. Hormones, discomfort, anxiety, shut down. The plethora of human emotions. Some days you boss it. Others feels hard. The great unravelling of the onion 🧅
Thank you for these words. I listened to the audio. Your voice is very soothing and reassuring. Facing discomfort without booze is still tough 1 year in. I’m rewiring a lifetime of habit which doesn’t happen overnight ✨
Ah thank you Sarah - I should record more of my Substack posts! Really glad these words were reassuring to you.
Incredible that you've had a year of being alcohol free! What an achievement, and what a gift to yourself. Absolutely: it certainly doesn't happen overnight.
What kind of discomfort are you noticing - the thought to drink, or discomfort around other feelings? Perhaps both x
I’m so sorry for your loss Christine. I lost my mum to cancer too and trying to cope with the grief was definitely a huge part of why I became emotionally dependent on alcohol. Being sober means we need to finally turn towards all that pain, but that’s also one of the gifts, I’ve found. I’m so glad you’ve found sobriety too x
Congrats on 6 years Ellie! 💛
This is such a beautiful share.
And thank you, especially, for pointing out that it makes sense that it takes time. A big part of my sober journey was spent feeling frustrated because my day count was stacking up but GAWD I still felt wonky and uncomfortable and “shouldn’t this be behind me by now” sort of vibe. The unhinging part takes so much time and I appreciate how you remove the self-blame from that equation.
Thank you Allison! And yes, moving away from self-blame to self-compassion and understanding is so key. Especially for those of us who are prone to being perfectionists!
Celebrating you, Ellie! This is such a beautiful share. And it really is true: there’s no going back, and there are layers and layers ❤️
Thank you Dana!
Certainly both. Hormones, discomfort, anxiety, shut down. The plethora of human emotions. Some days you boss it. Others feels hard. The great unravelling of the onion 🧅
Gosh yes Sarah, I totally get it. It’s hard being a human! It is definitely a continued unravelling…
Thank you for these words. I listened to the audio. Your voice is very soothing and reassuring. Facing discomfort without booze is still tough 1 year in. I’m rewiring a lifetime of habit which doesn’t happen overnight ✨
Ah thank you Sarah - I should record more of my Substack posts! Really glad these words were reassuring to you.
Incredible that you've had a year of being alcohol free! What an achievement, and what a gift to yourself. Absolutely: it certainly doesn't happen overnight.
What kind of discomfort are you noticing - the thought to drink, or discomfort around other feelings? Perhaps both x
Yes! Thank you Ellie
I hit 5 years in Sept, and can confirm all of this is true
Amazing James! Congratulations
Congrats hunni on reaching 6 years sober. It's an achievement in itself when you realise that you have done so well keep it up huge hugs x
Thank you Christine
You're very welcome Ellie I know how hard it is to quit alcohol as I turned to it after losing my mum to the big C in 1996 x
I’m so sorry for your loss Christine. I lost my mum to cancer too and trying to cope with the grief was definitely a huge part of why I became emotionally dependent on alcohol. Being sober means we need to finally turn towards all that pain, but that’s also one of the gifts, I’ve found. I’m so glad you’ve found sobriety too x
I'll always be here for you if you need a friend x