The Need for Self-Care

After a whirlwind of teaching and raising kids, I recognized that my self-care routine was lacking. While teaching fourth and fifth grades, I decided to explore this further. Eventually, I made a significant decision: to stop drinking alcohol. This choice led me to realize that teaching elementary school wasn’t my passion. While I enjoyed engaging with children and facilitating their learning, the stress and unrealistic expectations began to take a toll on me. I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated and exhausted, often feeling as if I were making no meaningful impact.

I sought solace in wine, zoning out in front of the TV to escape the pressures of my role as an educator. Realizing I needed a break, I turned to writing.

Why Writing Matters to Me

Writing has always been a part of my life. In sixth grade, I penned a story for my librarian, expressing gratitude for her encouragement. It wasn’t perfect, but it ignited my passion. That summer, I co-created a magazine with a friend, and in middle school, I filled my journal with poetry. High school saw me stepping into the role of a copy editor for the school newspaper, which was thrilling despite my lack of experience.

In college, writing became even more integral to my life, whether through academic papers or personal reflections. Now, as I approach my 40s, I realize that writing isn’t just something I enjoy; it’s essential to my being.

Writing: A Necessity, Not Just a Choice

When the Time Came to Reevaluate My Drinking

For over a decade, I experienced binge drinking, a reality that still stings to acknowledge. Despite contemplating sobriety multiple times, it wasn’t until I became a parent that the implications of my drinking truly hit home. I realized that being hungover would hinder my ability to raise my children effectively. What message was I sending them? The idea of "mommy’s wine time" could have serious repercussions in their teenage years.

I attempted moderation, thinking one glass would suffice, but it often spiraled out of control. I knew changes were necessary, yet fitness challenges didn’t yield the results I hoped for. Each failed attempt at moderation only deepened my feelings of isolation and despair.

Why I Don’t Label Myself an Alcoholic

I never fell into the stereotype of a heavy drinker, but my relationship with alcohol was problematic. I often found myself preoccupied with thoughts of when I’d have my next drink, which made it clear that I had a complicated relationship with it.

I stumbled upon the term "alcoholic" and felt it was an oversimplification. My drinking habits didn’t fit neatly into that label. I didn’t rely on alcohol to function daily, though I might indulge during holiday celebrations.

How I Embraced Sobriety

The turning point came when I discovered the Sober Sis program, a 21-day reset aimed at distancing oneself from alcohol to gain insight into one’s relationship with it. The cost felt daunting at first, but when I calculated my alcohol expenses, I realized I could afford it. Without hesitation, I signed up.

Through the program, I received daily insights about alcohol's effects on my body and learned strategies to manage cravings. The daily check-ins with my support group became invaluable, providing a sense of community I desperately needed.

Maintaining Sobriety: Strategies for Success