This is such an important conversation. I have health issues going back over 20 years (I am 47). I am an Aidan and I NEVER hear about people like me. I would be considered a mild or moderate drinker and literally can't drink much at all without feeling really Lousy the next day and completely exhausted. But I keep coming back and alcohol occupies space in my mind. That is me being honest. So I am sitting here, reading this, having had a couple of glasses of wine last night, woke up feeling 'ugh' and have felt highly anxious all morning. I have the idea so stuck in my head - do I really need to say no never again will I drink? But I have been back and forth on this for literally years. What I think this morning is 'this is numbing me' and the truth is, we don't just numb the hard parts, we numb our ability to feel fully good too. Thanks for all of your work. And by the way, your interviews on WCDHT was absolutely a must listen for me. I was taking deep breaths through the whole thing - so so good.
This is such an insightful piece. I started down the road of AA just because that’s the path if you aren’t going to drink, right? Much as I met lovely women there, it never felt like a fit for me as it seemed so demoralizing that you would ever only be an alcoholic. And I love the phrase above, I don’t drink because I feel better without it! Am going to steal that one! Thanks Laura for all you do!
So fucking on point Laura! Love it. When people ask me why I don’t drink I usually say ‘because my life is better without it.’ 😊
I've used that answer many times. :)
This is such an important conversation. I have health issues going back over 20 years (I am 47). I am an Aidan and I NEVER hear about people like me. I would be considered a mild or moderate drinker and literally can't drink much at all without feeling really Lousy the next day and completely exhausted. But I keep coming back and alcohol occupies space in my mind. That is me being honest. So I am sitting here, reading this, having had a couple of glasses of wine last night, woke up feeling 'ugh' and have felt highly anxious all morning. I have the idea so stuck in my head - do I really need to say no never again will I drink? But I have been back and forth on this for literally years. What I think this morning is 'this is numbing me' and the truth is, we don't just numb the hard parts, we numb our ability to feel fully good too. Thanks for all of your work. And by the way, your interviews on WCDHT was absolutely a must listen for me. I was taking deep breaths through the whole thing - so so good.
This is such an insightful piece. I started down the road of AA just because that’s the path if you aren’t going to drink, right? Much as I met lovely women there, it never felt like a fit for me as it seemed so demoralizing that you would ever only be an alcoholic. And I love the phrase above, I don’t drink because I feel better without it! Am going to steal that one! Thanks Laura for all you do!
I love this so much that I don’t have words!! This is so real & true. Just brilliant. Thank you
Truth!