Sobriety

Today I am sharing a very personal family story. Why? because I am passionate about it and I have made it a life's mission to help others and to be real. So here I am real and raw, sharing a story close to my heart, in the hopes that it inspires even just one person, gives hope, or just shows that its okay not to be perfect, and to need help from others. 

All I know is mine and my family's story I have the deepest respect, excitement, proudness, and happiness for mine and my husbands story. That's all I have to share and it comes from my genuine happiness, content, and from nowhere near judgment toward anyone else's lifestyle. 

We have always struggled with alcohol in our relationship of 12 years. Not either ones fault, especially in the beginning. I came from a family of a lot of alcoholics and brought baggage around the issue. For me drinking always brought negativity and bad outcomes. For him however, it was not in his household and he had little direct experience with the damage it could do. 

Now people that knew my husband when he drank, especially his good friends would describe the 'other guy' coming out. The loud, clumsy guy, who liked to play with boundaries. Well this problem grew and we took this particular issue to our AMAZING counselor. Little side note, I recommend counselors to every couple not necessarily in a time when you need help fixing or repairing but when things are great as well. It truly helps solidify a strong marriage (in my opinion). It was concluded that my husband was not an alcoholic but was not a healthy drinker. He knew this, I knew this, and the counselor knew this. So we made a decision together, because we are in it together forever, to stop drinking. 

I am still a little taken a back at how hard it was for me not to have my wine and Mom's night out drinks. I did not expect to learn so much about myself in this short period of time. Here are some things I have learned over the past 3.5 months of sobriety:

1) I feel less dehydrated

2) I have more energy

3) I am becoming more confident in social situations and not relying on alcohol

4) I have a closer connection to my husband

5) I never have to worry about any sort of accident with him and the boys

6) I have never found him more attractive

7) I have lost weight and gained muscle more easily

8) My skin looks better

9) I can go on trips and have fun without it

10) We have saved a TON of money!

11) I am less tired
12) I don't have to worry about what the boys are picking up and drinking.

Lastly, I truly do not want to come off judgmental, I just want to share my story and its outcome. I don't care if you drink, I am not judging you.I don't think it's bad (for most people), I don't think my way is right or better, and of course you can ask questions (I am a open book). 

Thanks,

-D