I never really drank even when I was in my twenties. I was drunk once when my husband and I had been dating about 6 months and it was his birthday; I didn’t like how it felt at all. I’ve always found it easier to not really drink at all; I do like that sparkling grape juice for New Year’s though. My husband (who used to drink when we first met) only drinks on vacation or a couple times a year when he gets together with college friends, so these days we both just don’t really drink. When I go somewhere with friends who are drinking I tend to just drink a Coke. Even in college I was the go to designated driver for my sorority because I had no problem being the sober one.
So many great resources here, Kaitlyn! I marked my one year alcohol-free anniversary on December 17 (the day before my 40th birthday) in Paris, and I feel really grateful for all of the NA options here and at home. I was a little worried about taking this milestone birthday trip and *not* drinking, but more than anything, I've been so grateful to do it all so clear-eyed.
The biggest smile just grew across my face reading about your one year in Paris just before your bday. That is so beautiful to hear. Traveling internationally will be a tender spot for me whenever I'm able to do it again (hoping next summer), but I presume alongside that tenderness will be deep gratitude for, as you say, being able to see it so clear-eyed. All my sense lighting up.
I’ve never been a fan of drinking and really appreciate the expansion of NA options at restaurants & beyond. I’m curious to try this approach with cutting down on sugar though!
I'm so glad to hear more and more people, even just in the comments of this post, that never really engaged. Where I grew up that would be almost unheard of, but I can see that being increasingly the case--especially generationally.
I’m so glad you wrote about this. I was just pondering Dry January para mi. This really hit home…”stay open to the idea that there was more to learn about myself”. Xo
My husband and I do Dry January and July every year and it led us to dramatically cut back our alcohol consumption all year.
We really enjoy the original Recess drinks (which have CBD if that's a problem for some, but they have varieties without it). I love All the Bitter bitters (New Orleans is the best) and use them in seltzer water daily. I like bitter things more than sweet things so to me, they are perfect. Also, usually, your order comes with a little dino figurine and my daughter loves that.
Thank you for sharing how you've engaged with it. It's cool to hear how it can have those lingering effects in-between.
Ooo yes! I forgot about Recess, too! I remember I had like an Orange-ish one once that was so good.
I've never heard of this bitters one--I will have to look into it because I love bitter things, too! (and a dino toy for my kid to boot, that's a win-win!)
I never really drank even when I was in my twenties. I was drunk once when my husband and I had been dating about 6 months and it was his birthday; I didn’t like how it felt at all. I’ve always found it easier to not really drink at all; I do like that sparkling grape juice for New Year’s though. My husband (who used to drink when we first met) only drinks on vacation or a couple times a year when he gets together with college friends, so these days we both just don’t really drink. When I go somewhere with friends who are drinking I tend to just drink a Coke. Even in college I was the go to designated driver for my sorority because I had no problem being the sober one.
It sounds like you had that sense from the get-go that it didn't feel good to you. That is such a intuitive gift. Thank you for sharing <3
So many great resources here, Kaitlyn! I marked my one year alcohol-free anniversary on December 17 (the day before my 40th birthday) in Paris, and I feel really grateful for all of the NA options here and at home. I was a little worried about taking this milestone birthday trip and *not* drinking, but more than anything, I've been so grateful to do it all so clear-eyed.
The biggest smile just grew across my face reading about your one year in Paris just before your bday. That is so beautiful to hear. Traveling internationally will be a tender spot for me whenever I'm able to do it again (hoping next summer), but I presume alongside that tenderness will be deep gratitude for, as you say, being able to see it so clear-eyed. All my sense lighting up.
Love this! Super thorough and such a great resource for this time of year.
<3
I’ve never been a fan of drinking and really appreciate the expansion of NA options at restaurants & beyond. I’m curious to try this approach with cutting down on sugar though!
I'm so glad to hear more and more people, even just in the comments of this post, that never really engaged. Where I grew up that would be almost unheard of, but I can see that being increasingly the case--especially generationally.
I’m so glad you wrote about this. I was just pondering Dry January para mi. This really hit home…”stay open to the idea that there was more to learn about myself”. Xo
life-long learnin' <3
My husband and I do Dry January and July every year and it led us to dramatically cut back our alcohol consumption all year.
We really enjoy the original Recess drinks (which have CBD if that's a problem for some, but they have varieties without it). I love All the Bitter bitters (New Orleans is the best) and use them in seltzer water daily. I like bitter things more than sweet things so to me, they are perfect. Also, usually, your order comes with a little dino figurine and my daughter loves that.
Thank you for sharing how you've engaged with it. It's cool to hear how it can have those lingering effects in-between.
Ooo yes! I forgot about Recess, too! I remember I had like an Orange-ish one once that was so good.
I've never heard of this bitters one--I will have to look into it because I love bitter things, too! (and a dino toy for my kid to boot, that's a win-win!)
I think All the Bitters also donates to sobriety-support nonprofits, if I recall correctly. The orange Recess is my husband's favorite.