I’m sure I’ve said this or thought this in the past. Maybe not directly but in my mind no doubt. So lets dive in and see if this is actually true?
First off, drinking life was certainly not boring. So in that sense sure. But hold on. That’s because it was a constant mix of stress, up and down emotions, financial strain, relationship difficulties, drama, wild nights and horrible mornings. Yes, drinking life was full. Full of shit!
That’s one of the reasons I quit, that’s why others read this, that’s why we finally say enough is enough. Even if it is boring, it sounds nicer then the madness.
Maybe I’m admitting that being Alcohol free is boring at times. Ok, I’ll agree to that. But is boring, sitting with a nice book. Is boring, going for a walk with a friend? A cup of coffee early in the morning, a pure feel of emotions. Is it boring to help others, to be there for your family? Or doing yoga, dare a say meditating. Fuck yeah all that sounds pretty boring to a former drunk. But let me tell you from the other side, if that’s boring, give me more of that. I want that boring life all day long.
Am I boring, when I can look you in the eyes and have an honest discussion? Listening attentively, engaging and supporting. Am I boring when I reach out to a friend that needs some help? Call my parents to check in. Or being more present for life challenges. I don’t think so.
Actually, when we really dive in. Sober life is far from boring. Just the real emotions of life can be gnarly. Life’s twist and turns seem like an action movie at times. There is real excitement as well as times of hardship. It’s really anything from boring.
In the 1 year 7 months I’ve been alcohol free; I’ve taken on a life challenge (drinking habit), lost weight, gone through a divorce, moved, built stronger friendships, connected with family, traveled to Nicaragua, Mexico (3 times), multiple trips to CA, MT and WA, gone on multiple dates, been out late at night, 2 weddings, dancing, read a ton of books, started writing daily, started yoga, meditate, bought new car, new mtn bike, bike more, grew my hair out and now looking at getting a new tattoo. Just this morning, I got up early on a beautiful Sunday, hit coffee shop, then 8 am mass, made some bfast, off to play a semi final tennis match, then likely go on hike and out to dinner. Yeah super boring I guess.
In contrast, my drinking day would have consisted of this, get up late, feel like shit, eat greasy food, hate the way I look and feel. Suffer through day, maybe try and do activity not feeling good, then get back into drinking in afternoon, smoke cigs, talk loud and argue with my now ex wife. That kind excitement sounds lame. It was lame.
What is not lame is feeling stoked! Sure it might be a different speed then my past drinking life. But its way more rewarding. Way more pure. Way less stressful and yes, way more “boring”. But in a good boring sort of way…