The first time I got drunk, I was fifteen, cradling a Solo cup filled with whatever mishmash my friend had cobbled together from her parents’ liquor cabinet.
Amazing story. There are differences in our lives and our ‘why’ but there are similarities in our understanding of addiction and sobriety. I can relate deeply to how alcohol was embedded into your life from an early age until you realised it didn’t need to be.
Thank you, it's comforting knowing that we all share the same understanding no matter how different our paths to it are. I'm grateful for everyone I connect with along the way!
Beautifully written piece Elizabeth. It takes courage to look yourself in the mirror and actually take action to change. I didn't have the courage you had early on raising my children and I regret that immensely, more than words can convey. I have a second chance with my grandchildren and they are my why. Mostly.
The other reason I stopped drinking was that of course I was just committing slow suicide. And I feel that there is something in me more to give the world - a service. But I have only been sober for 11 months and had a major relapse last week which I have yet to unravel, and which will turn up here as a form of catharsis.
It is wonder to see such a joyous photo of you and your children. I wish you all the wellness in my heart for you and your daughter and of course your family. You illustrated so well how we are conditioned from such a young age to drink as a normal way of dealing with life. It really is a fucking lie.
I was very much like you in childhood with drink all around me and so it made sense to follow suit. I was incredibly shy and anxious as a child and adolescent. Drinking was the gift that allowed me to enter society without feeling like I was naked, with my skin ripped off. My kids suffered from my chaotic choices and the many geographical escapes I had to make. They are doing ok now as grown women, with the usual life issues of course. They are ecstatic that I am sober. They don't drink much, probably due to how they perceived their childhood. I am lucky that they took the sober rebel path rather than the emulate mum path, although it was touch and go for a while when they were teenagers.
Go you. And your children. We embody what they soak up from us. They are sponges and very much alive to how we are to them as adults. You are courageous and I am inspired by you. Keep on keeping on. With love. Karen
Thank you so much, Karen, and go you, too <3 It's difficult to break the patterns we're raised with, and we're all doing the best we can. For all my reflection, I still kick myself- why didn't I see it at 18? At 23? At 30? But we can only go forward, of course, so on we go. Thank you for sharing a part of your story. I believe in you wholeheartedly.
“I had to learn to challenge the narrative that alcohol was always the answer. I had to piece together new ways of coping.” Yup, we are generationally reshaping things.
Parenting sober has been the most rewarding part of my recovery.
I love this so much, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you so much!
Amazing story. There are differences in our lives and our ‘why’ but there are similarities in our understanding of addiction and sobriety. I can relate deeply to how alcohol was embedded into your life from an early age until you realised it didn’t need to be.
Massive respect, Elizabeth.
Keep on.
Thank you, it's comforting knowing that we all share the same understanding no matter how different our paths to it are. I'm grateful for everyone I connect with along the way!
Beautifully written piece Elizabeth. It takes courage to look yourself in the mirror and actually take action to change. I didn't have the courage you had early on raising my children and I regret that immensely, more than words can convey. I have a second chance with my grandchildren and they are my why. Mostly.
The other reason I stopped drinking was that of course I was just committing slow suicide. And I feel that there is something in me more to give the world - a service. But I have only been sober for 11 months and had a major relapse last week which I have yet to unravel, and which will turn up here as a form of catharsis.
It is wonder to see such a joyous photo of you and your children. I wish you all the wellness in my heart for you and your daughter and of course your family. You illustrated so well how we are conditioned from such a young age to drink as a normal way of dealing with life. It really is a fucking lie.
I was very much like you in childhood with drink all around me and so it made sense to follow suit. I was incredibly shy and anxious as a child and adolescent. Drinking was the gift that allowed me to enter society without feeling like I was naked, with my skin ripped off. My kids suffered from my chaotic choices and the many geographical escapes I had to make. They are doing ok now as grown women, with the usual life issues of course. They are ecstatic that I am sober. They don't drink much, probably due to how they perceived their childhood. I am lucky that they took the sober rebel path rather than the emulate mum path, although it was touch and go for a while when they were teenagers.
Go you. And your children. We embody what they soak up from us. They are sponges and very much alive to how we are to them as adults. You are courageous and I am inspired by you. Keep on keeping on. With love. Karen
Thank you so much, Karen, and go you, too <3 It's difficult to break the patterns we're raised with, and we're all doing the best we can. For all my reflection, I still kick myself- why didn't I see it at 18? At 23? At 30? But we can only go forward, of course, so on we go. Thank you for sharing a part of your story. I believe in you wholeheartedly.
Gorgeous writing, Elizabeth.
“I had to learn to challenge the narrative that alcohol was always the answer. I had to piece together new ways of coping.” Yup, we are generationally reshaping things.
Parenting sober has been the most rewarding part of my recovery.
Thanks for sharing your story.