I spent many a day at my friend's pool drinking as the kids swam. When I look back, I am a bit shocked that I would put my kids at risk because I surely was not present to watch them swim safely. It is one of the devious things about alcohol: it strips you of your ability to make rational decisions.
The phrase “you deserve a drink” carries more weight than it seems.
It links alcohol to relief, reward, survival, and the belief that ordinary stress entitles us to escape ourselves. The drink is offered long before it reaches the hand. It begins in the story that says frustration must be chemically softened before the day can be endured.
What feels especially honest here is the absence of drama. Sobriety is protected through preparation, awareness, a simple refusal, and gratitude for the person who will wake up tomorrow. Many of recovery’s most important victories look exactly this ordinary from the outside.
Such great tips, Kristen! Sending wishes for lots of fun (and as much calm as possible) at the pool!
Great tips and such a great observation of the normalization of drinking and motherhood.
Great article and great ideas 💃💃💃😎😎😎🙏🙏🙏
I spent many a day at my friend's pool drinking as the kids swam. When I look back, I am a bit shocked that I would put my kids at risk because I surely was not present to watch them swim safely. It is one of the devious things about alcohol: it strips you of your ability to make rational decisions.
We'll skip the sunscreen. Gotta bring the BERO tho
The concept of the reserve is sooo true. Never thought about it that way!
The phrase “you deserve a drink” carries more weight than it seems.
It links alcohol to relief, reward, survival, and the belief that ordinary stress entitles us to escape ourselves. The drink is offered long before it reaches the hand. It begins in the story that says frustration must be chemically softened before the day can be endured.
What feels especially honest here is the absence of drama. Sobriety is protected through preparation, awareness, a simple refusal, and gratitude for the person who will wake up tomorrow. Many of recovery’s most important victories look exactly this ordinary from the outside.
Well done Kristen & keep on going…