Today marks one year of sobriety, my soberversary.
I absolutely love Christmas, to the point I start wearing Christmas jumpers on the 5th November (I've got to wait until after my mums birthday, of course).
I love a festive mulled wine and Christmas morning bucks fizz. Last year, early in my sobriety, I bought AF prosecco and orange juice for my Christmas morning bucks fizz, and AF mulled wine that I heated with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Super yum, super festive.
Sobriety wasn't necessarily easy to start with. I felt a lot of pressure to drink and judgement for not. Whether that was real or imagined is irrelevant, it's how I felt. Now, though, I wouldn't change a thing. I love sobriety. I still "drink", I just choose AF options. I'm still social (when I want to be). The main differences now? I'm never hungover or suffering hangxiety. My blood pressure and BMI are both healthy. My bank balance... well, that's about the same, I don't deprive myself. The improvements to my physical and mental health are phenomenal, and I don't miss alcohol at all.
I've slowly let friends, family, and colleagues know about my sobriety, and on the whole, they've either been supportive in their own ways, curious but polite, or frankly not cared.
So for my team Christmas meal next week, I know my colleagues won't bat an eye at my AF choices. They won't question it, comment on it, make judgements, or peer pressure me. They might start friendly conversation about it, but I know they respect me and my choices and I feel comfortable sharing it with them. I urge everyone to be a safe space for sober or sober curious friends, family, and colleagues (both during festive periods and year round). You don't need to know their reasons (and truthfully, they don't need one), you just need to be respectful and kind.
The festive season is right around the corner, and with it comes work Christmas parties!🎄💫
For some this time of year can feel exciting, and for others isolating, It's important everyone feels included and supported.
Are you planning your teams party? Have you considered alcohol-free drink options or activities as part of your workplace celebrations? There are plenty of options out there!
You can check out our website for alcohol-free drink options🔽
https://lnkd.in/eBUJmthu
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2wNice inventory… nicer if they are all sold. 😉