The Euphoria of Sobriety

I think I have found the Euphoria of Sobriety

How do you find Euphoria in sobriety? For me, it was by accident. I had an evening out with my friend last night, she very kindly suggested that we went for a meal. She was obviously being extremely considerate of my recent sobriety stint. Which I am proud to say is currently at 146 days.

We had arranged for her to meet me when I finished work at 5:30pm. All this though was leading me to overthink most of the day.
Questions of the following nature filled my head : 

• Do we go eat at 5:30pm but what then?
• Should we go for drinks first but where and what’s the point if I am not drinking?
• Should I have one last blow out with her like old times?
• Would my friend find it bored of just going to sit for a meal and then home?
  

This continued way into the afternoon, right until I voiced my concerns with my colleagues. That was a turning point for me. Simply hearing myself say these things out loud made me realised I was overthinking and blowing it out of proportion!

Solution to my Anxiety

Rather than worrying what she wanted to do, I began to think about what I wanted to do. What did I need to do to be able to stay sober. Immediately I squished the “last blow out” thought by playing the night forward. Then knowing that was not an option it became very clear. 

• I wanted to push my boundaries.
• I want to learn to talk to people without feeling a need for booze.
  (I do it all day long where I work, could I just apply that to any social outings?).
• I wanted to go where there was an atmosphere and perhaps be able to dance.
• Most of all I wanted to catch up with my friend. I had missed sharing everything that has been going on recently that we have been unable to talk about.

Armed with my new courage and a kind of plan for the evening. I asked my friend where she would like to go first. We headed to a beautiful outdoor space with a singer and my first soft drink of soda with lime pieces. 

Then between us we decided that we would head off for food and make our way afterwards to the bars. Bars where we thought there would be something going on, live bands etc.

Onto A Great evening

The meal was great, I felt completely at ease as I began joking a little with the waiters. I think they appreciated our engagement with them. Then down to the bars with live artists we went, it was 8:30 pm by this time but to our disappointment nothing much had begun. 

We had forgotten how late the young ones’ night began these days. However we still sat and drank another drink happily to be outside with this lovely atmosphere around us.

Defeated not, I had a light bulb moment. A new Irish bar had opened up in town and was always busy. Off we plodded and to my delight this bar did not fail us. It was heaving,  great music was playing and we managed to find a cute little table for two.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to dance (there wasn’t much room!). Also after my fourth AF drink it had got to 11pm. I was ready to head home and  thankfully so was my friend.

At 11:45pm I finally made it back. The night felt full just like old times. Lots of genuine laughter was had along with a tiny bit of dancing. Admittedly alone whilst waiting to be served drinks! lastly a good re connection with my bestie, my oldest friend.

Sobriety Euphoria Commence

This was a Saturday night by the way. Moving onto Sunday morning. I can not tell you how elated I felt to wake after a night out without a hangover! I woke a little later than usual but bounced out of bed ready to walk the dog.

This elevated feeling stayed with me. I felt the Euphoria of Sobriety with my decision to not drink the night before. As the day unfolded  I was at work, this feeling of pure happiness stayed with me. It was heightened by passing my energy onto customers. They felt my vitality and in return became happy themselves and shared in the fun. 

We also met someone new today. This lady had come in especially to chat to us about a business opportunity. Our natural welcome (or initiation ironically) was to offer a glass of fizz. This wonderful person ended up staying until the end of our day. At 4pm we had gotten to know her a little better. So much so we disclosed to her our little secret and love of singing. Out came the Karaoke machine and off we went! 

Lasting Happiness

It’s crazy and maybe a bit random to be singing in a jewellers. We get it, but it is our down time. Have you ever tried singing as a stress reliever? You should, it is incredible! And dare I be a little big headed here? I think I have found my singing voice! There were a few customers in the shop at this point. Still in my euphoric sober state I wound up on an Adele song. With wow’s and praises I was reassured they were suitably impressed. (I am now however, feeling slight embarrassment for sharing this). This put me on a roll. I felt so happy and Euphoric. Without doubt this feeling showed. To the point that one of the customers asked me what time I had started drinking. She was dumbstruck to recognise I had been drinking nothing but sparkling water all day.

Conclusion to Euphoria in Sobriety

My Euphoria in sobriety I have learned this weekend seriously comes from other people. Feeding off their vibe and happiness. The people I have chosen to have around me this weekend have made such a difference. I have genuinely laughed, cried and felt true conviction that sobriety is for me. This is my future. I simply need to nourish these feelings and work on how to achieve what I have felt this weekend.