Sobriety is a thing with branches

Or... how your actions go deeper than you think.

Photo by Zach Reiner on Unsplash

I always tell my clients that sobriety is a thing with branches. By choosing yourself, and embracing a new relationship with alcohol with your own happiness in mind, you set an example to others, and you'll see that you are positively influencing those around you.

I see this every single day with my clients. One client has noticed their husband has cut right back on his drinking. Another is taking her partner on an overseas wellness retreat - he'd never have considered this if she hadn't changed her behaviour, put herself first, and signed up. My beloved Dad, ex military and a lifelong drinker, has cut right back on his alcohol, and is thrilled at the energy he's unlocked.  He called me to tell me this ... he's not the kinda guy to pick up the phone, so this was a big deal. 

I also see this in my kids. My hangovers used to rule me out of being 'fun mum'.  But now I take the kids rollerskating (boy, that would *suck* with a hangover). We go on adventures.  We hang out on their terms (usually Lego or Pokemon is involved).  When it was new, and a novelty, they commented on it.  But now it's normal, and I love that 'fun mum' is here to stay, and not even worthy of comment.  The branches go out, and down, and up, and they touch the lives of everyone around you.  As a young teen, experimenting with alcohol (in a very messy way!) I had no example of anyone who didn't drink.  I thought drinking was normal.  Isn't it a miracle that our kids don't have to think that way? I'm grateful every day for those branches.

Tell me where your branches go!

Oh... and quick plug for my latest Podcast with Paul from Off the Comma.  We talk (and swear a lot... ) about the joy of an alcohol free life.  It has given us w-a-y more than we ever expected.  Cheers to that.