Making a big change is almost always accompanied by a boatload of fear that can stop you in your tracks. I mean, if you want to stop smoking, start exercising, eat better, practice meditation or lose weight, there is an uncertainty of the unknown that comes with making a big change.
Just so that I am honest as I can be, here are some of the fears that run through my head when I think about not drinking…
1. Will people still want to hang out with me?
2. Will people feel uncomfortable around me if they’re drinking and I’m not? (The very last thing I want is for people to think that I’m judging them because that is not my speed at all.)
3. At a party, how does one do small talk? (Seriously, I can’t even. Let me sit in a corner with one person for a night versus navigating a room and trying to do the small talk routine. I suck at it. #sociallyawkward #drinkinggavemecourage)
4. How will not drinking affect my relationship with my husband? With my friends?
5. Will I still be funny?
6. How do I eat crabs without beer? (For real, that was a thought and then remembered non-alcoholic beer.)
7. Can I drink non-alcoholic beer and still call myself sober since it has a smidgen of alcohol in it?
8. Will I still cut a rug at a party if I’m sober?
9. Will I scream-sing “Ohhhhh, we’re halfway there!!!! Oh, oh! Living on a prayyyerrrrrr!” at the top of my lungs if I’m not drinking?
10. What happens if I ever visit Napa Valley? Not have wine? (That just seems cruel, so do I just not go?)
11. Does this really have to be forever? Or can it just be until I have a better relationship with alcohol?
I realize these may seem silly and small to many. But EVERY. DAMN. ONE. of these makes me shed a tear.
If you made a change, what were your fears?
These fears are exactly or very similar to the ones I faced almost 10 years ago. In fact, I still don’t have an answer to the Napa question. Girl, I’m walking side by side with you all the way. Whatever you need, you let me know.
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