Why I Really Gave Up Alcohol

Let’s talk about something that’s not as fun as a wine-filled Friday night, but it’s real: I gave up alcohol. Yup, you read that right. I decided to walk away from the buzz, the wine glasses clinking, and the liquid courage. I’m now living my best sober life (most of the time) and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. And no, I’m not pregnant, and I didn’t join some super exclusive club—I simply decided to stop.

But let’s rewind a bit.

For years, alcohol was my go-to stress reliever. Between juggling the chaos of being a wife, a mom, a business owner, and a human being (because, apparently, that's a thing), I convinced myself that a glass of wine or a cocktail at the end of the day was essential. It was my "treat" for surviving the madness. The only problem? That "treat" started becoming a daily habit. And honestly, it wasn't just a glass of wine anymore. It was four. Maybe five. Who’s counting?

But then came the realization: I wasn’t feeling any better. I was tired. Like, really tired. Not the kind of tired where you just need a good night’s sleep—but the “I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus” kind of tired. And hangovers? Girl, they were no joke. My mornings were spent with a head that felt like it was hosting a construction crew inside, and my energy levels were at an all-time low. My body was clearly not appreciating the nightly wine-o-clock.

So, I decided to try something radical—sobriety. I know, it sounds dramatic, but honestly, it wasn’t a big "I’m done with this forever" moment. It was more of a "let me just take a break and see what happens" decision. And guess what? It changed my life.

Here’s why I really gave up alcohol:

1. My Energy Levels Said, “Girl, Please”

I realized that after a long day of work, kids, and the whole Mompreneur hustle, alcohol was doing the exact opposite of what I thought it was. It wasn’t relaxing me; it was draining me. The morning after a couple of glasses of wine (or, let’s be real, a bottle) left me feeling like I’d run a marathon and then accidentally signed up for an ultra-marathon. And I wasn’t even getting the good kind of sleep!

After cutting alcohol out, I found my energy levels rising, like I’d discovered some hidden treasure. It wasn’t magic—it was just my body thanking me for giving it a break.

2. My Liver Probably High-Fived Me

I’m not a doctor, but I’m pretty sure my liver was in there silently fist-bumping me when I stopped drinking. And honestly? I’m doing it for the long-term benefits. I’ve got kids to raise, businesses to run, and a life to live. I didn’t want to be that mom who’s too tired to play with her kids or that entrepreneur whose productivity is tanked by a hangover. My liver is just one part of me that’s been really grateful.

3. My Relationship with Alcohol Was Just… Complicated

The more I drank, the more I felt like alcohol wasn’t just a treat—it was a crutch. If I had a bad day, it was wine. If I was celebrating something, it was wine. If I was hanging out with friends? You guessed it—wine. And while I love wine (I really do), I realized it was becoming a little too comfortable in my life. It was my "default," my way of dealing with stress, or even boredom. And let's be honest, wine wasn’t solving anything. It just helped me forget about the things I needed to address.

4. I Wanted to Remember My Nights (And Not Just the Morning After)

Here’s something most people won’t tell you: the older you get, the harder it is to bounce back from a wild night out. No more “one glass” of wine turning into “let’s just finish this bottle,” and then, who knows what happens next? Let’s just say that I’m now more interested in remembering the fun moments with friends or family, instead of waking up with a head that makes you wonder if you fell out of a tree the night before.

5. I’m Learning to Love Myself in a New Way

Honestly, this has been the best part. Giving up alcohol hasn’t just been about saying "no" to drinking—it’s been about saying "yes" to a clearer, more present version of myself. I’m finally giving my body the care it deserves, not masking my feelings or emotions with a glass (or two) of wine. It’s like a whole new level of self-love. I’m discovering the real me without the fog, the self-doubt, or the "I need a drink to feel better" mindset.

Dear Brown Girl,

If you’ve ever felt like you’re relying on something outside of yourself to feel better, just know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to step back, take a break, and really listen to your body. You don’t have to give up alcohol (or anything) forever, but you do have the power to choose what makes you feel good. Trust me, your mind, body, and soul will thank you. Take it one step at a time, and remember that your journey is about progress, not perfection.

With Infinite Love Always, Your Truest Self 🖤🤎