We all know that the holiday season can be hectic. There are travel plans to figure out, menus to consider, and of course, that dreaded pre-event anxiety. That stress can feel even harder to navigate as a sober person. For many, alcohol provides a kind of security blanket that dulls all of life’s difficult moments – but there’s a drawback. It dulls the good moments, too.
One of the gifts of sobriety is how it allows you to be more present in your everyday life. You aren’t losing mornings to hangovers, or watching the clock wondering if it’s too early to take the edge off with a drink. You get to experience each day fully, and once that happens, you start noticing how much there is to be grateful for.
Gratitude is one of the most important tools for your well-being. Focusing on the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small, can lead to improved motivation, better habits, and overall happiness. In turn, that can make the stressful parts of your day much easier to manage. As the year draws to a close and we all gather around the table for Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the things that have brought us joy this year.
Here are a few questions to help you focus on your gratitude.
- What’s something that made you smile today?
- What moments are you glad not to have missed?
- Who are you grateful for in your life? What’s your favorite memory that you’ve shared with them this year?
- What’s a risk that you’re glad you took?
- What accomplishments are you proud of yourself for achieving?
- What’s something you’re looking forward to in the future?
Today, I am grateful for my sobriety. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for zero-proof drinks (and all the joys of a zero-proof life) with you. I am grateful for my incredible husband/co-founder/co-parent and the crazy fun and chaotic life we’ve built for and with our three kiddos. I am grateful for our extended families and our communities and the ability to be gentle with ourselves and others when things don’t go exactly as planned. Wishing you and yours a truly lovely Thanksgiving – toasting to you all with a festive mocktail!
