Hey y’all, hey!! This month of writing this article marks a significant milestone in my life—my one-year sobriety anniversary! It’s a moment I’ve been looking forward to, and it’s worth celebrating for so many reasons.
I noticed that I was relying a bit too heavily on alcohol during the lowest years of my life, so I literally stopped cold turkey in Nov 2023, right before Thanksgiving. I wanted to challenge myself to nip this growing habit in the bud before it escalated into even darker territory.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but every step has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental health. So, let me take you through five reasons why this anniversary is a celebration of triumph and transformation.
I’m truly not the same person I was this time last year…I’m just so proud of myself for being intentional and sticking to it for one year! I’m going to continue to challenge myself on this to see how long I can live the sobriety lifestyle! 😁
5 Reasons Why My One-Year Sobriety Anniversary is Worth Celebrating
1. Working Through Depression and Anxiety
Let’s get real for a second. If you’ve ever battled with depression and anxiety, you know it’s like being stuck in a game of Jenga, and every time you think you’ve got it figured out, the whole tower crashes down. For me, alcohol was like that toxic friend who shows up uninvited, gets you all riled up, and leaves you feeling even worse.
Once I decided to forgo alcohol for the year, I finally started facing my mental health head-on. Sure, I still have my tough days (because, hello…life be life-ing), but I now have the tools to manage my feelings without drowning them in a glass.
This year has been a journey of healing. Instead of numbing myself, I’m learning to process my emotions, which HAVE been uncomfortable, but growth rarely comes without a little bit of pain, right? I’m finally starting to feel things again, and I mean ALL the things!
Whether it’s a good laugh or even a sad movie, feeling is better than the emotional numbness I was stuck in. And trust me, I’d rather cry while watching a cozy Studio Ghibli movie than at the bottom of a bottle!
2. Dang…I Was Spending THAT much on Alcohol?!
Let’s talk about the dollars and cents because, let’s be honest, sobriety is saving me more than just my sanity. Since I stopped spending on alcohol, actually since I stopped spending on non-essentials period, I have amazed myself on how much I was spending on vices.
With that cash I’m saving, I can splurge on things that genuinely make me happy and emotionally fulfilled—like investing in therapy, saving for a day at the Korean spa, or shoot…just put it towards my savings! I’ve even started putting aside money for future solo travel again—so you know what that means? This girl is getting her spark back and getting ready to globe-trot and make unforgettable memories without the hangover or haziness. A mocktail cheers to that!
3. Re-evaluating Friendships
Sobriety has been an eye-opening experience, revealing who my true friends are. I used to think everyone I hung out with was a “friend,” (whew, I was raggedy lol), but when I made the conscious decision to stop drinking, some friendships faded away, and that was a necessary part of my growth.
What’s beautiful is that I’ve also discovered a network of genuine support. My real friends are those who celebrate my journey, uplift me, and engage in meaningful connections that don’t rely on alcohol. This clarity has allowed me to nurture relationships that enrich my life, bringing in love and positivity that I cherish deeply.
It’s been quite jarring at how fickle those friendships were though, as I’ve noticed that our commonality was “having a good ole time”…but not having anything to talk about if we weren’t indulging (hmm…). I know that not everyone is meant to come with me as I choose to level up, elevate, and vibrate higher.
4. Hello, Mental Clarity…Nice to Meet You!
Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced that foggy brain feeling after a night of {solo} drinking. 🙋🏾♀️ For me, it was like I was living in a constant state of confusion, always forgetting what I was supposed to do next.
But now? I feel like I’ve finally been given a roadmap to my mind. The clarity I’ve gained is like switching from a dial-up connection (y’all remember dial-up haha) to whatever is the highest speed of the internet nowadays—everything runs smoother, and I can think straight!
I’ve been more productive with sticking to my personal “to-do” lists and my creativity for my own goals and dreams has been through the roof! I’ve started manifesting and pursuing new hobbies/opportunities, like journaling, reading books again, and learning how to get creative with my hair while working at a hair salon for the summer…so therapeutic.
It’s a beautiful feeling to have a clear mind, and I can honestly say I’m finally starting to unlock my potential. You can’t tell me SH*T! 😆
5. Drunk in Love…with Myself!
One year without alcohol has transformed me from the girl who needed to “silence my negative thoughts” with half a bottle of wine into a strong, empowered woman who can take on the world. I’m finally owning my story and embracing my perfectly imperfect journey. My sobriety year has taught me resilience, and with that comes an inner strength I never knew I had.
Instead of using alcohol as a crutch to navigate stressful situations or seasons, I’ve learned to embrace my authentic self. And guess what? I’m absolutely amazing and sparkly, just as I am! Whether I’m hitting up a social gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, I know I’m enough without anything extra.
So, as I celebrate my one-year sobriety anniversary, I’m raising my mocktail glass to the journey ahead! It’s been a wild ride filled with growth, love, and plenty of joyful moments (that I can actually remember haha).
I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the incredible people who’ve supported me along the way. If you’re thinking about taking this journey yourself, know that it’s worth every moment and you CAN do it!
Cheers to clarity, confidence, and living life with a sound mind on my own terms! 🥳✨
Related: 7 Things I Stopped Doing to Have Peace in My Life
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-Lena
The CGS Team
