How Friendships Change When You Quit Drinking: Possibilities and Benefits.
Welcome back to the final part of this series! We discussed in the past weeks how our genetics drives us, how our friends might view our journey, and what are our responsibilities are.
Today, we will go over the possibilities and benefits that will arise within your friendships because of your intention to make alcohol small in your life.
Deeper connections, unexpected opportunities, new tribes… all will present themselves on your AF journey.
Meaningful Connections
“Real human connection comes from being vulnerable…Alcohol makes you think you are connecting when you are really withdrawn.”
Booze impairs your ability to think, speak, and respond. It closes you off from real connections with your friends. Getting alcohol out of your life allows for an opportunity to connect on a much deeper level. It opens the space to be vulnerable about your struggles.
We are all struggling with something. Your openness to explore and share your struggles with friends will create deeper bonds with them.
Guiding Light
Whether you are openly talking about being AF or not, friends old and new will notice your journey. You may become a beacon for them. Some may follow your light and approach you with their own issues around alcohol. You might get a call, email, or DM from someone you haven’t heard from in years.
I was that person who reached out to alcohol-free friends when I was still drinking. One person in particular— an all-around excellent human being— had put alcohol behind him.
His progress along the path was an inspiration to me.
When I saw the lasting and positive change in his life, I had a heartfelt conversation with him. The honesty and vulnerability that we shared helped lay the foundations for my journey years later.
New Tribes
Making the commitment to be alcohol-free and discovering who you are will change your life in many ways. Yes, your friendships will change. Some will fall away completely; others will be transformed totally.
Take the time to grieve for lost friendships, but not to linger there. Move forward on your path and focus on what you are gaining. You can and will find more tribes.
You will be elevating your entire being, exploring new passions, and meeting amazing people on a similar journey.
Your newfound interests like yoga or rock climbing or gardening or woodworking will have their own cultures with shared goals and values. These new tribes will welcome you, and a new world will be open for you. Go out and find them.
Bring It
You are stepping through a threshold. This is your journey; you are getting rid of alcohol because you want to bring the best version of yourself to the rest of the world. This journey is not a cross to bear. It is a privilege. It is an opportunity.
This journey is yours. Own it.
Take ownership of your inner power.
This adventure will bring about new companions, new challenges, and unexpected joys. Trust that you have the inner strength and adaptability to embrace all that appears on the path.
Know that your true friends will be there for you.
P.S.
I know how it feels to even think about reaching out to someone. It doesn’t mean you are weak or broken. It shows you dare to change your own life.
If you are interested in what coaching can do for you, I have spots open. You can schedule a free and completely confidential call by clicking here. There is no obligation in this call. We will discuss where you are, where you would like to be, and if you think working with me would be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you.
P.P.S
If you would like to get in touch with yourself and see the world through a different lens try my free seven-day journal course, Get Your Bearings. It is something that I am very proud to share with you and would love to know what you think about it
