2 Tips for Enjoying a Sober Fourth
I know that most of us would rather be lighting firecrackers and grilling meat than reading a verbose and sententious article of prescriptive nonfiction right now.
So I will keep it short with two practical tips- one mental and one actionable- for anyone looking to have an alcohol-free Fourth.
Mental Tip: Ask Yourself Some Questions
The booze-less path might seem a more challenging adventure than you had imagined. This thought can become amplified on a beautiful summer afternoon when everyone around you is drinking.
Address the mental chatter with curiosity and honesty. One way to do that is to explore what comes up when you ask yourself questions like:
How do I feel about being alcohol-free at this event?
What would having a drink at this event do for me?
How would alcohol detract from the moment?
What about fireworks, barbeques, and spending time with family and friends do I genuinely enjoy?
Try to check with yourself a few times before, during, and after the event to assess your inner condition. Whatever arises as a result of these questions is perfectly fine. Just sit with it and let it be.
Actionable Tip: Bring Your No-Booze Bar
Bring your own alcohol-free arsenal when you go on summer outings. A cooler, some ice, and your refreshing, inspiring ingredients will be a great addition to your holiday celebration.
This can take a lot of pressure off you when someone asks if they can get you a drink because you will already have something in your hand.
Not sure what to make? There is a literal world of info out there. A google search can turn up everything from simple mocktails to mixological marvels.
Even if you found a new drink for each week of summer— as Matt and Amy do on The Alcohol-Free Marriage Podcast— you still would not come close to all the pretty, fruity, hoppy, zesty, tangy zero-proof libations out there.
So, get to gettin’!
Happy Independence Day!
Stay safe, enjoy being alcohol-free, and have fun celebrating ‘Murcia!
Now, please excuse me while I go blow some shit up
