Time really flies! On May 18, I hit the one-year mark since deciding to stop drinking alcohol altogether.

Well,  I was never much of a drinker. Once in a while, I had 1-3 glasses of wine, and I rarely touched hard liquor or beer.

That said, I used to find the concept of “not drinking at all” kind of baffling. I couldn’t wrap my head around people putting “I don’t drink alcohol” in their dating profiles or bios. Honestly, it felt like they were just trying to make a statement. Why not just drink in moderation?

Well, now I get it. There’s something special about being sober and the power that comes with it. And I feel much better now! 

Here’s what I’ve learned over the past year:

1. Parties are still fun without alcohol

I used to worry about attending parties. What if birthdays, New Year’s celebrations, and other events would feel awkward without a drink in hand? Turns out, it’s not a big deal at all!

However, I’ve stopped going to bars, clubs, and late-night parties.

2. Non-drinking friends make it easier

Having friends who don’t drink has been a huge help. Plenty of people in my social circle are sober, and their presence made me feel less “different”.

3. My energy levels and health have improved

This one’s no surprise, but it’s worth mentioning: I’ve stopped feeling sluggish or “off” after social events. I think we really underestimate just how great we can feel by simply maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle.

4. My energy feels more “clear”

I feel lighter, better, and “cleaner”. Hope you understand what I’m trying to say. It’s like there’s less “bad energy” weighing me down, less judgment, and less bitterness. While alcohol wasn’t the sole factor in this shift, cutting it out definitely played a role.

5. I’ve Slowed Down

I’ve become calmer, and life seems to go slower and smoother. The emotional rollercoaster I used to ride has slowed to a smooth, steady pace. I feel more mindful and present in my daily life.

6. Life feels more real and transparent

Here’s an unexpected takeaway: alcohol had a way of making everything seem better than it really was. Parties felt more exciting. People seemed more fun. Meals tasted better. Without alcohol, I’ve come to see things as they are. And honestly? I like it this way. Life feels clearer, more defined, and more fulfilling.

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I can’t say I’ll never have another drink in my life. Who knows — maybe I’ll enjoy a glass of champagne on a special occasion very soon. But for now, I like the way things are, I have no desire to pick up a drink.

Saying “no” to alcohol has brought many positive changes to my life. If this post inspires you to give it a try — even for a little while — I’ll be very happy. You might just find yourself feeling better too.

Meanwhile, when someone offers me a glass of wine, I’ll keep proudly saying: “No, thank you. I don’t drink.”P.S. After writing this post, I came across an article by Mark Manson (author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck). Here, he shared his own experience of giving up alcohol in the summer of 2023.