I suppose today's post could equally be part of my Sober Wednesday series. It applies to both sobriety and veganism.
At the event I was chatting about in Wednesday's post, I was saying how weird it felt to be turning down free cocktails and having to have tap water as no other soft drinks were available (without paying far too much for them).
What also felt weird was turning down the canapés that weren't vegan (that would be all of them then). I had to fight really hard not to feel like this enormous loser stood there, holding a tap water and not eating any of the free food.
I've also had some comments from people in my social circle that I'm getting boring. There is always a raised eyebrow that I'm not drinking anymore AND mostly vegan too. It seems almost puritan, and so different from my previous 'party-girl' persona, who ate burgers with the guys and drank cocktails with the girls.
I've made my peace with the fact that I'm different now, and I need to remind myself that that is the important thing. If people think I've become boring, I guess that's fine but I respectfully disagree.
What's happened is that I've rediscovered the compassion that has always resided inside me, what's happened is that I now prioritise my health over following the crowd when it comes to drinking. What's happened is that I now treat myself in ways that nourish my body, mind and spirit in ways I didn't before. If that's boring to you, that's ok. It's my life, not yours. I say that with gentleness, but these are my choices now.
I think being comfortable in yourself is pretty badass these days. Knowing that you are an interesting person 'despite' being sober increases self-confidence, and personal conversations and relationships are more real and fulfilling.
I really hope all these musings are making some sense here. It's so great to have this outlet to chat about where I am on this journey towards a healthier and more compassionate life. Somedays my resolve is stronger than others, but sometimes it's worth looking back and seeing just how far I've come already.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a lovely weekend.
SSV x
This is an amazing post! You're raising your vibration and it makes people uncomfortable. I love that your dedicated DESPITE what people might think. I got the same comments in the beginning, and part of it was because I didn't yet have my "sea legs" when it came to socializing sober. I can honestly say now that I'm as outgoing and relaxed in any event than I used to be while drinking. It did take a while, but once your vitality returns, it just kind of overflows into the rest of life.
ReplyDeleteCheers to you! ��
Hi and thank you so much for reading and commenting. I find that, when I'm in the company of people I love, it doesn't matter at all that I'm not drinking, I'll get there with other social occasions...
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