Sober Wednesday - think how far you've come

When I think back to my drinking (and particularly my student) days, my mind boggles at the wasted money, the wasted days hungover, and the wasted opportunities to look after myself better.

It's easy to want to kick myself, but there's nothing we can do about the past, is there? We can only keep moving forward and keep doing the best we can.

Here are some silly decisions I made when I was drinking:

1. I had a bar job, but basically used my wages to go out drinking. If I hadn't been drinking, I wouldn't have needed that job. So I could have spent that time working towards my degree.
2. Being hungover on important days still haunts me. I was late and hungover to my own 21st birthday party that my family had lovingly organised for me. I thought it was hilarious at the time, now I cringe.
3. I spent my time with men who were totally wrong for me. Enough said.
4. I wasn't practising socialising without the help of alcohol, resulting in me still suffering from bouts of shyness at almost 30 years of age.
5. I put on weight and went from slim to slightly-heavier-than-average. Now that I'm in my late twenties it's harder to get back into the shape I would like to be.

Let's contrast this with today:

1. My income is low, but my spending is under control and I'm still able to save for holidays and other priorities. I have the energy and where-with-all to look for ways to increase my income.
2. My family mean everything to me and staying in touch with them is top priority. I would never treat my parents with the disrespect I gave them on my 21st birthday. My mum was inspired to give up alcohol at the same time I was and her health and weight have improved dramatically.
3. I have a loving fiancé who also doesn't drink. We go out and drink water and become exceedingly hydrated. 
4. My confidence is growing and I no longer feel the need for alcohol in social situations, and, I no longer feel awkward when I tell people I don't drink. Hurray!
5. I'm prioritising my health, have rediscovered my love of yoga and meditation, and working to clean up my diet. I hardly weigh myself but when I do, I'm always a little bit less than before.

Have a think about how your life has changed since you gave up alcohol and let me know in the comments. The changes are subtle but they all add up and I much prefer this new version of me.