There are so many things to love about being alcohol-free.
Waking up without a hangover. Having more energy. Less anxiety. Looking better. Feeling proud of yourself.
Those are some of the big benefits. But you know what? Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter just as much.
I’m talking about the super specific stuff – the mini moments that maybe only you would even notice.
This video is all about the tiny, silly and magical moments that make sobriety awesome.
Key points:
The little things are the big things.
It was the writer Robert Brault who said, “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.” Whether it’s getting up early enough to have a few moments on your own with a coffee – or remembering the storyline to a TV show – these very small things don’t sound much on their own. However, the cumulative effect of these positive, small moments is huge.
From quiet bins to keeping appointments
I asked some of my Getting Unstuck students to tell me about the little things they love about alcohol-free living. Their answers covered everything from appreciating a heightened sense of smell, to being able to look people in the eye and get up earlier with ease.
One of my Getting Unstuck students, Delwyn, told me that nowadays she can take her recycling bin out to the curb without looking at all the empties and feeling ashamed. Madeline has gone from keeping 50% of her dentist / doctor appointments to attending 99% of them. And Liz loves being able to answer the door or the phone knowing she’s sober and will remember the conversation.
What will your super specific wins look like?
If you took a break from drinking, what would life look like for you? Maybe you’d love not having to sneak in a quick drink before your partner gets home. Or you’d be relieved to no longer juggle a rotation of different shops (in case anyone notices how much you’re buying). Or perhaps you’d find it easier to remember your medication or a conversation from the day before.
These little things are tiny. They probably won’t convince someone to quit drinking, but this really is the stuff that makes an ordinary day so much better – and that’s exactly why I wanted to share it.
12 responses
Being able to wake up feeling fresh on a Saturday and Sunday morning and enjoy my free time. To have no anxiety and guilt that I suffer badly with after drinking alcohol. Feeling more positive and happy in my relationships as I am being my true self and not relying on booze to run away from my challenges and problems in my life.
Love this. ❤️ Waking up clear‑headed, calm, and fully yourself is such a powerful win. The freedom, the peace, the real you shining through – it’s everything.
Yes, it all sounded important to me! I especially do not miss waking up in the middle of the night feeling depressed, usually having had a morbid nightmare/thoughts, and not falling back to sleep, sometimes not until it was time to get up!. The thinking keeps on going – just like the endless manoeuvering to “arrange” drinking wine. Of course, the makeup/teeth scene is clear now in AF living.
No more nightmares and broken sleep, Cynthia – what an upgrade. That’s not just a benefit, it’s a whole new way of feeling rested, calm and ready for the day. AF living really does give you your nights and your mornings back.
I love not waking up to wonder what outrageous thing I might have posted on Facebook the night before and having to quickly get up to delete a comment that has surely already been read by many.
Oh absolutely – that’s such a brilliant “little benefit” that ends up changing everything. Feeling fresh, guilt‑free and genuinely yourself all weekend long. Good one to add to the list!
I could absolutely relate to all of the other comments. All amazing bonuses of not drinking and I’m now feeling the benefit of those bonuses.
For me, I seem to now have a heightened appreciation of the details of things…sometimes a beautiful sky, a lovely view, a piece of music, holding my granddaughter’s hand or simply laughing can blow me away with how good they feel. I’ve obviously always appreciated these things but it’s like my awareness volume has been turned up as well as my sense of gratitude.
That’s beautiful Elaine and I call those small but perfect moments, a glimmer. Glimmers are those tiny, almost spark‑like moments when your nervous system goes, “Oh this feels good. I’m safe. I’m okay.” They’re the opposite of triggers – small cues that bring calm, joy, or connection. ❤️
I love this blog ❤️ I’ve been AF for 6 months now and absolutely appreciate the little things! I love walking home from work knowing that im not going home to have an argument with myself abt booze. Im loving my freedom of choosing a new book to read, enjoying early mornings with a cuppa watching and listening to the world waking up. Im enjoying learning who I actually am again and finding out about myself, the real me xxx
Six months AF and you’re already soaking up the peace, the freedom and those simple everyday joys. That calm walk home, the early cuppa, the books, the rediscovering you — it’s all beautiful. Keep going, it just keeps unfolding. 🙂
I have been thinking about going AF for over 18 months.
I went on holiday for two weeks and after 7 days of drinking I woke up and said enough was enough, the last 7 days of my holiday was the best, no waking up hung over, being able to remember everything that happened, long may it continue.
Proof that going alcohol-free is a total upgrade! So glad to hear you enjoyed the second half of your holiday with clear memories and no hangovers to contend with. Let me offer you the chance of more freedom during my upcoming free week of coaching that will be the perfect next step for you. https://thesoberschool.com/freedom-week-org/