Do you know what I love to do on St Patrick’s Day, one of the booziest days of the year? I like to reflect on how lucky I am to be sober!
Seriously. I make sure I take a moment to pause and appreciate how fortunate I am to be living life, alcohol-free.
But of course, I haven’t always felt so lucky.
Before I quit drinking, I spent a long time going back and forth over the decision, feeling angry, sad and upset at the lifetime of misery and deprivation that I pictured ahead of me.
I felt very sorry for myself back then. So this week’s video is really a message to my past self… and I thought it might help you too.
Key points
Alcohol and the illusion of luck
Back when I was drinking, I didn’t feel particularly lucky. In fact, I had quite a negative outlook on life. After all, alcohol is a depressant. It heightened my anxiety, fueled my shame, and kept me stuck in a cycle that made it hard to feel good about myself. Alcohol turned me into a glass-half-empty kind of person (excuse the pun). When I realised I was probably going to have to give up drinking, things got even worse – I felt so sorry for myself!
Choosing sobriety was my real stroke of luck
Now, I see things differently. I feel incredibly lucky that I listened to that voice inside me that said: “This isn’t working anymore.” Some people drift through life using alcohol to numb their experiences, without ever stopping to pause. But for those of us who step off that conveyor belt, we get the chance to rewrite the script.
Sobriety is a secret superpower that most people haven’t cottoned on to yet. Think about it – if someone created a pill that gave you better sleep, less anxiety, more confidence, deeper connections and a sunnier outlook on life, most people would jump at the chance. And that’s just a fraction of what living without alcohol delivers.
The luck you create for yourself
Whatever you’re looking for at the bottom of a glass, you can find it in sobriety – if you just give it a chance. Alcohol always ends up giving you more of what you don’t want in the end. And when you finally step away from it, you realise just how much was waiting for you on the other side.
So this St. Patrick’s Day, I’m celebrating a different kind of luck. The kind you create for yourself, by making bold, empowered choices. If you’re just starting out on this journey, know this: your future self is going to be so grateful you did this.
35 responses
Thank you Kate for this inspiring message!
Thank you Kate. Being Irish I have never had the opportunity these 30 years to go out and celebrate St Patrick’s Day. While I feel a little sad about this I am grateful, in some respect, to celebrate from afar In other wards at home with my other half supping some wine or finding a local pub. It usually falls on a day that is taken up with other things. Thank you Kate.
Thanks for your inspiring message. I am just starting out on my sober journey and this gives me hope and motivation
So pleased my blog resonates with you Linda. We sober people are the luckiest!
I admire your perseverance & emails
I’m still drinking. Not as much but it’s still my go-to when I get stressed or upset. Not everybody is the same. As I write this I’m enjoying a chilled Chardonnay. It’s not as fun as it used to be. Anyway, thanks for your messages xxxx
When something isn’t fun anymore, that’s a signal to try a different approach. I offer that in my forthcoming online coaching programme starting next month. I’d love to help you find the joy again. https://thesoberschool.com/course/
Beautifully said! Thank you Kate! Thank you for having been the one that made me stop drinking! Forever grateful This Friday , 21 March 2025 it will be 2 years and I am so proud of myself.
Love from Switzerland
Ursi
Oh wow, 2 years Ursi – that’s incredible! Congratulations on reaching this milestone (on Friday), I feel honoured to have helped you start on this path.
Hi Kate,
I’ve been listening to your blogs for a year at least. I am 70 days sober today! You were an integral part of my decision.
Thank You!!!!!!
Sherrie
Ah, dearest Kate – this is one of your best videos! Thanks to you and The Sober School, I am nearly 39 months alcohol-free and wake up grateful every (hangover-free) morning that I finally got off that “down” escalator!! I only wish I had done it sooner (I am 66). Feeling incredibly lucky today and every day! I love that you call sobriety your “superpower” – it is for me as well. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
Well done Annie! Sobriety isn’t a sacrifice, it’s an upgrade and never too late to gift yourself a happier and healthier future.
Another great message Kate, very motivational and TRUE. Life is so much better sober. I am 87 days into my journey. Sleeping better, dealing with problems with more positivity and recognising that most of the bad times in my life have been caused by my alcohol consumption. Thank you Kate for your inspiration and encouragement.
You’re very welcome Angela, 87 days and counting! The benefits keep on coming so stick with it…
Thank you for taking the time to record this video message. It has picked me up on a strange up and down day and helped me stick to the path.
Well done for sticking to your goals, despite the ups and downs of daily life. You might find my pep talk helpful on these occasions and it’s free to listen: https://thesoberschool.com/pep-talk
4 months so far, very tempted to pick something up on way home but didn’t- thanks for the inspiration
Lucky decision, for which you will be so grateful tomorrow! You deserve better than to break an amazing 4 month stretch of taking proper care of yourself.
Nearly 300 days! Brilliant words again Kate
Thank you, so kind.
And that one year soberversary is coming up soon, well done!
My 1st sober Saint Patrick’s Day since I was 17 years old and it feels great! Thank you for your positivity. I took your course starting 7/1/24 and I haven’t looked back. I’m 63 years old and feel amazing and actually happy. Kate, you’ve been a Godsend.
Ah, that’s amazing Christine – congratulations on regaining your love of life. Sobriety truly delivers everything alcohol promised.
Kate, thanks to you, I am nearing my one year sobriety anniversary. I could not have done it without your sensible, common sense, educational approach. It’s been an empowering journey and I will remember you always for helping me change my life. God bless you!
Thank you for reminding me why alcohol-free living is so important to women around the world; it really is the best way to experience our one and only precious life. Many congratulations on taking that first step to alcohol freedom which has changed your life.
Hi Kate
I just finished listening to your pep talk (as I type this with a hangover) about making the decision early in the day that I’m not going to drink tonight. I am going to raise my standards beginning tonight. I plan on listening to that pep talk every day. I know that I’ve been slowly k!lying myself for over a decade. I need to stop not only for myself, but I have someone who desperately depends on me and I need and WANT to be there for him bringing my best. I’m not young, almost 70, time slips by faster as you age. I want to be as present as possible to enjoy, interact, and to give. I’ve really gone to the dark side with alcohol and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore. Thank you sooo much for your wisdom and encouraging words.
It can be a lonely journey when you’re doing this on your own. If you need any more support, join my online coaching programme. I’m running a class in early April which would be great timing for you. Here are some more details: https://thesoberschool.com/course/
I feel so free so happy Kate you have definitely changed my whole life and relationship with alcohol I don’t even think of it anymore thank god. I had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day thank you Kate for supporting me all the way as I had tried everything else.
Thanks Kate
Really inspiring message . I was feeling rather down and negative before I listened to you but you have lifted my mood and motivation.
Glad I helped to lift your mood. We have good days and bad days, but they’re always better alcohol-free!
I love this. 18 days alcohol free today. I was not tempted at all on SPD.
Hey, 18 days is a fabulous day count and it gets easier as you go along. If you need any support, check out my forthcoming online coaching programme starting on 7th April: https://thesoberschool.com/course/
Very powerful. Thank you.
Thanks Kate love listening to your blogs
All going well been away to gran Canaria for a week and still no alcohol wine
So proud no alcohol since Jan 1 st feeling great
Regards
Joan
Hi Joan, That’s fantastic, well done. Have a wonderful alcohol-free holiday, they are the best!
I feel terrible as it was my 60th birthday party on Saturday and I guzzled all the wine and champagne I received as presents over the course of a few days leaving me with a hangover from hell and fractured family relationships.
I am determined to do better.
My sister says I can never drink again but I would rather set a sober goal of 100 days as it seems less daunting.
Am I just kidding myself?
Thanks Kate
Hi Felicity, Setting an alcohol free goal is a great way to get started. That is why I recommend taking a 6 week break on my Getting Unstuck course. This blog may help you understand why: https://thesoberschool.com/quit-drinking-forever/