When you think of cool, what comes to mind? To me, a “cool” individual is someone who exudes confidence and harmony. What sabotages these traits? Alcohol. Alcohol may give a surge of liquid courage, but it’s nothing more than an illusion that will create all sorts of humiliating situations. Alcohol disrupts balance and peace of mind, so harmony is out of the question. Here are 9 ways alcohol-free is the new cool.
1. Save Lots of Money
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that excessive drinking costs each U.S. citizen $746 a year. For many alcoholics, this number pales in comparison to colossal financial, social, emotional and physical price they pay for this addiction. Sobriety offers the solution and then some. The money it will save you will offer freedom from debt, help provide for your family and be a blessing to charities. The monetary comfort is just the beginning to the merits of this wonderful kind of cool called sobriety.
2. Remember People’s Names
The people you meet in an intoxicated haze may strike you as awesome, hilarious and unforgettable. How often do you truly connect with them, though? How many of their names do you recall? When someone remembers your name, it feels wonderful, doesn’t it? You respect and appreciate that person more. With sober clarity, you can be that kind lady or gentleman that makes people feel valued by retaining their name.
3. Enjoy a Strong and Healthy Body
Did you know that binge drinking is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease? Alcohol abuse damages every organ of your body; it is deadly both directly and indirectly. Beyond that, it is a poisonous substance laden with calories. Sobriety offers an opportunity to get fit, eat right and prevent illness and disease. As a society, we admire strong, healthy bodies and smart choices. I’d say that being a role model is the essence of cool and will give you the power to lead others to happy, wholesome lives free of substance abuse.
4. Let Your True Personality Shine
There’s no formula for cool besides being truly authentic and true to yourself. Alcohol may offer a temporary guise of confidence and free spirit, but it’s only a toxic bandage. It is cool to build the courage to confront our demons and embark on a journey of self-awareness. It is cool to keep a journal, talk openly with a therapist and confront life wide open. This will take time and effort; setbacks will happen and pain is inevitable, but it’s cool to try your best.
5. Reach Your Goals
We are all in teary awe of those who tenaciously pursue their dreams. We envy published authors, marvel at brilliant designers and congratulate those who drop pounds. We marinate in their glorious speeches, hoping that someday our “big break” will come so we can revel in our own dreams. Alcohol dependence shatters these dreams, but sobriety can become that golden opportunity. Whether you want to climb Mt. Everest, run your own company, or rebuild your broken family, you will be in complete control your time, energy and commitments. Sobriety is a process of rebirth; through it, you’ll discover that it’s never too late to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
6. Cultivate a Career
Some alcoholics cling to soul-crushing jobs in order to fund their addiction. Some have fulfilling careers but find that alcohol dependency robs them of truly enjoying the success. Some struggle with securing employment at all. Whatever the scenario, sobriety will open up doors and fuel positive habits. You’ll be able to strive towards a gratifying career and break new ground. Success and satisfaction are always cool.
7. Enjoy a Social Life
Drinking to ease social anxiety is a very slippery slope that leads to countless crash and burns. Your safety and dignity are at stake. In recovery, you’ll discover new coping mechanisms and build confidence. This will lead to more lasting, enjoyable relationships. It is quite cool to be the cultured, conscious individual who can carry on a great conversation.
8. Care About Your Personal Appearance
Alcohol abuse isn’t pretty; dull skin, thin hair and oral health problems are just a few unsightly symptoms. Without alcohol, your body can begin to heal and rekindle a healthy glow. You’ll have more energy to exercise and whip up delicious, healthy meals. Confidence is the best accessory and taking care of yourself is cool and inspiring.
9. Be Responsible
We look up to caretakers, parents, nurses, doctors, firemen, policemen and many people in positions of responsibility. By giving up alcohol and dedicating yourself to recovery, you can find newfound respect in yourself. You’ll remember dates, meetings and promises, thrive at work and maintain a more stable, happy home environment. You’ll have the clear, sound mind that you need to be the best possible you.
Although being “cool” seems like a light-hearted objective, it means so much more than simply fitting in with the posh crowd. It means feeling happy and secure in your own skin. It means waking up proud of yourself and going to bed with a clear conscience. It means you’re willing to take on the world without that backstabbing “friend” known as alcohol.
