Plan Ahead to Enjoy Sober
Celebrations
Whether it’s a get-together with friends or an
upcoming “drinking” holiday like Halloween, New Year’s Eve, Cinco de Mayo, or
St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve gotten used to equating celebrating with alcohol. For
those who can approach drinking with moderation, this may not be a problem. But for
those who have embraced a sober lifestyle, it can be a drag to be constantly
reminded that you aren’t consuming, while it seems like everyone else is. With
some conscious insight and a little preparation, you can go into these
get-togethers prepared. And on days when the whole world is drinking, you can
even make some money.
Planning
for the Night: Saying “No”
You’ve certainly heard the phrase “a good
defense is the best offense.” Use this philosophy to prepare yourself for any
difficult situations you may encounter. Your friends should know your position
by now, but there will likely always be that one pestering friend who keeps nagging you to have “just one.” You
don’t necessarily have to cut people like that out of your life, but it is a
good idea to be straight with them.
On the bright side, your friends will often
appreciate having a designated driver. As long as you’re comfortable hanging
out with them while they drink, and as long as you’re okay with that role, it can be mutually
beneficial. They’ll be glad to have you to fall back on as you’re there to
prevent them from making bad decisions.
Over time, however, it will definitely be nice
to have a sober friend or two, or even a group of sober friends, so that
there’s not always that temptation and that divide. When New Year’s rolls
around and you stay up together, but also support each other, that can be
really special.
What
to Do About Those “Drinking” Holidays
●
Embrace the true spirit of the holiday -
What’s more important about Halloween -- taking your kids trick-or-treating or
drinking? That’s easy. Can you wear green and listen to Irish music on St.
Patrick’s Day without getting hammered? Of course. Can you celebrate a birthday
without drinking? These kinds of celebrations can make you remember the good
times that can be had, which is an important part of maintaining balance
between different aspects of your life and staying focused on your priorities. But it’s also an opportunity to
renew your commitment to your sober lifestyle and make new memories. Because,
let’s face it, something about you and drinking didn’t get along, and that’s
what got you here. It’s worth it to not be that person anymore.
●
Make Money as a Designated Driver - You’ve
been the designated driver for your friends. Why not take it on the road as a
side gig? If you want to avoid the parties but also want to help out, rideshare
companies are busiest during the times when the most people
are out drinking, and that’s when they charge surge prices, and the drivers
take a cut. At New Year’s everyone wants a ride home shortly after midnight and
the drivers can make one hundred dollars or more in the first hour of the year.
●
Celebrate at Home - You’ve probably been sober
long enough to figure this one out. All the things people put up with to go out
- dressing up, finding parking, waiting in a line just to stand around in a
crowded bar - it’s not really worth it. But you can do something
special at home. A special dinner is always a great way to
celebrate.
●
Volunteer for Fun - Your community probably
has plenty of events and activities going on that need responsible people like
you with which to help. Signing up to volunteer gives you a fun, safe activity
to do while giving back to your friends and neighbors. Find a volunteering event near you here.
Staying sober is a daily commitment,
especially around the holidays. Celebrations can make it more difficult. But
when it’s over and you’ve been true to who you want to be and maybe even helped
someone else out, it will feel like an accomplishment.
By Mary Shannon
Mi Corazon
Espinado (My Thorned
Heart) is here to help people struggling with addiction -- whether it be to
drugs, alcohol, pornography, or anything else by sharing inspiring testimonials
of grief, struggle, and success.
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