Breaking Up with Booze: The Art of Not Looking Back
Episode Overview
Romanticising alcohol is a normal part of sobriety. Play the tape forward to consider all consequences. Use reality TV to see real-life drinking consequences. Focus on romanticising your sober life instead. Accept initial thoughts but choose how to respond.
"You can miss something and still know that it was no longer serving you."
In this episode of the Happiest Sober Podcast, Madeline Forrest takes on the challenge of romanticising alcohol in sobriety. It's like breaking up with a toxic ex – you know it's for the best, but sometimes you still miss the good times. Madeline shares her own experiences from her early sobriety days, when she found herself longing for the anticipation of a drink rather than the drink itself.
It's a bit like missing the idea of a perfect holiday without remembering the sunburn and mosquito bites. She highlights how our brains can trick us into seeing past drinking days through rose-coloured glasses, conveniently forgetting the hangovers and shame spirals. Madeline emphasises that it's normal to have moments of longing for alcohol, especially when triggered by social situations or even TV shows.
However, she encourages listeners to play the tape forward – think about the entire picture, not just the fleeting moments of enjoyment. By acknowledging that these thoughts are natural and practising letting them pass, you'll find that they become less frequent and less intense over time. With a sprinkle of humour, Madeline suggests binge-watching reality TV as a way to see the real consequences of excessive drinking without experiencing them yourself.
She also encourages romanticising your sober life instead, focusing on waking up fresh and enjoying peaceful mornings without regret. This episode offers practical advice for anyone struggling with romanticising alcohol, reminding you that it's okay to miss what was once a big part of your life, but it's important to stay grounded in the reality of why you chose sobriety.
Tune in for a dose of encouragement and relatable anecdotes that might just help you find peace in your sober journey.