The sober experience of noticing my family more

For me, it was my children: I started to really see them. Not just in passing, ticking off the mum duties, seeing family life as a sometimes monotonous wheel, but noticing their characters, their moods, how to have fun and laugh with them, how to support them. And for that, I am truly grateful.

What surprised me was that I already thought I was a pretty present mum. 

But what I hadn’t realized was how much clearer, calmer, and more emotionally available I could be without alcohol clouding the edges.

And that’s the part no one tells you.

When we paint taking a break from alcohol as a joyless, miserable sacrifice, it’s no wonder it’s met with dread and resistance. 

Who wants to feel like they’re missing out ?

But here’s what I’ve come to understand: the real story isn’t about missing out—it’s about waking up to what you’ve been missing.

I talk a lot about the unexpected magic—the big secret you can only uncover once you take that first step. And the reason it’s a secret is because it’s different for everyone. For some, it’s energy. For others, it’s better sleep, real confidence, or finally feeling emotionally steady. For me, it was deeper presence with the people who matter most. 

Most of us haven’t done adulthood without alcohol 

It’s been part of the landscape: the end-of-day treat, the weekend ritual, the social catalyst. And somewhere along the way, it might have started taking up more space, very slowly alcohol might start being in control of your calendar, of the moods, of the direction your life is taking.

Fear holds people back - the fear of change, of being different, of losing connection or joy.  And society doesn't help, pushing the idea that alcohol is essential to fun and relaxation.

So let’s change the message

Let’s stop focusing on what you’re giving up, and start talking about what you might gain. Let’s replace any guilt and dread with curiosity and potential energy.

Because taking a break from alcohol isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it's about meeting a new version of yourself that you might actually get along with.