When we stop drinking, we often think we must change ourselves. Especially if drinking has become so integral in our lives that we believe it to be part of our identity.
Some of us will try and seek out this new and improved self; others will actively resist it.
But the truth is that none of us needs to take such drastic action. By changing our relationship with alcohol, we can become reacquainted with our true selves and reminded of the qualities we like. In other words, by changing our drinking, we simply let go of the things that stand in the way of us being us.
It may sound daunting if you’ve only recently started on your journey. After all, if you’ve been drinking more than you want for longer than you want, you may not like yourself very much. But as you celebrate the wins and learn from the mishaps, the distance between you and your drinking grows, and the more comfortable you become with yourself.
Remember, you are not your thoughts in the same way as you are not your drinking. Facing up with truthfulness, courage, and self-compassion will help you accept yourself.