Today’s the day! I’ve been sober for ONE WHOLE YEAR. Alcohol-free for 365 days.

I rarely say this, but I am SO DAMN PROUD of myself. I’m proud that I made a choice to live a different way one year ago today. I’m proud that I stuck to it. I’m proud that I haven’t looked back.

When I first shared my Spontaneously Sober post last June, I received so many messages of support. However, I also received some push back.

Wait. I didn’t know you’re an alcoholic.

Are you an alcoholic? If you’re not, you shouldn’t imply that quitting alcohol is easy.

I’ve never called myself an alcoholic.

For the record, I don’t think I am an alcoholic, but I also don’t think it’s a necessary or helpful label.

You don’t have to be an alcoholic to STOP drinking alcohol.

Over the past year, I have experienced first hand how much better life is WITHOUT alcohol.

I have learned that I don’t need alcohol to have fun. I don’t need alcohol to feel free and unrestrained.

And in fact, over the past year I have learned that alcohol actually GETS IN THE WAY of those feelings.

All this time, alcohol was tricking me into thinking that I needed it.

The only way I learned this invaluable lesson was when I gave myself a chance to live without alcohol. I had to take it out of the equation to see what life could be.

I’m so excited to see what else I learn on my sober journey. I’m open to it all.

My hope is that anyone reading this will think…

“What can MY life be without alcohol?”

Try it.

You just might be surprised.

Note : I belong the The Luckiest Club, which is an online sobriety community. If you’re looking for support, I highly recommend it.