I post a lot about sobriety, and I often get a lot of push back on it. I understand that this line of thinking goes against the grain because drinking and drugs have become such a crutch for our society. We become stressed out about our jobs, our relationships, and our current life situation, that it leads most people to say, “I need a drink”. (don’t lie…you’ve probably said that before too) These people don’t want to feel bad anymore, so they consume substances that cloud the pain in their mind.

 

What they are really doing is giving away their time, energy, and focus.

 

Think about what you need in order to do something great. You need the time to do it, the energy to see it through, and the focus to make sure every detail is going to plan.

 

Time spent feeling buzzed or wasted is time lost in your life. Accept that. If you’re sitting on your couch wasted, what are you accomplishing? That’s not a rhetorical question. I want you to answer that one in your mind.

And as you sit there feeling wasted, what are you really focusing on? When you’re high or drunk, the fact is that you’re not focused on anything productive. And the fact that you cannot focus means you don’t have the energy to do sh*t. I’m not talking about that drunk energy that makes you do stupid things, I’m talking about the energy you need to improve your life.

 

The studies are all right there for you to see. Alcohol damages the brain and negatively affects your cognitive functions like attention, memory, and your executive control – all of which you need to be effective and productive.

 

Even with all of that, my messages sometimes fall on defiant ears. A lot of people tell me that removing alcohol and drugs from one’s life does not make their problems go away.

 

No sh*t.

 

I think we can all acknowledge (and I’ve said this in multiple posts and newsletters) that life is f*cking difficult. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or how you make a living. Problems exist for all of us, they are just different for each person.

But I’ll tell you what it does do- it gives you the strength and clarity to overcome challenges and fix problems faster than you ever thought possible.

 

But not everyone is ready for that. A lot of people need the easy way out, so they stay miserable, and just mask their pain until it resurfaces the next day. Not surprisingly, nothing ever gets solved.

 

If this sounds like you, then you have a choice to make.

 

Do you want to go after your goals with a clean mind and body, or do you want to stay in your place and mask your pain and regrets with drugs and alcohol?

 

If you’re reading this, then I know you’re someone who is striving for more. Whatever that means for your life, I know you want it because you’re out there listening and learning every day, just like I am.

 

Some of you may think you’re tough or smart enough to balance drinking or smoking weed and leading a successful life. Listen, you might be smart and tough, but you’re missing the point. Alcohol removes any balance in your life because it sucks that precious time and energy you need to be more and do more.

 

Stop for a minute and really think about it.

 

You know what I’m saying is right.

 

I hope you took something away from this newsletter. If nothing else, I want you to remember that sobriety is not a magic cure, it’s a choice. A choice that comes with challenges, and a choice that comes with a long journey.

Why should you listen to me? Because I’m someone who’s been there. I’ve gone through these feelings and experiences and lived to talk about it. I also know a lot of people that didn’t make it, and while I truly miss those individuals, I also learned a lot from their experiences too.

 

And of the many lessons I’ve learned in life, I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you do have enough time. It also doesn’t matter what you’ve been through. You will learn that you have the energy and focus you need when you’ve found what really motivates you.

 

But it’s all for nothing if your goals have to share time with drinking or drugs.

 

Giving up drinking and/or recreational drugs is a problem for a lot of people. It used to be a problem for me. What I would like to know is why is it a problem for you?

 

What pain are you trying to numb? Has it just become such a routine part of your life that it’s now just a habit?

 

And if you say you just drink socially for fun, why do you need alcohol for fun? Isn’t spending time and laughing and joking with your friends enough fun? Are your friends or coworkers not that interesting without alcohol?