by Nicole Serafin, Age 40. Tintenbar, NSW
Most celebrations usually have you partake in the drinking of alcohol and eating way too much food that the body struggles to digest – and often in my past experience, there are drugs involved to boot.
As a society we have become so accustomed to and accepting of this way of life that it is generally considered to be out of the ordinary to not have alcohol involved.
Why is it that we are unable to enjoy ourselves without some kind of substance that alters us?
In my experience, if you didn’t drink it was only because you were the designated driver, not because you chose not to drink.
Oh yes, and of course if you were pregnant!
My body slowly began to tell me that drinking was not for me. Of course, I continued to try, jumping from red to white wine, brown to white spirits, all in the hope that I would find something that I would be able to drink.
Even with allergic reactions I persisted, and those around me would make suggestions so I would still be able to join them in a drink (or three)!
Eventually it did not matter what I drank; 1 glass of red made me feel like I had drunk 2 bottles, as did every other form of alcohol.
So, finally I began to accept that drinking was just not for me.
It was not however, before deciding that maybe marijuana would be the next best option – so just exchanging one drug for another.
It seemed to do the job; I only ever smoked enough without actually getting stoned, as I did not like the feeling of it. I still liked having control over my body, hence why other drugs did not appeal to me in the way that marijuana did.
How crazy! I drank, but never liked to get drunk… and I smoked pot, but did not like to get stoned!
So the alcohol dwindled off and eventually so too did the smoking of pot, until I no longer used either of them.
I often have people ask me what it is I do if I don’t drink. They are surprised, yet at the same time intrigued by the fact that I no longer drink. What is most surprising to them is that this is a choice I make!
I understood as I used to feel the same way: what would I do if I was not drinking or smoking?… it was such a big part of my life.
But I could not believe how much better I began to feel. I no longer woke up in the mornings feeling tired, hung-over, hazy or foggy.
My life is now completely alcohol and drug free. Many of my friends and family still choose to drink and smoke but there is no issue for me with that. I accept them for the choices they make, and they now accept me for mine.
I find I now enjoy the time I spend with others, calling on my own self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol, as I once did.
I realise I am now willing to feel more of what I am feeling without reaching for a glass of red wine or a joint to numb it out.
I realise I did not want to be left out – as drinking and smoking in my mind helped me fit in.
I was lucky enough recently to attend an end of year Universal Medicine celebration – where there was not an ounce of alcohol or drugs in sight.
There was however, a plethora of talented individuals who had put time and dedication to a performance that was second to none – simply awesome! Along with this there was dancing, great food, wonderful people and great conversation.
It was a confirmation of all I have come to know myself – that yes, it is possible to have a great time with others without having a drink or taking drugs.
It was fantastic to be together with such a wonder-full group of people and enjoy their company as well as my own. And all that without the influence of alcohol or drugs!
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
“What would I do if I was not drinking or smoking?… it was such a big part of my life”. This is a problem that anyone faces who has built their social life around a drug such as alcohol. Giving up drinking or smoking means so much more than just that. It is no longer feeling part of the crowd, perhaps not being invited to events, realising you have little in common with some of ‘the crowd’ or becoming aware of how unenjoyable some nights out actually are when you are not affected by drugs.
The usual image of a celebration is that we celebrate harming ourselves together and laugh about it. Well, that is only one option. We can choose differently if we feel that harming has ceased to be our favorite way.
Drinking and drugs are such a huge part of our upbringing that it is seen as unusual or abnormal not to drink, smoke or do pot. For years I tried to get my body to accept these things, but it just kept saying no and now that I have stopped trying to push them into my body, I am glad that it was so strong and held its ground.
There is such a culture around having some kind of substance as a celebration or to relax or to de-stress. Blogs like this and sharings of seeing through the illusion of needing something to alter us, are so important and powerful to share.
Spot on Brendan, and for many women it’s almost like a relief that they can say there is a ‘legitimate’ reason why they’re not drinking and get people off their back. I can remember saying that I was breastfeeding and wouldn’t drink alcohol but there would still be some who would make comments like it won’t hurt the baby or it would be good for the baby because they will sleep better! There is nothing much though that men can say they are not drinking for that is okay for others not to badger them to drink. I see this when my husband says no to alcohol, it’s almost like whom ever is offering doesn’t even hear him.
I would do things to get accepted too but in the process, or even before, I usually realise it is not for me but I still go for it. I am very aware I am not owned by what I do, but neither do I reject it. I do not drink, but I may go in and out of places where people do, or work in industries where drugs and alcohol are common.
The truth is when we are not connected to our essence alcohol and drugs are very appealing, as they take us even further away from how we feel inside, because not living connected to our essence doesn’t feel great at all. However when we are connected to ourselves, it’s who we are we celebrate at parties, and taking loving care of our essence with what we eat or drink is a natural part of that. It’s even more amazing when we get to celebrate in a group where everyone is connected to their essence together.
Celebrations are so so lovely without alcohol, smoking or drugs. I can really feel the difference in myself and the people around me and it feels pretty darn good ✨
2018 and its the same where it is thought to be out of the ordinary not to drink alcohol – that’s been my experience. There is some that just drink because of the pressure but I’m sure they probably would not if were supported to freely choose. Alcohol is evil. There is nothing you can do to stop the energetic change once a certain amount (and not much) of alcohol is in the system. This is energetic science, and why I do not put that poison into my body.
I have not smoked or drank for years now, and have had no problems filling that time spent in more productive activities. This past Christmas, our work party was in a hall and I volunteered to be the bartender. It was an interesting position to observe others and their actions at a free bar. There was no judgment just loving service.
The more we honour our body and what we find works best for us, the more we offer a reflection to others to be more true to who they are as well, and to not dismiss what they feel in their body. I love how you describe discovering and acting on what felt true for you, without any need for others to do the same and at the same time with an openness about your way of living, not thinking you need to hide it in case someone else thinks it odd.
The fact that alcohol has become such a predominant feature in our ‘celebrations’ in society says a lot about the true quality of life we are living as a community. Are we living in a way that is much lesser to our natural way and therefore need a chemical to stimulate us to feel happy? What if we brought back our true values in life which allow for true contentment and settlement within ourselves, perhaps then we would not seek stimulants or depressants like alcohol as a form of ‘happiness’.
It is so strange that we have normalised a celebration to be one where we glorify disconnection, getting ‘out of it’, or needing to over-stimulate ourselves with alcohol, drugs and food. But maybe the way we celebrate is indicative of the quality of lives we are living? Are we living in connection to who we are, to a life of love, or are we not and as such our need to seek to attain a momentary thrill is what we pursue? What I love about Universal Medicine celebrations is that it is a confirmation of a way of living that is founded on love, connection and truth and the richness that this brings to life. Coming together to proclaim this way of living, is a sacred ceremony itself and the joy of being open to express, connect and celebrate this way leaves alcohol, drugs and other stimulants for dead, and would in fact grossly diminish the magic we naturally share.
I love my life without alcohol and I do not miss being around others who drink either. There was always something in me that felt drinking too much was not harmonious and when I started to listen to that something, the allure of drinking started to wane. Not only this, but other less than harmonious habits have been exposed too. As a consequence I feel much lighter, more vital and even joy-full in general. We might perhaps look at what is fueling the social pressure to confirm to such a habit and whether it is a lack of love for ourselves we are trying not to feel.
This is an amazing point to make, about no longer seeking substances to help you to numb-out to what you are feeling, but letting yourself feel whatever is coming up to be felt instead. I love this because of how this can be a daily practise, something which is a constant in one’s life – to always seek to be aware. And this is beautiful because it takes away the need for something or someone to do it for us, as we all have the ability to feel and to be aware.
I didn’t numb my feelings today and I felt it was unfamiliar and when I started to make justifications to not feel I became more anxious so I just allowed myself some space. I felt what it was. The natural power of myself is unfamiliar to express and sometimes I water it down to protect myself and not wanting to feel this makes me anxious.
Yes choosing not to drink alcohol and being forced not to via illness and disease are two different things…
What I am noticing is not only are we unable to enjoy ourselves without the need for alcohol but the amount of alcohol consumed is increasing! It has stepped up! Interesting? It’s as though we have to increase our intake of alcohol to numb ourselves because what we were drinking before is not enough.
“Why is it that we are unable to enjoy ourselves without some kind of substance that alters us”? This is a great question, one I unfortunately took about 30 years to consider! I suspect most of us are struggling socially, even those who appear to be happy and outgoing. We knew from when we were little kids that our true selves were not acceptable, so we sadly use alcohol/food/drugs in an attempt to change ourselves and fit the mould.
With the Christmas season soon upon us there is no doubt that there will be excessive “drinking of alcohol and eating way too much food that the body struggles to digest”. And with it being summer here there will be those who are getting their bodies ready for the beach; toning up and trimming down. They will probably eat and drink way too much for their precious bodies, put on weight and then make a New Year’s resolution to lose the unwanted kilos. And next year repeat the same cycle. I wonder if anywhere through this body disregarding process whether anyone will stop and ask themselves what they are doing to their body – maybe not but it is always all about choice.
Celebrations like the one you’ve just described can seem daggy and uncool…when your world is more about the glamour and intoxicated fun one can have of a night out. But, despite the perceived daggyness, I can say from experience just how lovely it is to have a night out where everybody is sober and just being themselves. No egotistical rubbish, no showing off, no trying to be sexy (which when drunk is probably more embarrassing than anything)! It’s awesome to be with people that allow you to just be, and it’s awesome to enjoy that company, go home at a reasonable hour and wake up ready to face the day. There are only positives in this scenario!!
Celebrations are always a time of togetherness and joy and yet as a society we deem a good celebration as a night to push our bodies to the limit. If we were to truly celebrate people and the coming together of friends and family at gatherings would it not be beautiful to be able to also support and cherish the bodies that got them to the party too? Celebrating who we are by way of supporting the vehicles we express from not only offers us much to enjoy and connect with on a daily basis but also brings a new take on what it truly means to come together in celebration of who we are.
Celebrations are either alcohol or sugar fuelled (which is no difference to alcohol). A false pretence of being around people who are trying to be something they are not – WHY?
The silly season is upon us soon and the cycle of dieting, getting fit and undoing it by indulging re-begins – WHY?
Whats the point of it all? Be far away as possible from who we truely are – crazy.
Iv’e not done the hard drugs but definitely the alcohol and the smoking. Its seems the norm to drink. I know of a work colleague to take their son on his 18th birthday for his first beer!…which I was surprised by.
So if you don’t drink, smoke or take drugs then it is considered abnormal. But I am the converted not because someone told me but my body had had enough. Goodness knows what I put my liver through and I’m sure my brain is thankful of being free from the regular hangovers.
I too have experienced Universal Medicine celebrations and to have such fun without alcohol or drugs was just glorious. Going home sober, waking up sober and remembering the night before was just lovely to experience – no regrets. True joyful celebrations can have lasting fun.
I find it interesting that even when the body gives clear signs of not wanting something that we try to find a way to sneak around it. if alcohol doesn’t agree with us we may try different kinds of alcohol until we find one that does. If dairy doesn’t agree with us you can even get lactose tolerance tablets that help you digest the lactose. We really do think we are smarter than the body which just goes to show how smart the intelligence we currently use is.
‘I realise I did not want to be left out – as drinking and smoking in my mind helped me fit in.’ This made me question what fitting in really means, that we think we will be accepted by others for doing what we believe makes us socially acceptable by our friends, when in truth our true friends will accept us for who we truly are without the need to join them in drink or drugs.
I love the simplicity and joy that can be there when we are with others without needing to have a drug of some kind to ‘celebrate’ with – no big highs and then the inevitable drop afterwards and the potential for more genuinely interesting and intimate conversations and connections…
So why was alcohol created and became such a dominant factor in society? By cutting out alcohol we are reconnecting to who we truly are.
Its interesting how we moderate our behaviour trying to see what we can still get away with – perhaps its the spirits, or the red wine, but my beer in the evening or spritzer will still be ok? We cling on to behaviours (and you could write a thesis about the foods we cling onto), despite what our body is telling us – crazy really.
I felt the same way when I was younger as well Nicole, I wanted to fit in and be part of the crowd so I abused my body with alcohol and drugs – how crazy is that? Now my life is drug and alcohol free and has been for many years and I may not fit in with what’s considered ‘normal’ but I am experiencing more joy, vitality and greater health than ever – that’s my new ‘normal’ and I am loving every minute of it.
If anyone had told me 17 years ago that I would enjoy celebrations so much more if I didn’t drink I know that I would have laughed and then dismissed the possibility as a fantasy; no way was that ever going to happen. Fast forward to today and the fantasy is a reality and a very real and enjoyable one at that; no hangover, no runny nose and the next day I can remember everything that happened, now that is something to celebrate.
the spirit is a tricky one and I have experienced this many times for example when wanting to eliminate a certain food from my diet that I do not feel supports me a different one or old one comes back in. Alcohol however is one that has stayed out permanently for over 10 years and my body feels very good about this.
It is interesting that by and large, celebration is never of you and your body (that is you in your entirety) but of you against your body. How can we say that anything that damages us is a celebration of us?
We seem to feel that we are not enough and can’t enjoy ourselves unless we have alcohol or drugs in our lives, when we come to understand and feel that we are enough, just as we are, there is no need for anything else to make us feel we are enough.
I was the same as you Nicole, once upon a time every night out involved some kind of substance, its been a very long time for me since I took any type of drugs or alcohol but lately I have been around it more than usual and for a flitting moment I felt “left out” on some level and wondered what it would like if I “joined in” again. Then I remembered that I have me and when I drank, I gave that up, to fit in and no amount of “fitting in” is ever worth giving up who you are, I will never do that again. I am so glad I have Unimed so that I can experience parties that are super fun and family oriented, without any substance abuse, it truly is a blessing.
It is a very peculiar behaviour that we choose to poison our body when we celebrate, and under the influence of mind altering substances, we are not even there to embrace and/or remember that moment of joy.
There were times in my life growing up where I would wonder ‘is this really it?’ Like, is my life just about what is going to happen at the weekend, or when can I drink. This would be a fleeting thought and then I would just carry on. Never did I think that I would stop drinking alcohol … I should say be able to stop drinking alcohol even though I wanted to because I just felt weak willed. I have not drunk or smoked in over 11 years … AMAZING. Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine have been a huge part of this, especially with the bodywork healing courses helping me to discard all that is not me and not loving for me. Now my body feels so lovely and I go to loads of celebrations, in fact most of the celebrations I go to do not involve alcohol and they are the best times I have ever had. I am totally with you on this one.
It’s very relaxing to attend a celebration with no need to try, be anxious, the need to get wasted to fit in etc. I remember so many times especially in occasions of drug taking with always at least alcohol I had to force myself to get wasted to be a part of it. This never honoured me or felt good. I love feeling and knowing just how far this is away from who I am. I now understand me by my feelings and not the emotional reactions of others.
“I realise I did not want to be left out – as drinking and smoking in my mind helped me fit in.” I totally relate to this Nicole, as I used to call myself a social smoker and drinker and would do this in order to feel accepted by others and that I belonged, never stopping to even consider the harm I was causing my body even with a glass of alcohol that felt like a bottle with the sensitivity in my body. Thank goodness I learnt to listen to my body and stopped the abuse and instead committed to loving my body as much as possible, this has allowed me to feel my body and truly appreciate and celebrate it every single day.
There is simply no comparison when I reflect on the mere thought of what I used to do to myself at parties – the amount of alcohol I could ‘put away’, the pack of cigarettes… And then, how it is today – whether at a Universal Medicine (UM) event or any other celebration, knowing to the bone how Great it feels to be free of such abusive substances and have not one iota of desire to dampen the immense Joy I feel inside.
That this can today be shared en masse with large groups of people at UM celebrations – no alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs… and that I/we enjoy the best time ever, is case in point that the way of celebration many of us grew up with, is simply no celebration at all.
That’s true, not only are you harming your body but you are paying to harm yourself!!
I find it fascinating that “celebration” has come to mean essentially harming and poisoning yourself. I may be completely wrong but I’m sure that is not what celebration means or what it was intended to be.
It is interesting how socially unaccepted it is to not drink, though more and more there are people choosing to make this choice and feel the benefits of it.
I used to drink alcohol but I too never liked to get drunk. The thought of not knowing what I was doing made me feel very uncomfortable and I too liked being in control over my body even though I was made fun of behind my back. There were moments when I thought something was wrong with me but as I got a little older I found friends who were similar to me and it made going out so much easier. I have no regrets in refusing to get stoned to simply fit in and giving it up was a natural process which began before Universal Medicine became a part of my life.
Pretty cool and something I greatly appreciate myself for also. No longer feeling the need to drink at social gatherings has freed me up from trying to fit in, from trying to be someone I’m not. Whilst it sometimes makes others very uncomfortable when they realise I don’t drink, I never allow that to affect me because I know that it is one of the most supportive choices I have made for both me and everyone around me.
A great celebration is that which we can truly appreciate and nurture our bodies for the vehicle’s of expression they are and to remember that every choice has a part to play in the forever deepening relationship we hold with our bodies and the choice to say yes to responsibility or no to delay.
When we are born you would never ever even contemplate putting a cigarette into the mouth of the new born yet when we grow up we think that it’s ok doing this to an adult body. We are still as delicate as adults as we were when we were children.
I was at a celebration recently where everyone toasted the Birthday person with a glass of bubbly, I was in the kitchen helping to sort out a non-alcoholic equivalent and I surprised myself because I could smell the alcohol, it permeated the room and smelt disgusting quite off-putting, and yet there was a time when a glass of bubbly was my favorite drink. I could then appreciate just how far I and my body had come because 10 years ago I would have overridden and totally ignored any objections my body would have had and drunk it anyway. Now I have learnt to listen to my body because it actually does know what bests supports it and me to lead a healthy life.
I have been on many nights out intoxicated and with people who are intoxicated, the events of evenings recalled tend to be more unfortunate things that happen; being sick, falling over, passing out, the people we meet and what we do with them; at times it was potentially dangerous because of our intoxicated state. Now whenever I go out with people I remember conversations, being with people that I love, getting to know people that much more, enjoying myself naturally so, enjoying who I am, enjoying others, celebrating me and celebrating others. I know which one I prefer. Universal Medicine has re-defined Celebration or rather re-turned celebration to what it truly means.
If we focused more on building our confidence to support us as you say Nicole we would call on our ‘self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol’ in those situations.
Just getting back from a dinner on a friday night and appreciating that alcohol is just not something I need or want when out with others and socialising. Also appreciating that my daughter is not seeing that as a normal thing to do, rather it is normal to be vital and engaged without the aid of props like coffee or alcohol. On the journey home we happened to talk about a time many years ago now where we were out for a night and quite out of it and although the even we remembered was funny, it also struck me that I used to waste so much of my time just drinking and talking. Not that talking is a waste of time, but talking when wasted is! I am so pleased I don’t drink it is up there with one of the best decisions of my life.
It is interesting to see the way that as a society we have associated abusive substances to the body, such as alcohol, to be part of celebrations when it is proven that it is a poison to our body. So we end up having many people who drink because they feel it is what is expected of them and never stopping to feel and honor their sensitivity in their bodies compromising the nature of who they are in order to fit in and not make others feel uncomfortable for their own choices, crazy!
‘Why is it that we are unable to enjoy ourselves without some kind of substance that alters us?’ That’s a great question Nicole that individually and collectively we should all answer.
It is really special I now realise to know of celebrations without alcohol that are so so good, as this is not the reality for many people and neither did I think that would be fun when I was growing up as a teenager. As that was the picture of growing up I had, drinking alcohol always had a part in a party! I love the celebrations that are about connection, coming together and sharing a meal and a dance, they are simple, joyful and I feel great the next day.
It is the confidence that is in our body, of knowing that what is truly supportive.
It is wonderfull how when we make the choices and stand behind it in full there is no doubt in our minds, and come to see that there is lots of fun to be had without drugs in any form.
There can be so much expectation on what celebrating actually is. Many a time I have had to have the alcohol and drugs ready in preparation for a big night. But these big nights took days to recover, literally. But this is seen as what happens and part of the course of celebrating. Like Christmas and too much food – seen as part of the course. I love how what celebration is is turning around for me, for it’s not about a big night. It’s can be about being with people I love and care for, without the need to be intoxicated. It can be placing my body in bed after working hard all day and bringing myself to rest. It can be putting on my make up in the morning in a way where I am celebrating the beauty that I am feeling.
I went to a friend’s birthday party last weekend. It was a lunchtime do which suited me just fine because I like to get to bed early these days. There was no alcohol and neither was there any cakes or sweets, but the food was delicious. I had the most enjoyable time. It was lovely to go home sober and able to function plus not feel overstuffed with heavy food. Not everyone’s normal, but its definitely my new normal.
We are so accustomed to drinking and smoking being our norm that we come across as being strange if we do not drink (generally if you do not smoke people understand this), and it can take some time for it to sink in, but this just goes to show how far as a humanity we have indulged in alcohol for it to become so everyday and almost expected.
It is beautiful to go to a party its free of drug, alcohol and smoking. You get to have real conversations and connect with people. The space and energy is so different and more openly welcoming.
That is a party worth attending! The idea of waking up feeling vital and refreshed was once a fairy tale I couldn’t imagine it. Then it dawns on you how much you miss out on in life when you waste time and space with numbing and distracting and the alcohol and overeating drop away. I have found my most productive time is the morning. It feels spacious and still and I wouldn’t give that up for all the tea in China!
“…yes, it is possible to have a great time with others without having a drink or taking drugs.”
Great point Nicole Serafin and I would add it is very possible! In fact realising how much of a great time I can have with myself and others I ask myself how could I ever numb that out and dull that down with a substance, food or drink? The only answer to this is that I did not know how much fun it is to be sober and free from the heaviness of food and drink that don’t agree with me.
The most fun, joy and laughter I’ve had has been at Universal Medicine end of year celebrations… with not an ounce of substances to alter how your feeling. Nicole I also drank just to fit in and to take the edge off my lack of confidence, but I never liked getting drunk and would feel the affects after one sip. Isn’t it interesting how we push ourselves to grin and bear it when it comes to digesting a known poison into our body yet most of us would say no, if someone else was trying to make us do something we didn’t want to. I must say I don’t miss it one bit.
The first time I went to a party with no alcohol it felt weird… and yet I had a great time, the celebrations were great to watch and the dancing was as vigorous and uninhibited as ever. And then I realised that it reminded me of partying when I was a kid. The innocent games, the social interaction but without this need to cover up or bring any false bravado.
I have also attended a few of the celebrations hosted by Universal Medicine, and they are always so much fun… good music, lots of dancing and delicious food and no alcohol to be seen, which highlights that we can come together to share and truly connect and enjoy each other and that this is a truer way to be.
I had a very eye opening experience when I decided to go to a house rave (rave with house music). I decided to not take any drugs or alcohol that night, and was gobsmacked by the state of the people around me. Everybody looked like a zombie, completely disconnected to what was around them: people were walking around bumping into each other and not even acknowledging it, others were jumping continuously for hours also not acknowledging the strain on their body… following that I have never taken drugs again and thank God for that!
Frightening to watch Viktoria, especially when you can see clearly that something else is running the show.
When I stopped drinking alcohol many years ago now, it was challenging for those around me as I had always been the so-called ‘life and soul of the party’ and the last one standing, so when I chose to stop, many people saw it as a judgement on their own choice to drink. This couldn’t have been further from the truth, as at the time I was simply focusing on getting to know myself without the alcohol – which was pretty uncomfortable going for quite a while. But what this exposes to me is that if we can feel judged by another’s choice to stop drinking alcohol for example, does this not simply reflect to us that we already know we are making a self-harming choice by, in this case, drinking alcohol, and it is this contradiction within ourselves we are confronted with when another reflects another way to be. The judgement is not coming at us from another but from within us.
I am changing dramatically in accepting those around me in their choice to drink alcohol. I have to say that I haven’t found it easy and I have not mastered it yet but when I do it is incredibly beautiful and loving. I see the beauty within which is forever present no matter how much alcohol they have drank.
I love living an alcohol free life because I love just being myself without the need to prop myself up with something that is in fact totally poisonous to the body.
“I find I now enjoy the time I spend with others, calling on my own self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol, as I once did.” It sure is lovely to not be drinking and feeling confident in myself when I spend time with others. I find I am more open and present with myself as I enjoy the company of others.
“I find I now enjoy the time I spend with others, calling on my own self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol, as I once did.” I find this very much as well, that it’s lovely to spend time and connect with people sober and that I’m truly more open without the alcohol. It’s like it was a false self-confidence that it gave me and I didn’t really open up but just appeared to be more outgoing.
I’ve recently had a baby and whilst I was pregnant I caught up with a few old friends. Even though they know I don’t drink anymore, there was much more acceptance because I was pregnant. It really highlighted to me how we associate celebrating or going out with alcohol and overdoing it. But what if we are able to redefine that word based on choices, seeing as choices is what got the word to its current meaning anyway. I now know and understand in my body that there is a different way to celebrate that does not involve overeating or drinking, and guess what – I get a great night’s sleep and feel fresh next morning out of it. Part of this has been to know in myself that I don’t need to drink to be ‘a more entertaining person’ and neither do the people around me. It is not about the drinking, but more about me accepting myself and others as enough by just being who we are.
I used to drink alcohol and can remember a time in my life where I was very irresponsible in doing so, as I had young children at the time. I knew this at the time, but disregarded my knowing so as not to feel left out. When I consider this now I have great understanding for why alcohol is choosen, but what is very evident is how I choose to be responsible in some parts of my life and not in others. Something to consider and continue to refine.
Alcohol is poison and our body know this. The choice to listen is to our bodies is our responsibility.
Universal medicine events are absolutely AMAZING!
Alcohol cannot take part in any true celebration of oneself.
A few years ago I would never have imagined I would not be drinking alcohol, and I can relate to that supposed confidence booster of a drink in company Nicole, but it wasn’t really confidence that drink gave me, it was a numbing agent to not feel what was there to be felt. If I lack confidence it is far better for me to work on my own value of self, to bring deep appreciation of me and my body than it is to drink alcohol to block out those feelings and keep me in that confined state of low self worth.
I so agree we drink even though we don’t like it, and our bodies certainly don’t cope with it, and yet we push on – how crazy is that? It seems as if everyone is looking for an answer to something they are missing, but are looking in all the wrong places, with a joint, a bottle of wine or something hallucinogenic. What if we found that bit that was missing was inside us all along, and all it takes is a few simple techniques to reconnect to it – to reconnect to that greater, grander dimension we live within but are mostly oblivious to. Choosing to live a life that unfolds and restores the true multi-dimensional quality to our living is out of sight more glorious than anything this world has to offer.
So beautifully expressed Annie and very true – ‘Choosing to live a life that unfolds and restores the true multi-dimensional quality to our living is out of sight more glorious than anything this world has to offer.’
‘I realise I did not want to be left out – as drinking and smoking in my mind helped me fit in.’ Yes Nicole, one of the most important reasons for me (and for lots of people I guess) to start with drinking, smoking but also drinking coffee, eating cheese and drinking milk as I really disliked all of them but did not wanted to stand out or being left out. Now I make my own choices based on what I feel is the effect of these products on my body.
Without consuming alcohol and smoking, the party is even greater because you meet people who are truly joyful, truly interested in each other and truly celebrating life in an honest and open way.
The other thing that occurs to me is that we forget how to celebrate without the use of intoxicants.. a bit like we forget how to enjoy a moment without some sort of reward. We forget how to simply enjoy how we feel inside, our connection to our inner most, that simply cannot be beaten if felt in full.
I have actually started to take it for granted how I now wake up without feeling hung-over, hazy or foggy from the excesses of the day before so your blog Nicole has been a great reminder of how in the past this was a pattern that I thought that was actually normal.
Thanks Nicole for writing this. There is widespread acceptance that drinking a lot is not good for us, but there is a lot of fudged information about having just one or two glasses of wine or beer. This for me is where there has been a lot of misinformation spread about alcohol. My own experience was that if I only drank one unit of alcohol it would still create a completely disrupted sleep pattern and I would still have a reaction in my body to the sugar and the poison of the alcoholic content. If one drink can alter our natural state of being, the homeostasis of the body then can it really be good for us to have that one drink? I would question research that says that it protects the heart, as when we look at the function of the body it doesn’t do us credit scientifically to laud a benefit if that supposed benefit is not considering the reaction of the whole body to the ingested substance. We are not made of parts, so if that benefit is truly there to the heart then what of the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys, are they also benefiting from the alcohol? I would question that strongly.
Thank you Nicole, for this gorgeous blog is a celebration of living life from our own choices to feel what works for our bodies by listening to its constant conversations. I love how the body talks and when we listen our awareness on what we put into our bodies is loud and clear.
It is great to be around others where not taking drugs or drinking is actually the norm rather than the exception… and feeling amazing is the baseline of the evening…. there was a time I too thought this was never possible and find myself deeply grateful that it is.
That question of what would I do if I did not drink or smoke, was one that I pondered on for for a while and was one of the reasons that it took me a while to quit them both. I was under the illusion that they were contributing something to my life, making me a better person. The truth was that they were sapping me of being me in the fullness that I always wanted to be.
I too love the Universal Medicine celebrations – playful, fun – no high emotions – just connecting with everyone and no alcohol or drugs needed to dull us or to escape reality. We shine….
I’ve attended many Universal Medicine celebrations, and have never experienced such true joy – and without a single drug, drop of alcohol, or cigarette in sight!
What I feel this blog is telling us is that we do not ever have to feel left out, and as such partake in any kind of activity that does not feel right for our bodies. That there are connections to be made with people that do not involve substance abuse, and that we can have loving fulfilling lives without the need for escape. This is beautiful and ground breaking.
I remember in my days of drinking alcohol when I became the designated driver (because I was pregnant). I was the only one who wasn’t drinking and although I was a bit resentful at the time at not being able to drink, I observed the silly & sometime ridiculous behaviour that alcohol induced. I also remember feeling terribly tired and just wanting to go home to bed- meanwhile the others wanted to keep partying on. I look back now and can see clearly how much alcohol changes our behaviour and how it gives us ‘seeming’ confidence and how much we naturally over-rise how we really feel, just to feel like we are fitting in – and all of this of course aside from considering the physical damage caused by ingesting poison (knowingly and willingly I might add).
“Why is it that we are unable to enjoy ourselves without some kind of substance that alters us?” I used to drink alcohol because it ‘took me out of myself’, so who was I when I wasn’t myself? Universal Medicine has helped me understand the physical and energetic effect of alcohol and I feel a freedom without alcohol to be who I am and this is certainly something to celebrate.
I recall having a boyfriend who felt he was healthy because he didn’t touch alcohol but would smoke marijuana several times a day. This was quite ‘normal’ to him and he never questioned it because he believed it was from a natural plant, from where I stood it was clear it was a mind altering substance that numbed him from truly feeling anything.
It certainly highlights how normal it is, even to the point of it being an expectation, for us to drink, get stoned, smashed, and/or trashed. The normalcy is such that now we don’t usually know what to do without it, is this not crazy?
I loved what you shared here Nicole about the simplicity of the choice made to not drink or take drugs. It had me reflect on the excuses I have made when saying I don’t eat or drink certain things. It’s like if there is an ‘intolerance’ or ‘allergy’ people accept it more, because the intolerance/allergy can be blamed, we have no say or input in the matter. It’s like we are celebrating irresponsibility when we celebrate as the current world trend and image of celebration has been set. Whereas celebrations with Universal Medicine have been about experiencing how amazing we already are and who we have chosen to be.
there is definitely no alcohol needed to have fun, I never drank alcohol, which I never regret it is awesome to have a truly Joyful celebration, as that’s not possible when we drink. As alcohol is taking us away from that.
Thank you Nicole, what great to hear that alcohol and drugs free celebrations are actually worth it. If we enjoy so much more of our self and each other when alcohol and drugs are not used, how would celebrations be when there are true relationships lived, and respect and love expressed? I mean this tells me when we are stripping away the substances that we use to numb ourselves, ‘so called to have fun’, how much more real would we feel and able to truly celebrate who someone is. Thank you for this reflection. This is only the beginning.
It is not a true confidence we give ourselves in the first place when we use drugs to enhance our confidence. We make our self dependent on a substance that we want to give us something we do not live on a daily basis. As you say Mariette with living more present and more loving we can build true confidence that no drug can give us.
Nothing outside of ourselves can enhance our confidence. It resides within us when we chose to be with ourselves, connecting to who we truly are and live from our hearts.
This was very much the same for me Nicole. I never chose to drink much alcohol because of the way it made me feel. Now I choose not to drink at all. At first the people around me thought it was a bit odd, but now because it is so normal for me not to drink no-one bats an eyelid. Now I choose to surround myself with other people who choose not to drink; it’s so normal for me I don’t even think about it. And I feel great.
The end of year Universal Medicine celebrations are the best parties I have ever attended, everyone is joyful having a great time just truly being together, and being themselves. I agree Nicole with the added bonus of a plethora of talented individuals and their performances being second to none – simply awesome. All of this without the need of props from alcohol and drugs to have a so called ‘good time’ which can leave you feeling hungover with the following day being written off as well.
We do live in a society where drinking is just the norm. In the past, I was definitely one of those people who could no comprehend ‘not’ drinking at a social engagement and I was never the designated driver. It is crazy to think back at myself in that context, because today is a very different story, but I can still understand that is how people feel about drinking as I did think like that too. Since not drinking now for a long time, I can feel how much I used to drink to mask what was really going on in my life. There was a lot going on that I did not want to acknowledge or feel. Not having alcohol in my life allowed me to stop and feel and bring a level of self responsibility that continues today.
Nothing more profound than deeply celebrating who we are – no substance can replace the inner known vitality and love we have to share with the world.
It’s crazy that we get to a point in life where we feel that there is something so innately wrong with us that we ply ourselves with alcohol, food, drugs, etc. to numb the feelings of inadequacy so that we can all pretend we’re alright and having a good time when clearly we’re not. I used to do the food and alcohol thing too but not since discovering Universal Medicine and receiving the support from esoteric practitioners to uncover and deal with my hurts.
“How crazy! I drank, but never liked to get drunk… and I smoked pot, but did not like to get stoned!” I can really relate to this one Nicole looking back I can see how I did things just to rebel and fit in, which now I can see how it just took me further from myself. It is a real shame that generation after generation we have not learnt. The only way we can stop this craziness is living true examples and showing our young that there is another way.
I totally get this Mariette – I used to convince myself that the more confident, louder me that was presented when drunk was what people actually wanted to see and be around – this completely false story started when I was a teenager and continued for the next 20 years. What is dreadful to feel is how the drinking and drug taking was founded on the lack of self worth I had for myself. The changes I have made in my life have been because of Universal Medicine – absolutely miraculous.
At some point in my life I realized that I could not be intimate with a man without being under the influence of alcohol or for some period in my life, with drugs. It was so much easier to have sex with a man being tipsy/drunk. Like you share, it all came from such a lack of self-worth. I can say now that I have never felt more open and intimate with people than ever before and I don’t need anything for this. And it is deepening every day, by my choice to show more of myself and to appreciate myself more and more. Step by step.
Mariette this is super cool to name, sex for me was often the reverse having no confidence in myself, why would anyone want to be with me. And the other side of that coin also being able to feel the harm of loveless sex I would drown these feelings out and literally force myself into this duty as a man. No love shared and certainly no depth of intimacy.
It is now nine years that I have been alcohol free and I feel great for it. Prior to that for many years I would have had a drink most days and believed I would great miss it if I was to stop drinking. However, once I made the decision to give up drinking after an Esoteric Healing Workshop I found it effortless and did not miss it. Many times I have been offered drinks or the thought has arisen to have one but when I asked myself, ‘Do I want a drink?’, the emphatic answer is always, ‘No’. The positive feelings and awareness that I have since stopping drinking far outweigh any pleasure, if there is any true pleasure, I could get from imbibing.
I definitely didn’t used to think I was having a party unless there was some alcohol there. What are change has occurred! I celebrated my 40th last year with a heap of friends and children around and no booze in sight. How did that happen…I started being honest about how alcohol made me feel, what it creates in society, the damage it does and why I was drinking the first place. When I did that, there was no need for it in my life and so “I came out’ on my 40th and said I Love you all but if you want to come to my party no booze, thank you. There where a few grumbles and lots of questions, which is cool. It was great to celebrate and be playful without alcohol being a part of it.
I love it when you say that now you call on your confidence and not that of the alcohol, and that you enjoy the time you spend with people. The need to join in is such a strong force that sometimes it makes us do things we don´t really feel. It is astonishing that we as a society have developed this generalized idea and established status quo that without alcohol there is no party, no enjoyment, no fun!, when actually there is much more fun without alcohol, especially if you ask your body.
The fact that I don´t drink pushes some people away. In my way of looking at things they could easily be happy that I respect my body, and I still feel the sadness that a healthy self loving choice becomes for them a reason to be away.
I know that celebratory way that you write about here Nicole, it is ingrained in virtually all Australians and I see almost nobody stopping to ask themselves why is it that they need (and it is a need not a want) to ingest something that will take the edge off. It is so ingrained, so ‘acceptable’ to drink, it frightens me.
‘Why is it that we are unable to enjoy ourselves without some kind of substance that alters us?’ You pose a very good question that many of us should ponder on, share and start a conversation about with others….
When my wife and I got married a year and a half ago, we chose to have an alcohol free celebration. A friend of ours, who works as a professional photographer and generously offered to take pictures for us, remarked how different it was at our wedding compared to others. She said how usually she has to work really fast to get pictures in before the guests become too sozzled and the pictures start to look really bad, but at our wedding she didn’t have to do that at all. When we got the pictures back from her, the beaming joy on everyone’s faces was just amazing!
Yesterday our family celebrated our son’s graduation from university in the morning and in the evening we celebrated a family member’s 70th birthday; nobody drank any alcohol and we all enjoyed a beautiful celebration of the family, certainly a day to remember with love. When we first chose to no longer drink alcohol our sons thought we had gone a bit ‘weird’ but now when we are together it is accepted as normal for none of us to drink.
It is crazy that celebrating for most people involves abusing their body with too much alcohol and food or other substances. I appreciate your honesty Nicole about your repeated attempts to fit in with this perceived ‘norm’ and the contrast with the amazing Universal Medicine end of year celebration. It is so great to be able to appreciate the celebrations that I now attend and get on with my life afterwards instead of having to contend with the after effects of too much food or drink.
I agree Nicole re occasions when alcohol is not consumed, as driver or with pregnancy. Why does it seem to take something external to make us refrain from drinking? A car or unborn child in this case. Seems we do have deep understanding of the harm caused (to others) if we drove whilst we drank alcohol, or with our child that is yet to be born. From this it’s clear to see that maybe we tend to think of others/their safety first before ourselves, i.e. that we’re prepared to compromise on ourselves, so the question would be why? When there is love, there is care, compromise on this becomes less easy to accept, and the cherishing of one’s body and being begins.
There was a time I never even considered having fun sober as a possibility, yet through the support of Universal Medicine alongside my willingness to not supress what I was feeling and heal what I was running away from, I no longer need to choose substances that alter my state for me to enjoy life. The celebrations held by Universal Medicine are a beautiful reminder of that and the true fun that can now be had.
Me too Samantha. If I could not drink when I went out, I was miserable and would argue with my husband about who was driving. This year I am having the whole family round for Christmas and there will not be a drop of alcohol in sight. There has not been much resistance to this and it feels great already knowing I will not go through this holiday period in a numbed and boozed out state.
Nicole I love your honesty here and appreciate what you share about your experiences with drugs, alcohol and now without them. I too persevered with consuming alcohol even though I never enjoyed how it made me feel. I made the decision a while before connecting to Universal medicine that it just wasn’t for me, but felt so confirmed in this choice once I met others who felt the same. It is such a lovely feeling now to not feel I need such a substance to build me up, but to know that comes from me choosing to love the beautiful person I naturally am!
How much richer your engagements with people are now Nicole. It’s so awesome enjoying the company of friends without the need for substances to take us out completely.
I only really drank alcohol back in my college days. Once my main drinking buddy left after her courses, I stopped. Drinking was ‘fun’ but only with others. Why is it that we can’t seem to enjoy others company without altering ourselves? What part are we altering in order to appear more open and engaging with others? I know many who said it was a way of ‘loosening up’, but what if the guard we have while sober is actually the issue that needs addressing rather than using a drug to alter that protective stance we hold towards others. From my experience of the Universal Medicine end of courses celebration, like you’ve said Nicole, it is possible to be open and have fun with others without drugs or alcohol.
I love your point Leigh about the way alcohol is used by many people as a way to loosen up and let their guard down, perhaps there are some real issues here that need to be addressed rather than masked by alcohol, needing a drug to ‘be yourself’ is definitely not normal or necessary, what you have presented here is a super valid point.
Great post Nicole. You had me remembering the many brutal hangovers I endured. I now see the way I abused my body for the nightmare it was. A few years ago it was absolutely normal for me to spend the day in bed vomiting at intervals after a ‘special occasion’. Now I cannot imagine anything worse.
I love looking back now and seeing how many times my body tried to tell me it did not want alcohol in it! I used to think I was allergic to vodka because every time I drank it my neck would get stiff and sore down one side. So I trained myself to drink beer, and it was a bonus that beer was cheaper too. I never realy liked the taste, but I convinced myself I did. I got suckered into ads on TV when they would crack open an ice cold beer on a hot day and think that that’s what I wanted. So not true. Such a made up belief imposed upon us by society.
I’d much prefer to crack open a coconut on a hot day these days and enjoy it a hell of a lot more.
All I could feel when I read this was the waste of brilliant lives I have watched in my lifetime as they all buried themselves deeper into drugs and alcohol. It’s not just drugs and alcohol kill our health, they kill are brilliance, our essence, they dull our expression, and the world is so much lesser for this. We are first poisoned by the suppression of our essence, we then continue that by poisoning our bodies and being with drugs and alcohol. And, all the while we crave the simplicity of letting our amazing light out, to shine so bright and be all we are.
So very true what you are saying Melinda there is so much beauty in each of us and a enormous pool of potential but we do not see it and focus instead of what we do not like, which keeps us down and feeling not worthy.
It’s truly a strange phenomenon that we often abuse our body when we ‘celebrate’. What’s so wrong about us being/feeling/accepting our greatness that we feel like numbing/distracting ourselves from it?
I love the fact that I don’t drink alcohol any more and I certainly don’t miss it. I use to think alcohol gave me confidence, to give me something I thought I lacked. Celebrations for me these days are about connecting with people in an honest way, not using alcohol to avoid what’s really going on in our lives.
‘I find I now enjoy the time I spend with others, calling on my own self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol, as I once did’ – me too and it is so empowering. I have been very shy and would rely on alcohol to ‘bring me out’ but not anymore. Isn’t it wonderful when we begin to make self-loving choices like quitting alcohol and drugs not because we are told to but from listening to our bodies.
Thanks for your contribution here Nicole. I didn’t need any encouragement to drink, once started I needed more and more to dull the effects the alcohol was having on my body. This is just crazy. A constant stream of ‘medications’ was needed to dull the fact that I actually felt crap by the way I lived. I now live very differently, I can feel what I feel, I can shine and I can have plenty of fun, in fact I have way more fun sober than I ever did drunk.
I can so relate Nicole. I could not have imagined a celebration without alcohol and drugs once. Regardless of how I felt I would continue to do both as that was the ‘norm’ but also I felt needed that to be able to cope and to be super ‘social’. Today I no longer use either of these substances and enjoy being with people and celebrations far more than I ever used to. Many of my friends struggled at first with my choice but as they began to feel that this was my choice and that I had no need to change them nor no judgement of their choices they fully respected me and my choices. They also have a reflection now that offers them an opportunity to know that it is possible to have fun and not need alcohol or drugs.
Haha so true Rebecca it is full of bonuses ….I remember the people I talk to, I truly meet people and remember them the next day and make real connections, I don’t go over the same topic again and again, but engage in true conversations, I am not hung-over the next day, I can eat normal the next day without feeling sick, etc. I am just as vital as every day!!!
Thank goodness a world that I relate to has finally arrived. Partying and dancing with no alcohol or drugs in sight.
Nicole you have summed up my experience very well in all that you reveal in your article. I am much happier these days to sit with any unpleasant feelings and actually feel them, rather than reaching for the first numbing agent I can lay my hands on. Being fully present at all times allows me to observe how much the majority of people are numbing themselves with substances, which is at frigthening levels.
My consumption of alcohol was limited to having one glass of wine at dinner parties in order not to call attention to myself. I would make it last and usually left it unfinished as it gave me an unpleasant feeling in my head.
My lack of drinking and smoking when I was young and later, was seen as odd so this, combined with my shyness, sealed my fate. I was a kill joy and thus lived a very ‘restricted’ life. Now I can stand up and simply say I do not drink and leave it at that and most people accept it. Through Universal Medicine I discovered I have a voice as valid as anyone’s else as is my choice of not drinking.
I love your sharing Nicole! Especially because of the mirroring effect that: to have a great celebration with people you love there’s no drugs needed! That’s what I found astonishing, after have lived through alcohol and drugs too, it is possible to truly meet people at a party. To not have to play a game of numbness and superficiality.
‘I often have people ask me what it is I do if I don’t drink. They are surprised, yet at the same time intrigued by the fact that I no longer drink. What is most surprising to them is that this is a choice I make!’ What strikes me is that whatever your addiction, and mine were sugar and emotions, when you are in them, there just is no space to consider that there is another choice because the addiction keeps you in loop of choosing the same old. That is until life brings you to a stop, usually in the form of illness or disease, or you have the good fortune to meet someone who reflects to you another choice.
jacqmcfadden04 I agree that an addiction can kept you in a loop of choosing the same old, and because of that people need inspiring role models – like you are – to show them that there is an other way – before life brings them to a stop.
Your article Nicole, speaks to me of the wonderful wisdom that our body will reveal, if we but choose to heed what it is sharing with us. Like you I had a very similar experience with alcohol. I thought that I needed this poison in order to have a good time. When I started to have a reaction to one type of alcohol I would just replace it with another, until finally all alcohol affected me. I finally made the decision to listen to my body and I stopped drinking after overriding for many years, the horrible feeling of alcohol in my body.
I used to be a total druggie back in the day and for me it was not possible to face life without drugs and sometimes alcohol to take the edge off. I love your words ” … I have come to know myself that it is possible to have a great time with others without having a drink or taking drugs”. For me it is now impossible to have a good time with alcohol and drugs and I am really grateful for all the inspirations to self-love and support along the way that I have received from Universal Medicine events and practitioners.
Nicole I have a very similar story to yours. The drugs and alcohol numbed the unease. The unease of not being me. It is so tiring and jarring for all aspects of ourselves to not be us that the drugs and alcohol cause us to momentarily not feel that unease. As we become more and more ourselves the need to numb (and there are a thousand ways of numbing) gets less and less until the thought of numbing us even a fraction from our glorious selves feels abhorant.
So entrenched is it in our society that it is normal to drink alcohol that when I gave up alcohol people around me who did not know me well thought I must be a recovering alcoholic.
That was the only reason they could think of that I might not drink alcohol anymore!
At social events, I now love being me and calling on my own inner confidence, rather than relying on the false sense of confidence that came from drinking alcohol. In the past I use to dread social events, now I actually look forward to them. Thank you Nicole for your expression, which many of us can relate to.
At social events, I now love being me and calling on my own inner confidence, rather than relying on the false sense of confidence that came from drinking alcohol. In the past I use to dread social events, now I actually look forward to them. Thank you Nicole for your expression, which many of us can relate to.
I can relate, some nights I worked really hard to get the alcohol down so I could go out and dance and have fun! How much more enjoyable is it to actual feel free to dance and have fun just as me, when nothing else is required but my true self.
The old familiar story of what is a celebration without alcohol? The answer? It’s a real celebration! No need for numbing, alcohol for confidence, wasted money, hangovers and worst of all – not being who we truly are. Being alcohol free is one of the best decisions of my life – and I love going to celebrations where everyone is just enjoying themselves and each other without any substance apart from love – simply wonderful.
I too had a ‘relationship’ with alcohol when I was in my late teens and early twenties, the only difference was that I only ever drank to get as drunk as I could. I never enjoyed the taste and had to make myself like beer for day events like BBQ’s who only had beer, or red and white wine for formal or family events around the dinner table. I would drink what ever was available, and I would normally drink as much as I could before it either ran out, or I passed out. I would do this a couple of weekends a month, between the ages of 16 and 19, it got worse when I was 18 and legal, I would drink for 2 to 3 nights straight, every weekend. The worst part to all of this is that most of my friends were doing the same, and it was normal. I wasn’t just trying to fit in though, I was just trying not to feel life. I slowed down in my early 20’s but would still have a bender a couple of times per year, to get my hit or fix. It wasn’t until Universal Medicine that I was able to quit for good – how I did it is another comment for another day.
True, celebrations usually entail massive amounts of food and drinks. What is really being celebrated? Since eating and drinking your fair share of what is offered takes you out, in truth these celebrations are not really about us. It is more celebrating moment of relief from a life that feels overwhelming.
It’s great that you are aware of how alcohol was used to help you ‘fit in’ and that you are now “..calling own my own self confidence rather than that of the alcohol..”
I often hear people say that you shouldn’t drink if you are pregnant. But if we acknowledge that drinking alcohol is deeply damaging to a growing baby, why do we not say its harmful for us too? Did we finish growing and become immune? Do we no-longer need the nourishment and care that a baby deserves? I’ve never seen a baby show interest in vodka or wine and can’t imagine they would enjoy this poison. So what changes in us that we suddenly decide that it is awesome? It starts to seem that there is a correlation between emotional pain and alcohol. Its great to read that as you left alcohol behind Nicole, you were able to call on your natural confidence. It is my experience as well – there is no need for substances, when you feel great in you.
It doesn’t make sense does it Joseph, don’t do drugs or drink while pregnant as it will harm the baby but if you don’t have a belly full of arms and legs go your hardest is the attitude we have. Why do we rate an infants health as more important than our own? Do we value ourselves that low that abusing our body becomes a normality? We are an intelligent species yet here we are making some absurd decisions regarding our health.
I’ve heard people talk about how much harder it is to get over a heavy drinking night as we get older and I know this was definitely true for me. Or was it just the body getting louder because I was not listening? For me, the presentation from Universal Medicine, that everything is energy and what energy is it when you are drinking? And what does this energy (that I have invited in by drinking) do to you and everyone you come into contact with? I remembered knowing this as a child and conveniently ‘forgetting’ when I began using drugs and alcohol to fit in.
Nicole , yep, this used to be my life. Starting at 12 years of age. Always trying to find anything to numb out; food, alcohol, drugs and whatever else. Never going back to that empty lifestyle. Now truly living is the coolest most connected way to be.
I was a seasoned social drinker for many years, but in the 9 years I have been ‘dry’ I have been way more fun than I ever was back then.
Nicole thank you for sharing your experience with alcohol, I too have found life so much more amazing without it. I abused myself silly with alcohol when I first left high school, but it soon took it’s toll on me. I stopped when it became painfully obvious to me that just half a glass of wine would leave me feeling low, foggy and depressed for days.
Nicole I can relate to using alcohol to boost confidence in social situations – except now, when I look back to the times I used to drink it didn’t really give me confidence – if I’m truthful it just made me numb to my feelings of awkwardness – it was a way of disengaging and creating a ‘safe’ bubble for myself. How misguided! I too no longer have alcohol and my social life is much more satisfying.
“I find I now enjoy the time I spend with others, calling on my own self-confidence rather than that of the alcohol, as I once did.” I can very much relate to this Nicole, it’s so much more enjoyable being at ease with myself and others without thinking I need to drink to ‘let go’ or fit in.
Yes I love being able to enjoy the company of others where there is no alcohol. Just people being joyful and free in themselves, not needing alcohol to ‘let their hair down’ or to socialise, but simply connecting with ourselves and each other.