So painful and so familiar, Michele. I too found myself assuming characteristics of my mom when drinking. Characteristics that never felt like me and, in truth, were not me.
I also, as the child of two people who drank far too much, learned early on (from the time of my earliest memories) to tell if they'd had even one sip. It was a warning of things to come.
I can do that still, with alcohol—I know when anyone has had any. I hate what it does to people's personalities—even the subtle shifts and even the shifts that many consider "fine" or "fun." I hate what it takes from people and every other person in their lives.
Celebrating you and every single person who has the courage to choose differently. For themselves. For others.
I always imagine how ridiculous I looked when I see people act this way. And, I know I was a lot worse than many!! Thank you so much, Dana. Celebrating you, as well! <3
That looking in the mirror experience - I know that feeling. Near the end of my drinking career, I was staying in a hotel - and I got up and looked in the mirror and saw my dad staring back at me. And more than anything, that made me want to stop.
You are right, too, about the changes. At first, I really liked the change alcohol caused in me - but over time, the overall effects were negative, even if the initial feeling was still a good one. And the anger - I don't miss the anger - It's like the Incredible Hulk - and I didn't like that person. So glad to have found a different path - and thankful for you sharing your journey.
You have made an amazing transformation, my friend! So happy for you 💙
So sweet. Thank you!
So painful and so familiar, Michele. I too found myself assuming characteristics of my mom when drinking. Characteristics that never felt like me and, in truth, were not me.
I also, as the child of two people who drank far too much, learned early on (from the time of my earliest memories) to tell if they'd had even one sip. It was a warning of things to come.
I can do that still, with alcohol—I know when anyone has had any. I hate what it does to people's personalities—even the subtle shifts and even the shifts that many consider "fine" or "fun." I hate what it takes from people and every other person in their lives.
Celebrating you and every single person who has the courage to choose differently. For themselves. For others.
I always imagine how ridiculous I looked when I see people act this way. And, I know I was a lot worse than many!! Thank you so much, Dana. Celebrating you, as well! <3
Well, now I have a scientific justification for the behavior of my alcoholic fictional character, Jefferson Ball...She's dumb because she drinks.
Yes!! I love that!!
That looking in the mirror experience - I know that feeling. Near the end of my drinking career, I was staying in a hotel - and I got up and looked in the mirror and saw my dad staring back at me. And more than anything, that made me want to stop.
You are right, too, about the changes. At first, I really liked the change alcohol caused in me - but over time, the overall effects were negative, even if the initial feeling was still a good one. And the anger - I don't miss the anger - It's like the Incredible Hulk - and I didn't like that person. So glad to have found a different path - and thankful for you sharing your journey.
It's so comforting when you read that someone else had a similar experience. It's weird how parallel our lives were!! This path is so much better.