When Adele’s album ’30’ was released in November 2021, I immediately fell in love with the song ‘I drink wine’. The lyrics, the music, her incredible voice, it all made for a tune which I played over and over for months on end. I also think the title is a spark of genius.
For years, I did drink wine. A cold, crisp glass of white was my ultimate treat at the weekend. Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or whatever else was available, as long as it was cold and white, I was game.
Until one Friday evening, I sat down to watch a movie with my kids, poured myself a glass of white and when I took a sip….a thought hit me….a thought I immediately dismissed…..but one that came back a few times during that first glass.
What does this add to my life?
The question remained on my mind the rest of the weekend. And after careful consideration, I could come to no other conclusion than that the answer was: nothing.
It adds nothing.
I let that thought simmer in my head the next week (I only used to drink at weekends, so nothing changed immediately) and I started to wonder how I would feel if I wouldn’t drink. Would I miss it? Would I be desperate for a glass of wine on Friday? Would I feel deprived of something I enjoyed so much?
So, I decided to see how I felt if I didn’t drink. I ordered some non-alcoholic spirits, because I felt like I still wanted a treat drink at the weekend and I gave it a go. I made my first ever non-alcoholic margarita and it was lovely. I still had the same feeling as when I had a glass of wine, but without the alcohol. I was starting to think, maybe I could do this. Maybe I could even enjoy this.
I have now been completely sober for almost 4 months and I can honestly say that I am loving it.
I love how I sleep better (which, for an insomniac like me, is a pretty big deal). I love how I never wake up feeling slightly worse for wear because of that one glass too many. I love how I never have to think about how I will get home after a night out because I just drive. I love how I feel like I have more time because I don’t waste it drinking. I love how, at nine o’clock on a Friday night, I can still go to the gym if i want to.
I know it sounds cheesy, but I feel an enormous sense of freedom.
Now, I’m not trying to make anyone give up on their favourite drink, but I do challenge you to ask yourself the question: what does this add to my life?
If you’ve had a similar experience, please let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear about it.
Hope you all have a great week!
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Elske Höweler - Author 
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