If you’re considering what life might look like without alcohol, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. Whether you’re merely curious or have been thinkin of cutting back, the thought of exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle can be filled with questions, uncertainty, and even fear. 

But what if this journey could bring you more than just sobriety? What if it could lead you to a place of clarity, energy, and self-love you never thought possible? This isn’t about fitting into labels or meeting societal standards; it’s about discovering what truly serves you. This journey is personal. It’s about reclaiming the parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by the presence of alcohol. 

Here’s a glimpse into my journey [as I celebrate 1,000 days of being alcohol free!], and the three unexpected things I didn’t just learn but grew to love about being alcohol-free.

Changing My Relationship with Alcohol

It took me 5 years to get to the moment where I finally said enough is enough. It wasn’t about hitting rock bottom or labeling myself as an alcoholic; it was about a deep-seated knowing that my higher self—the version of me I aspired to be—simply wasn’t a drinker. I realized that in order to reach her, letting go of alcohol was necessary. Yet, this journey wasn’t merely about removing the act of drinking; it was about facing the reasons I was reaching for alcohol in the first place.

The Hidden ‘Why’ Behind My Drinking

Why did I drink? Deep down, I drank because I felt unworthy. Unworthy of my husband, my kids, my life, and my business. I tied my sense of self-worth to my financial contribution to the family, and when I felt I was falling short, I turned to alcohol to numb the pain. It was easier to drown out the self-doubt and the relentless inner critic that constantly told me I wasn’t enough. The daily inner body battle was very real. 

But here’s the catch—drinking only validated those feelings of unworthiness. It provided “evidence” that I was a “bad” mom, wife, business owner, and friend. It was a vicious cycle, where each drink confirmed my worst fears about myself. And the spiral of self-loathing and numbing became unbearable.

The Moment I Decided To Become Alcohol Free

It all came crashing down on December 23, 2021. I was wrapping presents for my kids, and in a moment of quiet, the weight of every suppressed emotion, every piece of self-doubt, and every drop of pain I’d been avoiding hit me all at once. I broke down in a way I never had before. My body, mind, and soul couldn’t take living in that state any longer.

At that moment, I knew something had to change. I needed to face the underlying issues rather than covering them up with a drink. That was the beginning of my journey to living alcohol-free. And what I found on the other side was surprising in the most beautiful way.

1. Clarity in Everything

One of the most unexpected and beautiful changes that came with being alcohol-free was the clarity it brought to my life. With ADHD, my mind is naturally a busy place. Adding alcohol only amplified the chaos, creating a constant fog that clouded my thoughts and made decision-making feel like navigating through a dense mist.

When I stopped drinking, that fog lifted. It was like someone had pulled back a heavy curtain, allowing light to flood in and illuminate everything. My headspace became clearer, more focused, and grounded. I could process my thoughts and feelings without the interference of alcohol. I began to see things in a new light, and with that clarity came a sense of peace. This newfound mental space became a sanctuary, helping me navigate life’s challenges with a sharper mind and a more open heart.

Clarity isn’t just about clear thinking; it’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level. During this time I was also in therapy and the progress we were able to make after I stopped drinking was invaluable. I finally faced some uncomfortable truths and found the courage to make decisions that aligned with my higher self. I became more present, more intentional, and more in tune with the life I want to create.

2. My Energy Levels Increased

Another unexpected feeling was the surge of energy I felt after quitting alcohol. I started waking up at 4 a.m., ready to seize the day in a way I hadn’t felt in years. My body seemed to be thanking me for giving it a break, for finally allowing it to function at its best without being bogged down by the toxins of alcohol.

This energy isn’t a fleeting thing; it’s a vibrant, sustained vitality that’s still with me today. I feel more alive, more connected to my body, and more capable of tackling whatever comes my way.For me removing alcohol removed a heavy weight I didn’t even know I was carrying. 

Alcohol drained me, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. By choosing to quit, I’m more productive, more engaged, and more passionate about the things that matter to me. It’s a powerful reminder of how much alcohol was taking from me and how much I’ve gained by setting it down.

3. My Skin Became Healthier

For years, I struggled with occasional acne and dull, lackluster skin. I never considered that alcohol might be contributing to these issues. But after a few months of being alcohol-free, I noticed a dramatic change in my skin. It cleared up and stayed that way. My complexion became brighter, healthier, and more radiant.

I’ve reached a point where I’ve basically stopped wearing makeup because I no longer feel the need for it. For me, taking care of my skin is part of my self-care and self-love journey. I want to age gracefully, and glowing, healthy skin is a big part of that. Going alcohol-free has given me this unexpected benefit—a physical representation of the internal healing that’s been taking place.

It’s not just about looking better; it’s about feeling better in your own skin. It’s about the confidence that comes from knowing you are taking care of your body, inside and out.

Are You Curious About Living Alcohol-Free?

If you’re curious about what living alcohol-free could mean for you, I encourage you to explore it. This journey isn’t about labels or fitting into a particular box. It’s about tuning into what feels right for you and what brings you closer to your higher self. Whether you want to quit altogether or just slow down to see how it feels, this is your journey, and it’s one worth exploring.

During my journey I read Annie Grace’s book, This Naked Mind. This book truly opened my mind up to what it actually means to drink alcohol and what it does to your body. For me, vitality and vibrant are my higher self words to live by, and after reading the book, alcohol was no longer aligned.

Choosing To Live Alcohol Free

Choosing to live alcohol-free has been one of the most transformative decisions of my life. It wasn’t something I did overnight, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But the unexpected joys—the clarity, the energy, the glowing skin—have made it all worth it. More than that, it’s allowed me to reconnect with myself in a deeper, more meaningful way. I’ve faced my fears and insecurities head-on and come out stronger, more aligned with the person I want to be. And the best part, this decision has made me a better wife and mother, and my family deserves her…they deserve me as my highest self. 

If you’re curious about checking your relationship with alcohol or just want to know about what it might be like, know that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This journey is uniquely yours, and it can lead you to places you never imagined. 

If you want to connect with me or ask about my experience, please reach out. You can find me on Instagram at @becca.feauto. I’m happy to connect and share more of my journey with you.