I stopped drinking almost two years ago because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I guess it just stopped being fun.

I wanted to challenge myself to go without beer. To see what a clear mind would feel like.

I haven’t been disappointed either. Oh sure, sometimes when we go out to dinner, I might look over at a couple having tall beers and then my fond memories are triggered.

But since quitting beer, I have enjoyed concerts, holidays, weddings, vacations, and all manner of events that are usually considered more fun when alcohol is added.

I guess one major thing I realized is that beer (or any drink) makes one miss out on good stuff.

In an interview with Rolling Stone last summer, musician John Mayer said, “Drinking is a fucking con. How much is enough? Every time I drank, I was looking for some sort of regulated amount. It always feels wrong for me. I always feel like I went overboard. “I said two, now it’s three, now we’re at four?” I never had a serious issue with it, but I remember looking around going, “This feels rigged. I’m taking a break. There’s never an amount that felt like I was succeeding at life. It always felt wrong.”

Yes. I resemble that comment, John.

And there are scientific reasons the drinker only gets thirstier as the evening goes on. (Read Annie Grace’s CONTROL DRINKING or Allen Carr’s STOP DRINKING NOW for emperical explanations.)

And so, while I enjoy the various concerts we attend, my husband and oldest son are running back and forth to the bar and missing out on some great stuff. Meanwhile, I’m back at our blanket or seat and dancing like I’m twenty-two.

It sort of reminds me of back in the day when I was a smoker (I’m embarrassed to admit, but hey, I was a product of the times). I couldn’t get through a three-

Murphy in one of his lesser known photos

hour movie without running out to cop a smoke halfway through.

 

And I always missed something good.

 

Because that’s when the good stuff happens. When you’re not around. Murphy’s Law. And Murphy should know. Everyone knows he was a drunk.

 

How about those nights when the later the hour, the fuzzier your memory?

Or worse…God forbid you have to play “Mystery Date” and ask your spouse or friend what happened at some point during the previous twenty-four hours.

And then there are those morning afters. Ugh. Especially when they last all day.

Another way you’re missing out.

For this chick, quitting bad habits has given me new life. And hopefully, a longer one, too.

 

 

I no longer smoke. I don’t do drugs. And I don’t drink. I rarely have caffeine. But I do have a lot of laughs and plenty of love. And that’s the best groove of all.

I’m not missing a thing.

XOXO,

Susan J. Anderson

Foxy Writer Chick

 

 

References:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/john-mayer-on-katy-perry-learning-from-the-dead-embracing-pot-w490230