What I Wish I Knew About Alcohol - Part 2: A Hypegirl Healing Blog Series

I posted a note on day, asking people their “why” for partaking in dry month challenges like Dry January. One of the responses I received flipped this question on its head and posed the even more interesting question: why do/did you drink in the first place?

And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the younger me, who started drinking to 100% fit in.

As a tall ginger with freckly, pasty skin, who wore stilettos with loud prints and bright colors, you could say I commanded a presence when I walked into the room…but I hated that.

I hated being so different.

I hated being the center of attention, especially since most of the attention was negative - “look at how she’s dressed!”

I wanted so desperately to fit in, with the other vanilla-plain Jane’s around me…but it was quite literally impossible for me to blend in when I was born to stand out.

But as soon as I discovered alcohol, it was a way for me to forget about the stares, the glares, the comments, the side eyes, and the uncomfortableness I experienced in social situations (that I know now was a crippling case of social anxiety).

I wish I knew alcohol was making people, places, and things I never enjoyed tolerable.

The people I was surrounded by ended up being toxic and harmful.

The places I found myself in were soaked with booze (and other substances), never knowing that was NOT the normal way for people my age to “have fun” or “make friends”.

I never liked the taste of alcohol. As a young teen, I would call my parents to pick me up from parties where others were drinking and smoking because I didn’t want to be around it.

As more of my friends started drinking, I felt pressured to join in, even though I didn’t like the taste. I thought it was the only way to fit in.

Alcohol became my golden ticket to escape the hate obsession with my pale skin, bright strawberry-blonde hair, and inability to blend in with just jeans and a white tee.

It took me years to embrace my quirks and differences (and find others who did, too), but I'm grateful I finally learned they make me who I am. As Dr. Seuss said:

Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.

And as I left the party scene, I realized that boredom was just peace in disguise. Now, I notice the little things I used to overlook, like a new hibiscus blooming in my yard or Charlotte spinning her intricate web on my porch.

Today, I don’t settle for anything less than the absolute best, for me and my beautiful sober life.

And I feel so damn lucky to be growing an incredible community of like-minded women who are on the same exact page as me, so we can do this no drinking thing together.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that doesn’t feel like your own, know this: it’s never too late to change the narrative. Maybe alcohol is stealing your light too, or maybe you’re just ready for more. Either way, you’re not alone. If you want to learn more about my story, you can read how my life changed after a successful Dry January in 2017.

My ask - don't be a stranger, ok? Take advantage of all the incredible support that is available to you here at Hypegirl Healing - the most FABULOUS corner of the internet for ambitious sober curious and alcohol free gals to ditch the drink and enjoy life sans booze. I'm happy to share my story in hopes that it helps to unravel yours.

Your Forever Hypegirl,

xoxo, Jaime

Enjoyed this blog? There's more where that came from.

This is just a taste of what awaits you in UNCORKED - the bi-weekly edit that sober curious and alcohol free gals add to their Tuesday TBR. Join hundreds of other readers who start their week with Hypegirl Healing's most popular resource.

Join Uncorked now

Best savored uninterrupted, with your morning espresso or evening nightcap.

And make sure you're hangin' with me over on my socials (and please say hello! I love hearing from you!):

Instagram/ Threads: @hypegirlhealing

Pinterest: @hypegirlhealing