Be Kind To Yourself
If you want friends, be a friend.
Photograph by Alexandra Rowley | Styling by Mariana Velasquez
What happens when you stop drinking? Well, not much really. I get all kinds of questions from friends. Like these: Why? Do you feel amazing? Is it hard? Do you think you’ll drink again?
To be honest, I was never really a big drinker. When the magazine launched last year, we had a virtual party to celebrate on Instagram Live. I was incredibly nervous. I don’t consider myself a great public speaker. Sure, I practiced what I was going to say and came up with an outline of the party, but still I needed help to relax. I had one and a half cocktails and that did the trick. It helped me chill. I led the Instagram like a boss and even threw in a dance party. To celebrate afterwards, we had a late-night meal and a glass or two of wine.
The next morning, I woke up with the worst headache. The party and celebratory vibes and great feelings came to a screeching halt. It was a work day, so I took some aspirin and tried to power through. By 2:30 in the afternoon, I had to lie down and take a nap. I felt like such a loser. I put all this time and effort into producing the magazine of my dreams and I could not enjoy the afterglow of getting this thing out into the world.
The thread that runs through this magazine and website is ways to be kind to yourself. When you start with being gentle to yourself, it spreads to how you treat others. I’ve backed off from drinking for the moment. The benefits have been pretty stellar: waking up clear-eyed and excited to tackle the day, having room for dessert, and discovering my clothes fit better.
I have no idea how long not drinking will last. It’s been pretty easy while on lockdown. I don’t know what will happen when I start meeting up with friends for meals in restaurants again. If I have a drink, it’s not a big deal. Everyone has their own journey with alcohol. This is mine.
Thanks for your support.
PS: If you want friends, be a friend. To help me make this happen, please join me for FRIENDSHIP HOUR March 25th at 8:00 PM on Instagram Live. I’ll be dancing, enjoying a spirit-free cocktail, and looking to be a good friend.
