There are two days of the year when it is really really good to be a sober person.
The first is New Year's Day (coming up soon folks!), and a close second is Boxing Day, December 26th, TODAY.
Here's why:
1. Because you are a Superhero!
If you made it through Christmas Day without drinking, then you are a total superhero.
Being sober in a world where everyone drinks is always a bit hard, but no more so than on Christmas Day, a day when you are drowning in memories of drunken Christmas past, when you're surrounded by friends and family urging you to 'go on, just have one,' and where every image on TV, social media and press includes a bottle of something strong.
If you can make it through the 25th December sober, then you can do absolutely anything, my friend. So give yourself a HUGE pat on the back.
2. It's Never Going to be That Hard Again
The 'firsts' are always the hardest. First weekend sober, first party sober, first sober birthday and, possibly the hardest: first sober Christmas.
Now you know you can do it, and even - I hope - really enjoy it, so next year is going to be so much easier.
By the time you're on sober Christmas number 4, like me, you'll be anticipating and loving Christmas more than you ever did when you were drinking.
3. No Regrets
Remember how you used to feel on December 26th? Hungover. Annoyed with yourself for drinking more than you meant to. Exhausted because you tossed and turned all night. Embarrassed about what you'd said and done the day before?
Well today you get to wake up with no regrets and bags of energy. Whoop whoop.
Having said that, I may never be able to eat again, and I am definitely giving up sugar in January, as I think I've eaten a whole year's worth in just a few days. I'm calling it Savoury January.
4. (*whisper it*) Feeling Smug
Remember all those Christmas parties, when you felt like people were feeling a bit sorry for you? Well, this is payback time.
Most of the world is feeling rather bleurgh, and you get to feel smug. Just a little bit. And quietly, obviously, as no-one likes a smug-face. But too bad, because you get to be one. Congratulations!
5. The Best Present Ever
Often, on Boxing Day, you have a sneaking feeling that at least some of the presents you gave missed the mark, just a little.
(For example, I bought two copies of Frieda, a fabulous book written by a friend of mine, who signed one copy for me and one for my dad. I accidentally mixed up the two books, and gave the copy addressed to me to my dad as one of his Christmas presents, and now it looks as if I re-gifted it!)
However, there is no better present that you can give your family, or yourself, for Christmas than being sober. So this year, you smashed it, my friends.
Please let us know in the comments below how your Christmas was! And, if you didn't make it through the day without drinking, then do not despair! You are not alone. Just climb back on that wagon, forgive yourself, and start again.
The book on my first year sober - The Sober Diaries, has now had more than 250 five star reviews on Amazon, whoop whoop, and is out IN PAPERBACK tomorrow! You can find it here.
(In the USA it's available in audio and Kindle, here).
There's daily inspiration and information on the SoberMummy Facebook page, as always.
Love to you all!
SM x
