Dealing With 'Forever'

One of the things everyone struggles with when they quit drinking is the idea of forever.

Forever - to quote Prince - is a very long time. (Or at least we hope so).

That's why we all learn, at least initially, to only deal with one day at a time.

Well, next time you accidentally think about forever, and start freaking out, then try my new trick...

It's inspired by a comedy sketch I heard on the radio. Two ladies were having a few drinks in a wine bar, and one says to the other "OMG, just look at those two dreadful old lushes sitting over there!" The other replies, "It's a mirror."

It struck me that when we think about drinking being all glamorous and hedonistic, we're thinking about young people. Beautiful, skinny people, dancing and going wild.

When we think about ourselves drinking, we think of our 'best looking' selves, all dressed up and gorgeous, casually sipping on a glass of champagne.

Well, instead of imagining that scene, and going all teary eyed, mournful and nostalgic, picture this:

A lady around the age of sixty five (or older, depending on where you are now!), huge wine belly and puffy, red face, at a smart drinks party. She's talking too loudly, slurring and is slightly unsteady. When the music starts she does some really embarrassing dance moves and starts singing, out of tune.

Now, next time you start worrying about forever, think about the alternative. Because that's the alternative. It's not rebellious and wild - it's just a bit....sad and embarrassing.

And that's not the old age I want to imagine. I like to see myself more as a Mary Berry oldie. All chic, composed and dignified. A wise, kind and respected matriarch.

I bet Mary doesn't down a bottle of wine of an evening. She's more of the 'one glass of champagne on special occasions' type. I can't imagine her ever being drunk, or out of control.

Or Helen Mirren. Interestingly Helen says her motto is 'do everything. But not too much of anything.' Sadly it's a bit too late for that advice.

And don't worry. The fear of forever does fade. Eventually, ironically, it's replaced by the fear of going back to drinking again!

But, until then, just take it day by day. Baby steps. And think of Mary.

Love SM x