10 responses you can use when people ask why you’re not drinking:

1. I have a busy day tomorrow and need to sleep well tonight.

2. Alcohol fogs up my brain too much.

3. I’m detoxing.

4. I’m trying to lose a few pounds for… (fill in the blank).

5. Alcohol gives me diarrhea.

6. I’m designated driver tonight.

7. Alcohol bloats me and this shirt is too tight for that.

8. I don’t like the taste.

9. I don’t feel like it.

10. I’m training to climb a mountain.

You are not alone. Even though it might feel like it. Especially at first. There is so much shame wrapped up in drinking too much that you might choose not to tell anyone you’re struggling.

Now you have a voice in your head that says you shouldn’t stop. Many times that voice doesn’t show up until you’re ready to stop. Why would it bother you if you’re merrily drinking along? That’s your alcohol voice. It doesn’t want you to stop drinking, so it starts talking to you.

It’s time I told you the truth. I can’t hide anymore because it’s too big a part of who I am. I’m a Christian. My entire lens, identity, focus, day-to-day thoughts and actions are all wrapped up in that one solid fact.

If we just called it “boob scan” or “breast squeeze,” it wouldn’t feel so bleh. It might even make you feel a little sexy. “Yeah, these ladies are squeezing my boobs today.” It’s all in the packaging.

I wanted to punch another mother at soccer practice. I was done. Instead of inflicting pain on an innocent bystander, I went to my car where I sat quietly for the next hour. When has an introvert (or a highly sensitive person) had enough?

Sometimes “normal” gets you everywhere. Day 100! I made it, and I’m really proud of myself. I’ve only been here once before in my attempt to sober up.

I hope this tenseness goes away at some point. I hope I find another way to soothe because I am NOT going to start drinking again. Not tonight. Not a sip. I’ll take the angst over the numb any day. At least it pushes me to production. At least I am awake. Alive.

Instead of having a superhero group of friends and hunky husband swoop in to support you in your sober recovery, you’re going to get a few other responses when you tell people you’re not drinking or getting ready to quit.

I heard, “Bad circulation be healed in Jesus’ name.” I looked down at my toes because that specific phrase stood out to me. And then I felt the slightest, subtlest warmth in my shins. It started to move toward my toes…