When I was young, I remember repeatedly saying that I didn’t need drugs or alcohol because “I was high on life!” Corny – yeah, but – you know what? It was a good feeling because it was true! I was a pretty damn happy kid and teenager for the most part. I was never bored, not easily annoyed, and I found pleasure in the simplest things. I wrote “Lost, Lonely, and Bored” last year, which focused on the loss of our child-like attention to simple pleasures.
Thanks to the startup company I am currently working for, I’ve been thinking of this again lately. Sechey is an all non-alcoholic or alcohol-removed beer, wine, and spirit bottle shop that provides a variety of alcohol alternatives. They are focused on bringing awareness to the new “Sober Curious” movement, which is attempting to sway our culture away from heavy drinking and into a more mindful and controlled relationship with alcohol. Interesting, right?
I just can’t help but get into it, and this is coming from someone who loves to drink. I mean, hell, I am part of an international running club that focuses on boozed-up running and shenanigans. I still don’t think there’s anything wrong with drinking alcohol if you can manage it in a healthy way.
BUT, the thing I am realizing is this:
I forgot that I don’t have to drink to have fun. I forgot that I don’t need to get drunk to be wild and crazy and silly, let go of my inhibitions, and relax. Our F***ing society and capitalist culture have brainwashed us into thinking these things. Sorry to get all mad – but – well, it’s frustrating because when you really think about it, about how much we used to laugh and play as children and how little we do now – unless we get the chance to party and drink and socialize.
We shouldn’t need booze to have a good time, perk us up, or relax. I mean, really, in the long run, we all know it doesn’t. It just muddles your mind long enough to help you forget your worries. But that means we’re giving up control of ourselves. That means we’re more willing to harm our bodies and minds than just allow ourselves peace, joy, and mirth.
At what age were you when you went from saying, “Hey! Do you want to play?” to “So, wanna hang out?” I was 10.
I’m back to playing, and thank goodness. WHY would we ever give it up? Anyhow, here’s my point… I am all in for this mindful drinking and loving it. I want balance in my life. I want to be healthy, happy, and successful, and that means I need to pay attention to what I am consuming.
The change needs to take place in our cultured, habitual social interactions. Almost anytime there is a social event, we can almost always expect alcohol, but I’m not going for the booze. I’m going for the good time, and you know what? I don’t need booze for a good time because I’m high on life, baby. lol (It’s okay to laugh. I am.)
Cheers, friends.
Love,
Jessa
