This is my final installment of Thirsty Thursday where I write about how I’m leaving alcohol behind.
Growing up in rural New Brunswick the epitome of hospitality was offering guests an alcoholic drink when they arrived.
Birthdays, graduations and most events had alcohol at the center. We got together to have drinks at home or in bars. Drinking was the activity and the socializing came second.
Inadvertently we excluded anyone who didn’t or couldn’t drink.
Many years later I’ve learned that socializing doesn’t have to be centered around drinking alcohol.
That’s not to mean I’m asking people to not drink but rather have other things as the reason we are getting together.
My friend Jess and I regularly get together over crafting events, like making clay ornaments.
Michel and I have dates swimming, walking and working out.
Friends are coming over for a pre-concert hang next weekend. The plan is making pizzas and playing board games.
I invite my eldest over to help me on projects around the house.
I get together with friends to read each other’s writing.
Alcohol can be involved in these things but they are not what is bringing us together.
When I move alcohol to the periphery I center time with friends, creativity and wellbeing.
That sounds pretty dang interesting doesn’t it?
Love these positive suggestions and overall am appreciating very much your theme that there can be reasons other than “a drinking problem” for someone to change their engagement with alcohol. I especially like the reminder that getting together doesn’t need to revolve around alcohol. I have attended many an event over my years of being alcohol-free where my only options were water or pop, even at restaurants. Finally things are getting more interesting! Thank you for this great series!