The "Glory" of Drinking
Sobriety feels so good, but unfortunately drinking is so glorified that being a sober person makes you "boring." It's sad. Being surrounded by people who think drinking is the only thing to do, the only way to have fun, makes it so much harder. I don't mean just my customers at work. My family and friends (especially as a 24 year old...) are the kind of people that all events have to revolve around alcohol to be fun. That's really been pounded into my mind since a very young age. It's definitely a mindset I need to change.
I have a lot I want to do with my life that drinking will only hinder. I experience so much more clarity and enjoyment in everyday activities in my sobriety, but being around my friends and family makes it so difficult to remember that.
I'm not sure how to maintain that mindset through my recovery when I'm constantly being told how much fun everyone had last night or how excited they are to go to camp this weekend to drink beer around the campfire and play drinking games. I find it almost impossible to not drink when I'm surrounded by people that are and are having a good time (outside of work, that is). I feel like I'm missing out. Any ideas or help out there for this kind of thing? I'm sure I'm not the only one experiencing it.