Redefine the Normalcy of Drinking
If you're here, it's probably because you, like me, aren't satisfied with the whole "normal" thing. You know, the standard, usual, expected life. I had an epiphany one early morning at 4:45 am: why is it that alcohol and drinking are considered so normal? And honestly, who wants to be "normal," especially in midlife?
Waking Up to the Notion of Normalcy
I got up, did my morning routine, and saw my husband sipping his coffee. It got me thinking about the idea of normalcy and how it's been stuck in my mind. But why should that be a thing in midlife? I grabbed my journal and let my thoughts flow onto the pages. This entry is all about exploring the idea that midlife is the perfect time to break free from the norm and live an extraordinary life.
A Call to Challenge the Status Quo
By the time we reach midlife, aren't we just tired of the same old routine? I know I am. Let's realize that our actions draw in people who inspire us to be anything but normal. It's time to use our voices to challenge what's seen as normal, especially when it comes to drinking and alcohol.
Being normal, for me, means settling, fading away, and bending to fit others' expectations. But midlife is the best time for self-discovery and designing a life that's truly ours. We should be asking ourselves, "Is this all there is?" I don't want to be typical or usual anymore. I've lived that life for too long. It's time to let my unique flag fly high.
Alcohol and Midlife: A Stifling Combination
Alcohol can be a significant hurdle to embracing the potential of midlife. It locks women into a cycle of normalcy, slowly erasing them from their own lives. This matters because midlife women have already faced some tough challenges and need to stay sharp and clear-headed for what lies ahead. Alcohol dulls the midlife experience and makes it feel lifeless.
So, what can you do? Speak up and speak out, just as I wish someone had done for me back in 2013. We need strong voices, not those who tell us what we want to hear. We should stand up for ourselves, speak our truth, and own our stories.
Hiding our true selves is a disservice to us, all in the name of appearing "normal." It's time to challenge ourselves, get excited about life, and let our inner light shine. Midlife is a golden opportunity to show up, take risks, make changes, and stop settling for the same old routine.
Reclaiming Your Individuality
When you hear the statement, "everyone else drinks," know that it's exactly why many women in midlife choose not to let alcohol into their lives. The phrase "everyone else drinks" is outdated. The new statement that only midlife women can confidently make is: "I don't drink because it's so cliché."
In the words of Eminem: "If you only had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or let it slip?" I choose to capture it, and I'm committed to helping every woman I encounter do the same.
Embracing Change: Tips for Breaking Free
If you're struggling with the comfort of drinking and alcohol because it's considered normal, here are some ideas to help you break free:
Remind yourself that getting and staying sober is one of the most empowering things you'll ever do.
Say out loud: "I wasn't born to fit in or fade away; I was born to disrupt things and shine a spotlight on what I believe in."
Celebrate the nights you choose not to drink. It's a significant accomplishment, so share it with someone.
Don't hesitate to decline your usual drinking dates with friends and family if you're not up for it. This is your time to please yourself, not conform.
Remember that "No" is a complete sentence. It doesn't require further explanation.
Let's make a pact to not be normal. Let's show up every day as our true selves, saying and doing what we want, and refusing to conform to the normalcy of drinking and alcohol. It's not normal to be tied to something that offers no value to who you are as a beautiful woman in the middle of life. Sending you love and encouragement on your journey.
Conclusion and Call to Action
If you found this post valuable, please share it with others who may benefit from this message. Together, we can challenge the status quo, live authentically, and turn midlife into the best life.