205. Your choice to feel powerful

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Hello darling heart and welcome to this episode of the Drink Less, Live Better podcast.

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This is the podcast that helps you to see that drinking less doesn't need to be stressful, lonely, or boring.

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I'm your host, Sarah Williamson, and I decided to have a year alcohol free as a little life experiment and haven't looked back.

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I'm here to support you with your alcohol free or drink less adventures.

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Follow me on Instagram at drink less live better and find resources on my website drinklesslivebetter.com.

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I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode. Let's get straight to it.

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How to feel powerful about your choice not to drink.

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I used to feel awkward and apologetic about not drinking.

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I said things like, I'm not drinking right now, or I'm sorry, I'm having a night off the booze tonight.

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Choosing not to drink isn't something to apologize for.

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It's about taking control of your life and making powerful decisions for yourself.

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You only owe yourself the explanation and no one else an apology. Easy for me to say now. Right?

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But at the time, it was not easy to do.

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I'm sorry slipped off my tongue so easily and so quickly.

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Every time you choose not to drink, you're not depriving yourself. You're actively choosing your well-being.

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You're choosing clear mornings, authentic connections, and genuine emotions. That's incredibly powerful for yourself. But feeling powerful doesn't happen overnight.

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I think it's something we build towards.

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But how do we do that, Sarah? I hear you ask. Ask. I'm so glad you questioned that.

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Here are a few of my ideas. First, change your language.

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Instead of I can't drink or I'm trying not to drink, say 'I don't drink' or 'I choose not to drink'.

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Can you notice how different that feels? It's not about feeling restricted.

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Second, get really clear about your reasons. Write them down.

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When you're solid with your why, every decision does become easier.

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Perhaps it's for your mental health, your relationships, your career, your parenting, or simply because you prefer who you are without alcohol.

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Own that reason and get behind it.

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This is a subject I write about in my book.

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I do have a bit of conflict around it.

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I really think the best reason not to drink is simple. You don't want to. Full stop. You just don't want to.

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But in the early days of my own alcohol free experiment, I did make it about my kids, my family, my husband, my work, blah

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blah blah because I was looking for something outside of myself to feel worthy enough to make the choice.

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If I could go back to that version of myself now, I'd tell her, it's okay.

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It's fine to say no to alcohol.

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For you and for the decision, it is all about you and only about you.

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You can claim it.' Third, prepare your responses for social situations.

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You don't owe anyone an explanation, but having a few confident responses ready can help you to feel more secure.

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I feel better when I'm not drinking, or I'm driving, are perfectly valid responses.

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The key is delivering them with conviction.

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Remember, you are actually part of a growing movement.

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More people than ever are questioning their relationship with alcohol. The nonalcoholic beverage industry is booming.

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Alcohol free bars are opening up across London and The UK. You're not alone. You're actually ahead of the curve.

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I like to think that you and I are early adopters in this movement, and in years to come, people will say to us, you caught that wave early.

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You got on that quicker than the rest of us. Well done, you. Okay, power and feeling powerful.

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What do I really mean in the context of choosing not to drink?

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It's not about willpower or resistance, it's about alignment with your values and choosing what truly serves you.

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When you're at a party sipping your alcohol free drink, you're not missing out.

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You're choosing what feels best for you, and you are allowing yourself to be fully you.

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For years, I thought drinking made me confident.

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Now I realize that true confidence comes from knowing who I am and standing really firm in my choices.

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That's what we're talking about, authentic power.

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For years and years I thought I was an extrovert, but it was alcohol that lowered my inhibitions and made me behave in an extroverted way.

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I really am such a contented introvert.

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Choosing not to drink isn't about what you're giving up, it's about what you're gaining.

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You're gaining self trust, better sleep, mental clarity, genuine connections and the deep satisfaction of living life on your own terms.

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Your choice not to drink isn't just personal health and well-being, it's a declaration of self respect.

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It's saying, I know what works for me and I choose that unapologetically. That's powerful. Thank you for listening in today. Come back again next week.

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Check out the show notes for a link to a hidden podcast episode that will help you with your 5PM cravings and details about

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my one to one life coaching and sober coaching programs. And, PS, I believe in you.