Overcoming triggers and wobbles on your Sober journey

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How to recognise and get through triggers or wobbles when going sober. Thank you so much for reading my blogs, I hope the previous posts Deciding to be a sober Gal , What to expect in early Sobriety and attending your first big event have been a help and encouraged you on your journey.   If you haven’t read them yet, WHY NOT?   Go check them out. 😊 . It’s a given that the first few months are going to be hard, however, what happens when you are a few months down the line, feeling fabulous and suddenly you have that overwhelming voice in your head saying, “surely you can give up now” “will it really matter if you have a bottle of wine”? What I will say is, it’s your journey, you do you. It might be ok for you to decide to drink again, however for me, I know without a doubt it would end up being that slippery slope back to where I was querying my drinking habits.    I’ve had these wobbles a couple of times, confident that I can totally manage it, just have one n...
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Attending the first big event on your sober journey

Congratulations to you if you are on your sober journey, and hello to you if you are here because you are sober curious.  If you haven't already done so, please read my first two blogs.  Deciding to be a sober gal and What to expect in early sobriety.  All comments and shares are greatly appreciated.

So, this blog is my experience of attending that first big event and my tips on how to enjoy it and be prepared.  

I had attended a few birthday parties etc. in the early days of going sober but the big one I thought was going to be difficult was my first festival.  @dounetherabbithole, one of our favourite festivals and one that is always a blast.  


Festival Doune the rabbit Hole

Packing for this usually meant a massive “carry out” and making the most of the real ales on sale at the bar.   The big thought going through my head was am I still going to enjoy it and not be boring to the rest of my pals.    I can honestly say it’s one of the best times I have ever had. I remember every band for a change and didn’t miss half a day from a horrendous hangover like has happened so many times before.    What I also found, was that I experienced so much more.  I visited all the wee stalls.   Went to the yoga tent.  Tried all the various street food vendors and I walked around the site more than I would have previously instead of sitting at the bar.  It was amazing!


Douniversity



Stalls


Advance preparation 

I emailed the organisers in advance to ask if there would be alcohol free options available   They were so helpful and advised that they weren’t sure but were happy for me to take in my own    Drinks are normally confiscated at the gates Bonus……

Take plenty of alcohol free options if it’s what you like. These are a saving grace if you get the notion. 

Pre warn your drinking pals that you might wander off on your own.   It might get to a point when everyone is drunk and you want to step away from it   Just go a wander round the vendors or to another area of the festival    There are always chill out areas. 

See all the bands.


Camera Obscura

Patti Smith

Sleaford mods


Treat yourself to something   Buy yourself a thing   You’ve saved a fortune on booze and you deserve it.

Lord it over your pals when they are rough as toast and you feel magic 😂

What I learned from this first festival is: I can have a great time without being drunk   I don’t need it and neither do you.

Currently I am on holiday in the campervan , sitting on the Isle of Mull having just come back from Iona.   A situation where I would be buying up the local whisky or gin and drinking all the ales.    But at 60 quid a bottle and 8 quid a pint I’m feeling all smug that I have saved a small fortune.  Yay to sobriety and a love of flavoured teas.  

Thanks for reading my blogs.  Please look out for the next one "Overcoming triggers and wobbles on your sober journey"

  




Comments

  1. Anonymous10 April 2023 at 10:54

    Great advice Nicola, it’s not as scary as we may think! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous10 April 2023 at 12:12

    Loved this Nicola. Welcome to the non drinkers who still have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Elaine Higgins10 April 2023 at 12:14

    Fantastic Nicola, you've done amazing. How much healthier you must feel too as well as richer 👏

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous10 April 2023 at 13:25

    What a fantastic read and inspirational

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous10 April 2023 at 17:31

    Thanks for sharing, great advise. Well done you👌💕

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karen Wallace12 April 2023 at 15:01

    Brilliant Nicola, you’re inspiring me to give sober a go. Plus I love a festive, is that a family friendly one? X

    ReplyDelete

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Overcoming triggers and wobbles on your Sober journey

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