Sobriety is My Superpower: How I Gained an Unparalleled Advantage in My Career
When I first embarked on my sobriety journey, I kept it a secret. Admitting I needed to quit drinking felt like a profound weakness, a failure to have the self-control that others seemed to possess so effortlessly. The thought of anyone knowing I might have a "problem" filled me with anxiety. Would I be seen as less responsible or capable? This fear fueled me to become an even greater overachiever, a relentless pursuit to prove I was absolutely "FINE."
The social landscape of my professional and personal life was a minefield. Celebrations, dinners, and events all revolved around alcohol. How would I gracefully decline a celebratory drink? How would I explain my club soda order after years of choosing fine wine? While concerned about what others would think, I worried most about being perceived as dull or boring, especially as I approached my late 50s.
Months into sobriety, when I realized it might actually "stick" this time, the anxiety intensified. Should I continue with vague excuses like, "I'm not drinking tonight," or "I have an early start tomorrow?" When would I "come clean" about the one thing I could not seem to do: drink "normally"? I was terrified of being seen as weak-willed.
Finding My Superpower
Then, one night, a profound shift occurred. I realized something critically important: drinking alcohol is easy. Quitting is the incredibly hard part. Abstaining demands immense courage to defy social norms and to navigate pressure without that perceived social lubricant. It takes guts to confidently connect with people without alcohol as a crutch.
Suddenly, I saw my sobriety not as a weakness, but as the hardest and most powerful thing I had ever accomplished. I realized I was really a badass. Sobriety was no longer my burden; it was my superpower.
Following this mindset transformation, my mental clarity skyrocketed. I was quick on my feet, capable of working long hours, and became known for creative, on-the-spot solutions. I evolved into the reliable person, the one you could call upon at a moment's notice, the one who remembered every detail from the night before. I was more present and more focused, and my life and career truly thrived.
My sobriety became my not-so-secret weapon. It was no longer something to hide; it was something to embrace. I took my last sip of alcohol in 2017.
Now, as an Integrative Health Coach, I help other individuals discover their own superpowers. I work with adults 50+ who are ready to become rebellious badasses and navigate the unique challenges of building healthy habits. I show them how to ditch old habits and gain a powerful unique advantage through vibrant sobriety, optimized health, and a sharp, longevity-focused mindset.
This is a story about rebelling against the expected and thriving beyond 50.
