Hey beautiful people 🌟
“I’m never drinking again.” Probably the most lied-about statement in the history of humanity, right? I’ve said it hundreds of times, sometimes gargling it through a DIY facial ice bath, hoping it would magically cure my hangover and puffy face, and keep the feeling of death looming at bay. We say it, we think we mean it, but let’s be real—we don’t actually mean it. Sometimes we’re back at it that same night or the next day, drink in hand, pretending last night never happened.
So, why was this time different? It’s not like I planned to go sober. But I woke up with my “Why.” I had a business to build, and I needed out of this creative rut, this overall feeling of flatness. I’d been so dedicated to becoming the best version of myself, and deep down, I knew the truth: alcohol was the last gatekeeper standing between me and my freedom. It was time to let it go.
Week 1: Clarity and Calm-ish
Ah, week one. The brain fog was clinging to me like an overly attached ex, and sleep? Yeah, still a distant memory. But then, out of nowhere, this weird sense of calm started creeping in, along with a curious little voice in my head saying, “Hey, maybe this sobriety thing isn’t so bad.” My body was in full detox mode—feeling a bit “off” but there was this tiny spark of energy that made me think, “Okay, maybe I’ve got this.”
Week 2: Better Sleep and Rosy Cheeks
By week two, they promised me dramatic improvements in sleep. Well, it was more like “dramatically delayed,” but I was waking up a bit more rested, so I’ll take it! Energy levels were starting to rise, and my rosacea finally took my advice to go fuck off. Who knew that clear skin could be part of the sobriety? I did. I knew, despite years of discouraged tears, drinking was more important.
Week 3: Mental Clarity and Mood Boost—Is That a Dance Move?
“By week three, my brain finally stopped giving me the side-eye and accepted that we weren’t doing the alcohol thing anymore. The fog lifted, my mood sunnier, and suddenly, I was dancing alone, giggling, and even adding handstands to my workouts. I’m smiling more and slowing down the speed of my thoughts, becoming more aware of my breath. My curious mind is reeling in all the little wonders of the world that I had been too buzzed to notice before.”
4oWeek 4: Abs and Motivation, Making a Comeback
Hello, week four, you beautiful beast. This is where the magic really started to happen. Improved digestion (yay for regular poops!) and muscle definition, especially around the midriff (double yay!). My motivation to stay sober was hitting new highs as I began to see and feel the results. This was no longer “just an experiment.” My abs even considered a full-time comeback tour, but I decided to celebrate with Suzie-Q donuts and a Dairy Queen Smartie Blizzard—too much change too fast can be stressful.
Week 5: Confidence, Connections, and the “Ahhh” Moment
Welcome to week five, where I officially hit my “Ahhh” moment. Suddenly, I’m feeling smart, respected, confident, and accomplished—all at once! It’s like all the cylinders in my brain finally decided to fire up, probably for the first time ever. I’m having deeper conversations, meaningful connections, and I’m cultivating new friendships with people who are getting to see the intelligent, curious side of me that’s been hiding behind a wine glass for years.
“Also, I’m a freaking cool human with some undeniably hippie vibes. I don’t need to be the comedy show everywhere I go. I might be a little quieter without the liquid courage, but don’t mistake that for being lesser than. I’m actually more. The safety of having a clear mind gives me the confidence to be me—relaxed, with a calm and inclusive energy, and a little bit of ‘challenge the rules, with a cute little wild side here and there’—and that’s my favorite version of me.”
Released.
At a pool party this weekend, a new acquaintance asked me, “How does being sober feel to you?” Without missing a beat, I said, “Released.” He looked at me, smiled, and said, “Now think about what that means.”
Released:
Released from the controlling grips of alcohol, from the overbearing self-centeredness it demands. Alcohol insists on being your top priority—it wants to be thought of first, spent on first, and catered to above all else. It pressures you to suppress your true self under the guise of “making you better.” It craves immediate attention, dragging you away from genuine connections. It wants you to act a little stupid, thinking that’s what makes you funny. It insists on being your constant companion—demanding to be taken everywhere, and if it’s not welcome, sneaking it in like a rebellious teenager.
We hear “pool party invite,” “BBQ,” “dinner party,” “boat day,” “birthday party,” “picnic,” “bike ride…” and immediately, we think booze. We spend hours mulling over which toxin we’ll dump into our bodies this time because, heaven forbid, if I don’t drink, people might think I’m boring, or worse, a loser!
I’m not here to push sobriety on anyone, and I’m not declaring I’ll never have a drink again. But I’m nowhere near ready to give up this feeling that my world just got a whole lot bigger and way more exciting. I notice more—vibrant colors, stunning architecture, the little details I used to overlook. I feel more—the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze, the full spectrum of emotions. The world looks brighter; I see smiles more than frowns. I revel in the sounds of laughter and lawnmowers, no longer annoyed by their impact on my hangover.
Much Love.
Dawn
#SoberJourney #SoberLife #SoberIsSexy #SoberCurious #SoberAF #SoberSuccess #SoberAndHappy #SoberVibes #SoberAndStrong
Dawn Hyland 
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