Things I love to do now, that I “didn’t have time for” when I was a regular drinker:

Something you probably don’t think about when you’re in the cycle of habitual drinking—whether that’s every night, a few nights a week, or even just sometimes on the weekend—is how much of your precious TIME you give to alcohol.

Personally, I believe our time is the most valuable thing we have. I can always make more money if I need to.. but time? You can’t get it back once it’s gone!

Which is why it really blows my mind that I loved to drink for 15 years, all the while throwing away so much of my own precious time. But you know what? You live and you learn.

So how did I give my time to alcohol? That trip to the liquor store? 20 minutes. The nights spent drinking? Hours. The day after… if you overdo it sometimes, like I did.. I bet that could be entire days spent watching Netflix and eating takeout.

It’s common for people who are new to sobriety to feel like they gained back all this time. Which can be a bit tricky, if you let it lead to boredom… but personally, I have a never ending to-do list of projects and hobbies that I can’t wait to tackle. The more spare time I have these days, the better!

Things I love to do now, that I “didn’t have time for” when I was a regular drinker:

#1 Reading

I always read some, but now I read A LOT. It’s super difficult to read (especially for me, with ADHD) after even just one glass of wine. Now I love getting lost in a juicy thriller novel. This is probably my favorite way to relax / take the edge off at the end of the day, without a drink. 

#2 Exercise in the morning

When I had a glass or two of wine every night, there was no way in hell I was going to work out in the morning. I have exercised most of my adult life, but I preferred the 5-6 PM time slot. I never really put two and two together that this had to do with my alcohol habit until I quit completely.

Now that I’m a non-drinker, I LOVE to work in the morning. It wakes me up before I start the rest of my day, and I love the feeling of having accomplished the most challenging thing first. It makes the rest of the day feel easy!

#3 Gardening

A little over a month ago, I moved from NYC to Upstate New York. One of my favorite things now is tending to my garden. I spend a little time on it every day! I am growing pumpkins, tomatoes, and some herbs (rosemary, basil, sage).. and I can’t wait to start growing a whole lot more produce and some cutting flowers in the next few weeks. I would not have the time or energy to dedicate to my green thumb if I was still drinking as much as I used to.  

Now it’s your turn!! Tell me something you would love to do with more time on your hands.. 

Rooting for you always, 

Gretchen