I had my first drink when I was in middle school. I dabbled ever so often throughout high school, Often getting ridiculously drunk each time. I took pride in being able to “hold my liquor.” Going off to college was a whole new experience of partying and drinking that continued well into my mid-twenties. There were a few times when I did give myself a break, but I quickly found myself back to drinking—drinking to numb myself, drinking for fun, drinking for confidence. Honestly, any excuse to drink was a good enough reason.

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 After ending a horrendous break-up, I found myself in my car, moving across the country, ready to change my life. In my first two months, I found myself drinking more and more. I told myself I did not move to Virginia not to be great. I gave myself three months to not drink. I needed to use these three months to find a job and determine what was next for me.

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After one month of not drinking and reading over five quit-lit books during all my newly-found free time, I decided I never needed to drink again. I filled my days with things that brought me peace, like reading, walking, dancing, meditating, and journaling. I found a sober online community and made friends. The pink cloud hit me hard, and I never wanted to give it up.

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Two years later, I have never been happier. This experience wasn’t always easy. I found myself chugging ginger beers and seltzer waters while crying myself to sleep on my most challenging days. Even my hardest days cannot hold a light to the peace and love I feel in my life now. Sobriety gave me such a beautiful life, and I wouldn’t trade it for a night of drinking.