I have talked many times about how much cutting alcohol was both freeing and stressful, and I did so the same day I changed my eating.
I suppose cutting one or the other may have been kinder to myself, but I did not feel that I had the option of time. No time to shuffle those feet, when my health was on the line. So instead, I ripped a bandaid the size of Texas off of my heart.
I'm glad I did that now, because I survived it and I'm thriving, but social anxiety is still something that I am addressing. I still find myself bowing out of certain social situations where alcohol is involved, or where there are no food options for me. If both of those hurdles are in the equation it's a definite "no".
I think we pick and choose the activities we can live with, and decline guilt free on others. For me, it is important to continue building up emotional and physical health, and making sure that I honor the new heights of self respect and care that I'm building.
Enjoy the pleasures of a clear mind and a healthy body. Be glad about not putting toxins — the source of the word intoxication — into your body and mind. Feel good about the gift you are giving your future self
Enjoy the results in your relationships. Enjoy not feeling embarrassed the day after a hangover or tired because you stayed up too late. Savor the respect of others. Be glad you avoided needless quarrels.
Feel good about not harming others. Be glad you've cleared the field, so you can focus on getting your wants met in the relationship
Enjoy learning how to manage stress and have fun in more wholesome, psychologically mature ways.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-wise-brain/202209/the-importance-healthy-self-control-a
Love, Sue

Well Done Sue!!