Chance Marshall’s Post

And it's even worse when you're out with work colleagues and there's a power imbalance. I've seen alcoholic drinks being bought and given to people (even though they didn't ask for them) and then the boss being visibly offended when they (politely) refused them and asked for a soft drink. How difficult is that situation for the less senior person?!

I can relate to this people “it makes me unwell” was not considered a sufficent answer. I was told in a previous role that if I wanted to be part of the team I needed to drink more.. So started to tell people I was allergic… leading them to question if that’s even a thing. Turns out it just causes my IBS to flare up resulting in significant pain. I think telling some people you don’t drink causes them to become uncomfortable because you’ll likely remember everything they want to forget..

It's also the most dangerous drug in the world, and by some distance. Legality and safety are not synonymous, and the heavy drinking culture of the City (especially) has a long way to go before understanding this.

Alcohol is 'seen' as a social lubricant. It's supposed to make boring people less boring, and boring occasions more fun. It often does the opposite, but people still feel the need to hide behind its perceived effects (fun, frolicks and jolly japes), and forget the ugly side (inauthenticity, rage, violence, depression, sadness, loss, regret, hangovers, sad emptiness, regretful texts, inappropriate behaviour, dangerous acts). Since I stopped drinking my life has been a pure blessing, most of the time. Even when it's not it's still navigable without the destructive force of alcohol. Life is good! 🌞 🙏🏽

I think it’s partly because it holds up a mirror to those drinking alcohol who are uncomfortable with their relationship with alcohol. I’m pretty much tee total now after years of drinking too much. It’s changed my social life, but my mental and physical health are so much better.

I remember being at a party while I was pregnant, an alcoholic with 2 years sobriety under my belt at the time and I was driving home and I still was getting stick for not drinking - ‘go on surely one won’t hurt!’ I mean how many reasons does a poor girl need?!

There is sometimes an unfathomable amount of explaining to do, and fending off the laughter, for why you actually would JUST like a lemonade or sparkling water (with extra lemon slices). 🍋 Please. Thank you. Yes I am still having a good (clear headed) time on the softies.

I don't drink, but yet I am often faced with crazy looks from people who don't understand why I don't need to drink.

When I stopped drinking, 14 years ago, there was an answer that I gave, that mentally indicated I wasn't it a good place. If someone offered me a drink, I would say; "I can't drink" This meant that I wanted to, but couldn't, which always meant I was one drink away from a slip. I realised this and changed my response and my mentality, which ultimately gave me the strength and confidence to remain sober. I changed my response to; "I don't drink" This slight change meant I didn't have a problem, I wasn't frustrated, I wasn't struggling and it removed a lot of questions. Suddenly, it was my choice and I was in control of that decision.

Oh if people knew the distance to ones own soul grows by the glass or what energy enities might enter the energy field during the influence of alcohol..... Alcohol serves as a separation product to prevent us from wholeness.