For many, whether it’s going out with friends for drinks on a Friday night or pouring that delectable glass (or two) of wine to take the edge off, drinking is a treat. However, for one woman, it became a negative force she decided she could do without.
One woman shared all of the reasons she decided to never drink again, and we’re bringing this enlightening story your way.
One woman found that drinking had dire consequences for her
Unsplash
In 2015, a woman named Kendra Gayle Lee shared her story on Bustle.com, documenting her negative experiences with drinking. She recalled hating herself when she drank because she had no control.
She’d blackout and immediately panic after waking up, fearing what she’d texted friends and any other erratic behavior from her drunk self.
“We’d [Kendra and alcohol] had some good times, but now our interactions were characterized by shame, reckless behavior, and occasional bodily injury.”
Lee/Bustle.com
Kendra prioritized her loved ones over liquor
Unsplash
There came a point in which Kendra decided to put her relationships and her career first and ditch the drinks forever.
In fact, she pinpointed six key reasons why she now keeps completely away from alcohol.
“I had finally pulled together a life I loved— a partner, a job as an instructor at a university, great friends.”
Lee/Bustle
1. Waking up in her own bed
Unsplash
Many of us can relate to the fact that Kendra’s happy place is at home in her own bed. When she wakes up in the morning, she prefers to be greeted by familiar pillows and blankets versus waking up in the backyard in a drunken stupor.
She found she was waking up everywhere but her own bed after drinking, and that wasn’t OK.
“But if I drink, I may wake up anywhere: the backyard, the beach, Tokyo, or in someone else’s bed.”
Lee/Bustle
2. Keeping her house clean
Unsplash
While many of us get behind on cleaning and other household chores from time to time, for Kendra, it was a disaster when she drank. Sometimes she didn’t even have toilet paper in the house or clean underwear to put on.
“If you can have a drink and still manage to keep clean underwear and toilet paper in the house, good for you — but I couldn’t.”
Lee/Bustle
3. Being able to go for runs
Unsplash
When Kendra drank, she didn’t have time and energy (or balance) to run because her time was spent “sitting on the barstool.” However, without alcohol, she finds running to be something that keeps her “grounded.”
4. Getting back to reading
Unsplash
From childhood to adulthood, Kendra loved reading. She even studied literature for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Yet, drinking took over her attention span and made reading nearly impossible. Without it, she can get back to what she loves.
“I heard about people reading, but I couldn’t figure out how they found time for it. Now I know: I just needed to put the beer mug away.”
Lee/Bustle
5. More time to be a great mom
Unsplash
After struggling to conceive for two years and then having a miscarriage, Kendra gave birth to her daughter. For her, having her daughter was a miracle, and she wanted to focus on cherishing rather than savoring a good drink.
“But I can’t be her mom — not in the way she deserves — if I have a drink.”
Lee/Bustle
6. Being free
Unsplash
When it comes down to it, Kendra just doesn’t want to drink anymore. What’s right for some isn’t right for her anymore. In fact, she has a deeper understanding of who she is after looking inward.
“I am comfortable in my own skin,” she wrote.
“Alcohol was never my problem: I was my problem. Alcohol just blurred the edges and made me feel (temporarily better)”
Lee/Bustle
Kendra doesn’t condemn those who drink
Unsplash
Kendra respects those who can have a healthy happy life while still partaking in the occasional libations; she just isn’t one of them.
“So please, if you can drink and be happy and healthy, go ahead. Enjoy! But no thanks for me. I am good.”
Lee/Bustle
Let us know what you think in the comments
Does Kendra’s experience with drinking resonate with you or someone you know? Let us know in the comments!
