Woman's story of why she gave up drinking might make you think differently about alcohol

One mum, Celeste Yvonne, has revealed how she dealt with the stresses of motherhood by going completely sober.

In an interview with Bored Panda, Celeste said she made the decision to quit drinking completely in December 2017, after she realised she wasn't able to be the mum she wanted to be to her children after three glasses of wine.

In a post on Facebook, she laid out her reasoning, and the post went viral, with 35,000 shares:

I went to a play date the other day at someone's house. Almost the moment I stepped through the front door, the mom giggled "Mimosa time!" and my body froze up. 

I wasn't prepared for this. 

Most times, when I'm heading to a social gathering, I have time to prepare. I mentally prepare, I physically prepare (I always bring a kombucha with me), I emotionally prepare. 

I think about what I will say when someone asks why I'm not drinking. I think about how deep I want to get in the conversation -- because some days I'm ready to go there, and other days I want to talk about anything BUT that. 

Today, because I was so caught off guard, I probably looked like a deer in headlights. I almost said "Yes" and thought about just pretending to sip it. But I said "Not right now, I'm good thank you" and the conversation veered to something else. 

But it came up again about 15 minutes later. And again another 15 minutes later. And I was practically banging my head against the wall mentally thinking "why don't I just tell her I don't drink?"

But I didn't. I was afraid she would think I wasn't fun. I was afraid she wouldn't want to have more play dates with me.

I read a meme yesterday that said "I determine my kids play dates by which mom I want to drink wine with". 

Being alcohol free can truly feel ostracizing. And it's strange to think that alcohol is the only drug that we have to explain NOT using. 

Time to change the narrative. Alcohol free is a choice that should not require an explanation, embarrassment or fear of condemnation.

Speaking to Bored Panda, she said her relationships with her children and spouse had flourished from the decision:

I’m less distracted and I’m more present.

I still get angry, I still get frustrated, but I don’t experience the tremendous guilt that came with over-drinking around my family.

I don’t worry my kids would always remember me with a drink in my hand, and then as they grow up my own worry about what kind of effect that would have on their own decisions as adults.

She also explained how it took her a year to go public with her decision, but it was all worth it because of the messages she's now getting, thanking her for being so open about her journey.

She also shares why she loves being sober on her Instagram account.

Other people on social media loved her honesty, and they could also instantly relate to the post.

One said:

Totally get it. Ive never knowingly had alcohol (had one sip of punch that had it in it at a wedding when I was like 11) and it blows peoples minds

Another added:

You did great! Don’t worry about what anyone has to say. I am sure I am the only one that doesn’t drink in certain circles but I am fine with that! You go girl!

A third summed it up:

I choose not to be anonymous with my sobriety. I’m pretty blunt and vocal about being happy and grateful for being sober. People usually respect that. If they don’t, they don’t need to be in my life

HT Bored Panda

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