1,000 Days Sober - the truths I've learned

Today I’ve reached 1,000 days of sobriety — and wow, what a journey it’s been.

When I started out, I was full of doubt, shame, dread for the future, and a deep undercurrent of self-hate. I couldn’t imagine what life would be like being 100% sober, 100% of the time. I assumed it would be dull, boring, and relentlessly hard — with a generous dose of FOMO thrown in.

But I knew I had to try. There was a quiet possibility that it might just be better than the life I was living, stuck in an endless cycle of drinking.

It has been hard at times — but my god, it’s been worth it.

Here are some of the biggest truths I’ve learned along the way — some may surprise you:

1. Alcohol helps absolutely nothing.

I used to think alcohol made everything better — a celebration feel more special, a bad day more bearable, grief more manageable, anxiety more tolerable. I believed it helped me relax, socialise, escape boredom… I truly thought it was the answer to everything.

But here’s the truth: that’s all complete bullshit.

Now that I live sober, I’ve learned how to celebrate and truly feel the moment — and actually remember it. Why would I want to numb out what’s already great?

Bad days don’t disappear at the bottom of a bottle — they’re still there the next morning, only now with a headache and more regret. These days, I work through things. I change what I can and accept what I can’t. I’ve found better ways to relax — ones that don’t come with a crushing wave of anxiety or shame the next day.

Yes, a drink might lower your inhibitions — but how many of us stop at one? A few glasses in and you’re slurring, repetitive, overly emotional, clumsy, space-invading… not exactly your best self.

2. Being sober is not boring.

I thought sober people must be boring — personality-free, fun-free, just dragging themselves through life. I imagined it was only something people were forced into.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What’s more boring than letting your subconscious lead you around like a puppet, constantly trying to feed the alcohol monster within? Planning holidays around bars, living for the next socially acceptable time to drink, arranging socialising purely based on whether booze is available?

Now? I travel to experience places. I relax, explore, and soak it all in. My weekends are productive, and my downtime actually recharges me. My socialising is meaningful — if I’m spending time with you, I’m truly with you.

3. Addiction can affect anyone.

I used to think addiction was something that happened to other people — weak, chaotic, out-of-control people. But addiction does not discriminate.

It’s sly, subtle, and socially acceptable. Most people don’t even realise it’s happening — until it’s already taken hold.

And addicts? Far from weak. The addicts I’ve known are some of the most determined, resilient, resourceful people on the planet. When those qualities are turned toward recovery, something powerful and beautiful happens.

You don’t have to be drinking vodka for breakfast or living on the street to be addicted. I was highly functioning — but I was still addicted. Want to know if someone has a dependency? Ask them to stop drinking for three months. That’ll tell you everything.

4. Change is possible — and joyful.

Change isn’t just possible — it’s liberating. It’s rewarding. It’s one of the most joyful things I’ve ever done.

Sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol — it’s about discovering who you really are underneath it all. It starts with the hard stuff — the cravings, the physical withdrawal, the emotional rawness — but what comes after that is the real magic.

You start to rebuild. You find your voice. You reconnect with the person you really are — not the one alcohol blurred and battered. You start to love and honour yourself again.

The world needs that version of you. And you deserve to live a life that’s honest, fulfilling, and free.

Every single one of us has something special to offer the world. Life is short, and we all deserve to live it fully — with joy, love, compassion, and self-respect. The more we listen to ourselves with kindness and truth, the more life begins to unfold in incredible, unexpected ways.

I can’t promise it’s always easy — but honestly, drinking wasn’t easy either.

What I can promise is that sobriety is worth it. The work of understanding, accepting, and honouring yourself is the most important thing you’ll ever do.

So here’s to the next 1,000 days — more learning, more growth, and a deeper connection to this beautiful, sober reality I never dreamed was possible.

If you're on this path, or even just starting to wonder if alcohol is holding you back, you don’t have to go it alone.

Come and join WARRIORS Reclaim — a powerful, private community of women exploring life beyond alcohol with honesty, support, and zero judgement. Whether you're curious, committed, or just craving connection, there’s a space for you here.

🔗 Join the community today or come to one of our events to meet women just like you and me.

You’re not broken — you’re just ready for more.