Quit Lit

I just finished A Happier Hour by Rebecca Weller. It was my favorite quit lit so far! I've read a lot of memoirs, but I have related most to Rebecca. Her age upon quitting, her relationship with alcohol, and her reasons for quitting (I add kids on top of her reasons). I also enjoy a lot of the same self-care and celebration activities that she lists in the books. Her vision boards, pretty journals, clean sheets, a little shopping, decluttering, and dates with friends that involve walking and cafes - speak to me. If she can go on vacations, meals at fancy hotels, parties with friends, new neighbor gatherings, weddings, etc. without drinking...so can I! 

I listened to her read her own book on Audible. That's how I consume all of my quit lit, while out walking my dog. Her adorable Australian accent and charming personality makes me want to squeeze her! She was so cute that for the first half of the book, she reminded me of adorable young Shirley Temple. In the second half, I would get glimpses of Jessica Simpson (whom I also adore!). 

While on a natural high after finishing her book, I drove past a local brewery where people were outside enjoying their beers yesterday. The thought creeped in about how sad it is that I won't do that again. That particular brewery even has the best GF beer that I had found. Later last night, we were watching our island house hunting shows in bed. I felt sad thinking that I won't enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc with my husband ever again. I had to remind myself that it wouldn't just stop at the beer or two (or three) at the brewery, or just one glass of wine with my husband. We would continue on, and I would be so mad at myself. The disappointment and other icky feelings, would be worse than the longing to be able to participate. 

I haven't paid any money to join online sober communities, coaching or resources. However, after listening to Weller's book and learning about the Sexy Sobriety program that her and her husband created, that might be something that I invest in some day. Especially if I find post pandemic gathering difficult. One of the things that I love about what they have created, is the video interviews with sober and thriving women they have met and/or sought out.

The only downside about listening to these books while walking, is that I can't highlight or write down noteworthy takeaways. There were many I wanted to jot down. I might purchase a hard copy of her book and go to town with pretty highlighters and a journal. One tip that really stood out to me, was that two or three hours of socializing is enough and can be exhausting sober. Especially if you are an introvert. I don't need to feel guilty if I call it a night after two hours. 

My second favorite quit lit book so far is The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley. I could relate to her story in many ways, especially as a Mom. She takes you through almost every day of her first year sober. I'll listen to that one again too. I remember it being early days for me, and thinking how cool it would be to go back and listen again when I have months under my belt. Her accent is also lovely and she is very funny. 

I read The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober during one of my alcohol breaks a couple of years ago. I know that a lot of people really like that book. I don't think that I was in the right head space for it at the time. My thoughts were "That's great for other people that they can do it and have a better life, but that doesn't work for me/my life/my friends/my marriage. We all drink." I suspect that I would enjoy that book a lot more now, and have a better attitude - LOL. 

Rebecca Weller has a second book out that I will be buying with my next Audible credit. Clare Pooley just made the New York Time's Best Seller List with her first fiction novel. This bodes well for their claims that once you quit drinking, you have a lot more time for other passions. 

Resources

https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Happier-Hour-Audiobook/B083CX88MB?

https://www.audible.com/pd/Up-All-Day-Audiobook/B087CD2476?

https://sexysobriety.com.au/

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Sober-Diaries-Audiobook/B0779KQHYF?

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Authenticity-Project-Audiobook/0593166027?qid=1610724724&sr=1-

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unexpected-Joy-of-Being-Sober-Audiobook/B076HYZ68K?