Ep 61 Why Chasing Happiness in a Wine Glass Always Leaves You Empty

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Unlocking True Happiness: Choosing an Alcohol-Free Path

Introduction: The Misleading Joy of Alcohol

As a society, we are often led to believe that alcohol is the key to happiness and social enjoyment. Many of us have been conditioned to associate drinking with joy, relaxation, and fun. But is this perception truly aligned with the reality? In Episode 61 of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, hosts Susan Larkin and Ruby Williams delve into the intricacies of alcohol, happiness, and the emotional truths that lie beneath the surface.

 A Common Belief: Alcohol Equals Happiness

Many wine lovers struggle with the concept of giving up alcohol primarily because they equate it with happiness, especially during stress or sadness. Susan and Ruby, both former wine enthusiasts and now alcohol freedom coaches, discuss how deeply embedded this belief is in cultural and personal narratives. The wine industry, bolstered by advertisements and media, often portrays drinking as synonymous with having a good time. This cultural conditioning from a young age fuels the conflation of alcohol with joy.

 Chemically Induced Euphoria: A Temporary Illusion

Alcohol does stimulate a temporary feeling of euphoria, but at what cost? As Susan explains, alcohol acts as both a stimulant and a depressant. Initially, it may seem to elevate moods, presenting a fleeting sense of euphoria. However, this high is followed by a chemical downer, leading to prolonged periods of feeling low. Beyond the initial twenty minutes of "fun," there resides a cycle of stimulation and depression that can skew one's overall sense of well-being.

Science reveals the true nature of this cycle: drinking causes a surge in dopamine, providing that unarguable buzz, but it also triggers the release of dynorphin, a chemical that suppresses feelings of joy and elevates anxiety.

 Experiential Reality: Reflecting on Personal Narratives

Ruby shares her personal realization that alcohol did not truly make her happy. Her stories of picking sad movies to watch while drinking speaks to an underlying emotional turmoil rather than genuine joy. This is a stark reminder of how drinking can lead to feelings of sadness instead of the anticipated happiness. Susan adds that anger, rather than gratitude or love, was a more typical companion during her drinking days.

They reflect on the need to re-evaluate and redefine what happiness means as one ages. What constituted fun and excitement in our twenties may evolve, necessitating an aligned shift in our beliefs and habits.

 Reframing Happiness: Beyond Alcohol

The podcast highlights the deeper emotions that compose genuine happiness, as identified by Barbara Fredrickson's research. These include joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, amusement, inspiration, and awe. When alcohol diminishes these emotions, it consequently robs individuals of true happiness, not augments it.

Ruby prompts listeners to engage in a reflective practice by journaling about how alcohol impacts those pivotal emotions. Is drinking expanding or diminishing your capacity for joy, serenity, and hope?

 The Power of Mindful Observance and Change

By embracing self-compassion, awareness, and curiosity, listeners are encouraged to question long-held beliefs about alcohol and happiness. Susan and Ruby underscore the importance of asking, "Is it true?" when confronted with the notion that alcohol equals happiness. Such introspection opens the door to reprogramming neural pathways and altering belief systems.

This reveals a path towards authentically experiencing life’s vibrant moments—free from the veneer of alcohol.

Conclusion: Living Alcohol-Free and Lit

The journey to becoming alcohol-free is about more than simply quitting drinking; it’s about rediscovering and redefining happiness along the way. Susan embraces engendering happiness through engaging in activities like pickleball and sauna sessions, whereas Ruby finds joy in yoga and listening to her sensations.

Listeners are left with a profound insight: life is a blank canvas. With each sober day, we can paint it with authentic moments of joy and awe, ultimately living a life that is truly “lit”—alcohol-free.

Ultimately, the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast invites listeners to embark on a personal journey. It challenges them to question and revisit the beliefs that bind them. Here's to living fully present, embracing life’s richness, and creating a masterpiece of authentic joy.

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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching
Email: [email protected]