What Happens When You Just… Try?
Let me start with this — I’m not here to preach.
Some of the best nights of my life have started with, or ended with, a drink in hand. I’ve toasted milestones, danced off heartbreaks, laughed until it hurt — all while holding a crisp glass of white or a cold gin and tonic.
But what if — just what if — you hit pause?
This summer, I’m trying something. Something I’ve dabbled in before but never really committed to long-term:
Sober for summer.
Not because I “had to,” but because I wanted to see what would happen if I changed the script.
The truth is, I love a drink.
To celebrate. To commiserate. To let the week melt away. But there’s a fine line between enjoying a drink and relying on it to soften every corner of life.
What happens when you want more from your mornings? When you want your brain to feel sharper, your creativity to return, and your emotions to stop swinging like a pendulum every Sunday morning?
There’s no denying it: alcohol can cloud things — your thoughts, your focus, your motivation.
Even the small things like getting out for a walk or feeling confident in your skin start to feel… harder.
So this time, I decided to be more conscious.
To notice how I felt.
To say polite no’s and sometimes firm no’s.
To resist the “It’s only one!” or “You deserve a wine, come on!” invitations — which usually do sound tempting, let’s be honest.
But I started to realise: every no was making space for something else.
More mornings spent clear-headed.
More evenings spent productive.
More presence — in conversations, in workouts, in writing, in rest.
And maybe most surprising of all… more joy.
Because I didn’t feel like I was missing out — I felt like I was reclaiming something.
This isn’t coming from someone who’s struggled with alcohol in the traditional sense. I’ve always had moments off and on — dry months, resets, a few detox-style breaks. But this time it’s felt different, like an intentional shift, not a restriction.
And I’ve not done it alone. I’ve surrounded myself with people also trying, or at least supporting it. I’ve found new rituals, different spaces. I’ve sipped peach tonic at Coast in Birkdale, sampled the lemon and mango fizz at Penelope’s, and swapped out celebratory prosecco for a walk and a homemade smoothie — and guess what? The joy still came.
Of course, there are still temptations. A sunny beer garden. A pub win. The lure of a bottle and a giggle after a hard day. But I keep asking:
What could six months sober give me?
What could change — in my mindset, my body, my life — if I stuck with it?
I don’t have all the answers. But I can tell you this: it’s worth exploring.
Not out of guilt.
Not to punish yourself.
But out of curiosity.
Because maybe there’s something waiting on the other side of that “no thanks.”
And maybe, just maybe — you’ll like who you meet there.
http://www.southportsjourney.com
Here are some local and national support services for those considering a sober journey or seeking assistance:
Local Support in Southport
Change Grow Live – Sefton Drug and Alcohol Services
Located at 8 Church Street, Southport PR9 0QT, this service offers confidential support for adults and families dealing with alcohol and drug challenges.
🔗 changegrowlive.org/service/sefton-drug-alcohol/southport(Change Grow Live)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Southport Meetings
AA provides peer-led meetings in Southport, offering a supportive community for those aiming to stop drinking.
🔗 alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk(Alcoholics Anonymous)
National Helplines and Online Support
Drinkline
A free, confidential helpline for individuals concerned about their drinking or someone else’s.
📞 Call 0300 123 1110 (Weekdays 9am–8pm, Weekends 11am–4pm)
🔗 nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support(Alcohol Change UK)
Alcohol Change UK
Offers information and support options for those worried about their alcohol consumption.
🔗 alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now(NHS Inform)
We Are With You
Provides support for individuals dealing with drug, alcohol, or mental health issues, along with assistance for friends and family.
🔗 wearewithyou.org.uk(Mind)
FRANK
Offers confidential advice and information about drugs and alcohol, including a directory of local support services.
🔗 talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you(Talk To Frank)
Embarking on a sober journey can be challenging, but support is available. Whether you’re taking the first step or seeking ongoing assistance, these resources are here to help.
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