Chapter 1: A Room with a View

In my bedroom, which features a glass roof overlooking expansive fields, I’ve experienced the passage of seasons like never before. When we first visited the house, the estate agent called it a "marmite room"—you either love it or hate it. I immediately knew I was on the favorable side.

The charm of this room lies in how it immerses you in the changing seasons. There’s no escaping it; during winter, you go to bed enveloped in darkness and awaken to the same. However, as spring transitions into summer, this cycle transforms dramatically. I’ve never been more attuned to the shifting seasons than while sleeping in this space.

The elements are palpable here; one moment, you might be greeted by sideways rain pounding against the glass, and the next, you could awaken to a serene white landscape of snow. This morning, as I lay in bed gazing at the sky, I pondered how particularly lengthy this winter has felt. October and November seem far in the past. While I understand winter can be tough for many, I have oddly appreciated its extended presence.

Reflecting on a few years back, as I approached my fortieth birthday, I became acutely aware of how quickly time was slipping away. The clichés of parenthood were all too real as I watched my children grow at an alarming rate, while life continued its relentless pace.

During my drinking days, time felt like just another factor in my life. I didn’t value it nearly as much as I could have, merely following a monotonous routine. While there is merit in simply getting through the day, I eventually realized that life should offer more depth than that.

Quitting alcohol has completely transformed my perspective on time. While I still enjoy those quiet moments with a cup of coffee, staring off into space, I haven’t turned into one of those hyper-productive individuals who rise at dawn with a minute-by-minute schedule. Instead, by shedding the emotional weight and fatigue alcohol brought into my life, I’ve learned to truly enjoy time rather than just exist within it.

There are still moments when I’m taken aback as I notice my children becoming old enough to tease me, their growth happening at a dizzying pace. However, my newfound relationship with time allows me to cherish these instances rather than merely watch them drift by.

Time seems to fly when you’re having fun, but I would argue that it actually slows down.

Love,

Sober at 40

Chapter 2: The Impact of Quitting Alcohol

The first video titled "What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol" explores the physiological changes that occur when one abstains from alcohol. This enlightening video delves into the benefits of sobriety, including improved mental clarity and physical well-being.

Additionally, the second video, "I QUIT DRINKING FOR 90 DAYS - HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED!" shares a personal journey of a 90-day sobriety challenge, highlighting the transformations and insights gained during this period.