Demon drink
picture by Ben Harris-Roxus
What am I doing on this roundabout?
Someone please tell me where to get off!
If this is to be an authentic blog about personal growth I have to come clean: last Friday’s Lust for life which I very much enjoyed writing and sharing, was not completely a natural high. Upon reflection (thanks for unwittingly pointing it out M-L) I was under the influence and because of that, my intoxication with life lacks integrity.
Naughty me! Posting spontaneously is rarely a good idea. Posting spontaneously after a few drinks is never a good idea. I don’t want to misrepresent myself as the author of this blog. We don’t live an idyllic, meditative, neat and tidy life (does anyone?). My intent with HERevolution was always to be honest with myself and the world. I’m a human being on a journey, just like everybody else. I try to cut myself some slack. Sometimes, I admit, I cut a little too much slack.
A writer-friend (thanks J) recently asked me, why do you drink? Since then I have realised I do it because my husband drinks. Neither of us to excess (that is, our behaviour isn’t dramatically altered), but regularly above the recommended limits. I realise that I drink because I enjoy socialising and because drinking is acceptable, even mandatory, in many of my relationships with significant friends and family. I drink because I enjoy the release and relaxation of it. And because it’s legal. We are moderate drinkers and while it hasn’t affected our health or our family life so far, our kids see us every evening with a glass in our hand. Is this drinking behaviour what I’d wish to model for my children? My answer is NO.
Over the years, hubby and I have developed an evening relaxation ritual that revolves around alcohol. It’s how we’ve come to reconnect after the day’s separation, and how we share the tedium of our respective days. But it can also be a temptation and a crutch. When our stress levels rise, the recycling bin overflows. As much as I try, I cannot imagine a life without the odd glass or beer or wine. But I’d like my consumption to return to low-occasional levels again and I’d like to find more healthful ways to relax. Committing this goal to writing is a start.
June 7th, 2009 - Posted in play, sustainability, ritual, grief, wisdom, health, self-care | |
6 Responses to ' Demon drink '
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on June 8th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Heya Jodie
I have tried a number of times to respond somehow to this blog post, and I have been unable to find the words. It is a topic that is close to my heart, and it has inspired my own blog post. I hope you don’t mind.
xx
on June 8th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
No, I don’t mind. In fact, I linked your blog post into your comment for ease of reference.
I actually didn’t know what triggered your mum’s illness and I’m sorry my blog entry troubled you so. I’m not sorry you felt prompted to write your own response though. You’re always welcome to link relevant stuff from your blog to mine.
Hugs!
on June 8th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Thankyou, I have put your link with my post.
I do not wish to imply that you are like my mum in your drinking habits, nor that you are on the same road. It is just interesting viewing the whole drinking journey from a different perspective. The first line of my blog post has been haunting me for months, so thankyou for once again providing me with a catalyst to get it out.
on June 8th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
But your description of your mum and dad’s behaviour is exactly like my husband and I, so perhaps our connection and your sharing you experience with your mum is exactly the lesson I needed, at exactly the right time.
on June 8th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Darling Jodie
Now I feel a bit guilty! I think you’re one of the lustiest women I’ve ever met with or without a drink in your hand.
I haven’t drunk alcohol for many many years and don’t miss it at all. Some people make a fuss about it but most people don’t even notice these days. You may have noticed the comment in Maggie about Tony only drinking when he’s thirsty - someone actually said that to me in a pub in Sydney. They were gobsmacked by the idea.
My Hubby likes a drink, especially red wine, and resorts to it when he’s really stressed but most of the time we relax and connect with a nice cup of tea. Even the ritual of making a pot of tea is relaxing.
ML
on June 8th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Lusty: (adj) healthy, strong, vigorous, lively.
Just wanted to clarify.
A pot of tea is just my style too M-L. With ginger, of course. Thank you!