Stop Drinking and Start Appreciating Your Life

Stopping Drinking Is a Time of Reflection

A strange thing happens when we stop drinking.

When the beer goggles come off, life comes into focus — and suddenly we’re reflecting, evaluating, and often comparing ourselves to those around us.

In truth, social comparison is happening all the time. From an evolutionary standpoint, our status in the group matters, so we instinctively scan the social ladder and wish we were a few steps higher. It’s human — but it can seriously damage our well-being.

The Trap of Assumption and Comparison

Too often we compare and assume.

You see the guy at the bar with the expensive wine, the clean-cut outfit, the fancy car keys on the table — and instantly assume:

“He must be so happy.”

Then the inner voice starts whispering:

“If only I had the clothes, the car, the money… then I’d be happy.”

But here’s the twist.

That same guy might be secretly comparing himself to the carefree bartender — the one who seems relaxed, light, unburdened.

While he’s drowning in the pressures of running a business, paying for private school fees, keeping up with the Joneses, staying afloat financially… he looks at the bartender and thinks:

“If only I had no worries, I’d be happy too.”

Everyone assumes.

Everyone compares.

Everyone thinks someone else has it better.

And all of it is an illusion.

Stop the Merry-Go-Round

We have absolutely no idea what’s happening in someone else’s life.

Their smile might hide panic.

Their luxury might hide debt.

Their confidence might hide exhaustion.

So stop assuming.

Stop comparing.

Start living your life — the only one you actually control.

What someone else owns, wears, earns or drives has zero relevance to your happiness or your trajectory. Let it go.

The only things you truly control are your beliefs and your emotions.

Consider How Lucky You Are—Right Now

Take a minute and think about the millions of people who would give anything to have what you have:

Your safety.

Your opportunities.

Your freedom.

Your second chance.

Gratitude kills comparison.

And when you remove alcohol from the equation, that gratitude becomes supercharged.

Because once you’re alcohol-free, everything gets better:

• Vitality

• Energy

• Confidence

• Mental clarity

• Health

• Productivity

• Emotional stability

• Happiness

Your life expands in ways you never expected.

Good luck on your adventures,

Andy Ramage