62 Comments
Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

I love this Holly. Reminds me my why’s and that personally I have to be AF. Six months into that journey and need this little reminder that for me moderation is not possible or worth it. Thank you!

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

OMG, What Holly Said!

Maybe you can moderate. I can't. Don't want to try. I can't find the words to describe how much more I love my life without alcohol. It's day 355, and I want thousands more.

With so much LOVE, and gratitude, and Cinnamon Fire Jolly Ranchers, I wish you all a Beautiful Day! XOXOX Thank you, Holly!

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

This newsletter is a gift. I have this topic with humans often, and we all are into the topic of sobriety since years now. For me this text is again an eye opener and such a on point remember. Holly, the way you write reaches me. I marked a lot of sentences just for the wording. Thanks to always find words again for what You want to bring across.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Saving this to forward to people in the future. Yours is the response I always try to give but mine ends up sounding annoying to people I think. xo

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Yes, so much of this. Whenver I am asked this same question my answer is always, "Yes, but at what cost?" The energy it costs me to have the mental conversations with myself is exhasuting and endless. How much should I have tonight? Just 2, 2 is good. Or maybe 3. 3 if everyone else is. Then I won't drink tomorrow. 3 turns into several. Enter shame and regret. The cost is too high. Having the mental freedom to not think about this and a million more conversations like this is priceless.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Hit the nail on the head, as always. xx

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

“how important alcohol feels vs how important everything else does” ... or the way to care less about this thing is to care more about the other thing. Not sure how I keep losing this bit. I had a revolutionary moment this summer by applying this mantra to my job (that has swallowed me). It’s working. Thank you Holly. 🫶

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

As someone who also “cannot be like George”, I really appreciate your honest words!

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

This voice is what got me to the place I am today. 5 years AF. I love the empowerment here-the truth telling- that is what worked for me. The “I trust you to know”😘😘😘

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Thank you, Holly, for reading my story and for the shout out at #3. The text got cut off there accidentally, but it seems you connected with it, and that’s so wonderful to hear! I truly appreciate all of your work in this wild ride called recovering. 🙏🏻♥️

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Hi Holly- I started with Hip Sobriety + then Tempest and then was on my own for a bit before signing up to this newsletter. And I've read before from you that you are no longer with your company but (and it might not really be my business) I wonder WTF happened? You don't have to explain but if you have an already written article about it please direct me to it. thx and hope you are better than well...

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

I love you so dearly. Thank you.

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Jul 27, 2022·edited Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Thanks so much for this Holly!

I love that you point out your friend George’s experience v. your own, in regards to the need to moderate. It’s key in understanding, for me at least, why I am not able to drink like those who can so nonchalantly.

Also, thoroughly enjoyed your response to the podcast host asking “how do you do x or y or z without alcohol?” and “how do you tell ppl?” These are such annoying questions! It’s like “I do x, y, and z the same way I did before, only with much more clarity, joy, and presence!”

It’s just so freeing to truly see the power alcohol has over our society, commerce, culture - and then resist it. And to know others like me are out there, resisting as well. Thanks again for the reminder Holly!

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This was such a great read. Beautifully put Hol, and the end was so empowering and satisfying.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

Thank you for another articulate,thought provoking and helpful answer. I am on day 268 being Alcohol Free and they are the best (not always the easiest)days I have had since I had my first drink 53 years ago. I read something yesterday that I just loved. "If you are the kind of person that can't have just one.......Then have None. Thanks for such an impactful Newsletter.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Holly Whitaker

I've been a non-drinker for 794 days. Like I'm a non-smoker. Perhaps I could moderate, but I don't want to allow alcohol and everything that goes with it to take up space in my brain any more. It feels freeing. Thank you Holly and QLAW.

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