Sobriety is Overrated

I've been a lifelong drinker of alcohol. In particular, beer. I like to drink beer; have since I was in my teens.

However, I am also somewhat of a healthnut. I workout daily, run, try to eat relatively good, etc. Excluding my love for beer-drinking, I would say that I am a pretty healthy man.

I know that drinking isn't good for you. Especially getting drunk on beer 4 nights a week. So I try to counter that with a healthy lifestyle, as well as periods of sobriety. 

I don't know if I would classify myself as an alcoholic, as I don't have any physical dependence on alcohol (I don't shake, or whatever if I don't have booze). But I am definitely a habitual drinker.

As I've aged I have come to terms with the realization that drinking could catch up to me. I saw someone say recently that a midlife crisis is choosing weather or not to continue drinking even though you know your health is going to deteriorate from it. I don't know if that's how I would define a midlife crisis, but it definitely is something all drinkers are faced with at some point in their life.

I am currently going through a period of time without any alcohol. I have done this pretty regularly since I turned 40. I will take a month or two off during the year. Usually at trendy times with other people. Like "dry January," or "sober October."

When I first started doing these sober stretches I came to the conclusion rather quickly that sobriety is overrated. Now, I understand that some people's lives literally are on the line if they don't stay sober. I'm not speaking for anyone other than myself. My drinking isn't to the point that if I get drunk I'm going to end up in jail, lose my job or empty the bank account. So I am speaking only from my perspective.

It all comes down to how do you want to live your life. Is trying to make sure you get as many seconds on earth your #1 priority. Or is it just enjoying every second you have to the fullest. 

I think it is a good thing to take time off from drinking, and other vices that you may have, so that they don't consume you in a negative way. But I also think that YOLO and should enjoy your life. No matter how healthy you are, you will die just like everyone else. 

For me, sobriety is overrated. 

What say you?

God bless!