Hey Sober Together Community, I want to share something deeply personal from this weekend—a moment that felt small on the surface but carried an unexpected weight. We were at a family outing, and the place we went to was known for its incredible milkshakes. Now, let me say this upfront: I love ice cream, but I am not a milkshake person. Ice cream? Sure, I’ll have a single scoop, and I’m good. My family will tell you that I can have a pint sitting in the freezer for weeks without touching it. Milkshakes, though? That’s just not me. But here’s what happened: I went along with the crowd. I found myself saying, “Sure, I’ll have one,” even though I knew it didn’t align with my usual choices or values. It felt... off. And as weird as it sounds, it reminded me of when I used to drink—not because I wanted to, but because it felt like the thing to do in the moment. I drank to fit in, to make others feel comfortable, or just to avoid standing out. So, there I was, staring at this huge milkshake called Death by Chocolate. It was massive—16 ounces of chocolate milkshake, hazelnut, brownies, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. Everything about it was over-the-top. And even as I started drinking it, I knew: This is not me. I didn’t even finish it—got through about three-quarters before I put it down. But the decision to have it in the first place stuck with me. Even as we left, I felt unsettled, like I had let myself down. It was like making a choice for someone else, not for me. And then the physical effects hit. The next day, I felt awful. My head was pounding, my body felt heavy, and I had this weird fogginess I couldn’t shake. It was like I was hungover—not from alcohol, but from sugar. It hit me in a way that brought me right back to the days when I’d wake up after a night of drinking. The regret, the discomfort, the “Why did I do that?” feeling. It didn’t hit me until later, but this wasn’t just about the milkshake. It was about making a choice that wasn’t true to me, about letting the crowd dictate my actions instead of staying aligned with my own values.

Good morning and welcome to the Sober Together community! I’m sending you all a big hug as we kick off this journey together. I want to share a powerful quote from Neville Goddard: “You attract what you believe, not what you want.” What does it bring up for you? Feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, or anything that resonates. This space is all about connection and growth—think of it as our family. Let’s support one another as we work toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. Have an awesome day 🙌