Seven years ago today I had my last drink of alcohol. Recently while at a wedding someone said that they were surprised to see me having so much fun dancing while sober. I laughed because I was having so much fun dancing but their comment did make me think about how many times in my life I did have a drink to help me loosen up to have fun in social settings.

I chose to stop drinking after I was diagnosed with cancer and I never looked back.

Please know I am not sharing this to shame or condemn anyone who drinks. I am sharing this as a reminder that joy is something that flows from within us, and isn’t something we will find outside ourselves, including in a drink. It’s been freeing for me to just be me. I won’t say I’ll never have a drink again but I will say, I no longer need one to be me, and that is refreshing.

With love and hope,
Shawn

For video click HERE