I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind: the infamous mom wine culture. As I juggle motherhood and face some unexpected health twists, it’s time to chat about my long-term relationship with alcohol.

Mom Wine Culture: A Sip into Reflection

Raise your hand if you’ve hopped on the mom wine culture train. It’s all too familiar – the humor-filled memes, the "mommy needs her wine" slogans, and the collective nodding over a glass (or two) at the end of a tough day. For a while, it felt like the universal cure for the chaos of motherhood.

A Shift in Perspective: A Health Wake-Up Call

Life loves to throw us curveballs, and mine came in the form of a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s like a sudden splash of cold water – it makes you reassess everything, including your habits. So, I’m here to share that I’m rethinking my long-term relationship with alcohol.

Wellness Over Wine: Embracing Change

Look, I’m no saint and definitely not sober curious. I’m just trying to draw the line between drinking to cope with uncomfortable feelings and having a drink because I just want to. Fitness has become my therapy, a way to connect with my body and build resilience. I ran my first 10k and loved it – I’m officially a runner now! But meeting my fitness goals for the week is hard when I’m either nursing a hangover or a little buzzed from too much wine (even just a glass) the day before hopping on the treadmill in the evening. And yes, my faith has been a rock, offering solace and strength.

The Coping Mechanisms Revolution

So long, wine glass; hello, running shoes! Turning to alternative coping mechanisms doesn’t mean abandoning joy or relaxation. It’s a shift towards activities that align with my wellness goals and provide a deeper, more sustainable sense of calm.

Navigating Social Situations: A Sip of Sparkling Water? Not for Me

Honestly, I love the non-alcoholic drinks movement – from decolonized wine to spirit-free takes on gin, whiskey, and cocktails. But I personally don’t like them. Either I’m going to have a drink or I’m not. Tricking myself by sipping on sparkling water or mocktails honestly doesn’t do it for me. Instead, I just try to remind myself of my goals. I often say to myself before heading out to a social event when I’ve already decided not to drink, "Do this for tomorrow morning you, she’ll be so proud!" Usually, that works, and if it doesn’t, I try not to beat myself up and just try again.

Final Thoughts: Raising a Toast to Wellness

As I navigate this journey, I’m discovering that wellness is a multi-faceted gem, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding what works for me, embracing positive changes, and crafting a lifestyle that aligns with my health and happiness.

So here’s to a new chapter – one where the clinking of glasses is replaced by the rhythm of my breath in meditation, the beat of my heart in a workout, and the whispers of faith that guide me. Cheers to embracing wellness in all its forms, and to the beautiful, evolving journey ahead.

Stay strong and be well,

Ryan

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