I received a newsletter the other day from a friend who shared that her aim was to raise her vibration this year and avoid anything unpleasant that might lower it. My knee-jerk reaction was to note (to myself) that it takes a lot of privilege to be able to 'love and light' away societal ills that have very real repercussions on billions of people world-wide, not to mention millions of her fellow Americans.

One of the challenges I've faced throughout my awakening journey is an absence of rage. I know that sounds weird—that it's been a challenge—so hear me out...

I took my last drink on December 25, 2022. The fact that this was newsworthy is part of what makes this post vulnerable, as is the fact that I first shared this post only eight days into my sobriety. This post explores why I decided to quit and what happened, and it ends with some reflections on escapism.