Siolta O Thuas

I am a twenty-something with a thirst for adventure and a hunger to learn. Interests include nature & the environment, organic growing, sustainable living and caring for animals. Currently learning Irish, loving coffee and dreaming of travelling somewhere new.

Posts by Siolta O Thuas

I feared being known as No Craic, if I stopped drinking

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Personal stories

One of the scariest things for me as I cut down on my alcohol consumption was my concern for what others would think. Would I be No Craic  if I gave up drinking?

 

No one got hurt, but I needed help

In February of 2015, I had a frightening experience while under the influence of alcohol. I was dangerously unstoppable and a hazard to myself and others. Thankfully, no one got hurt that night and I was advised to seek help. Following this, I made a decision to reduce my intake of alcohol. To begin with, I cut it out completely.

 

I began to waiver

Initially, it was not so difficult as I wasn’t overly enthused about socialising. My mood was low and I had anxiety. It wasn’t until my appetite for a social life began to return that I felt the confidence in my decision begin to waiver.

 

I feared being known as no craic

Being a sensitively natured person, I often took it to heart when questioned about not drinking.  I feared being known as no craic. Frequently, I would stress over whether my friends would lose interest in me. These fears caused waves of uncertainty. It wasn’t until I started to feel and see the advantages of my decision that my resolve began to strengthen.  The more I learnt about myself and the world in those times that I would have been drinking, the stronger I felt about my choice.

 

My friends and family did support me

I’ve been doing a variety of things with my new spare time and money, such as hill walking, pottery, learning Irish, sewing and running – I even tried boxing! These excursions have empowered me to share the advantages of my experience with friends and family, who have collectively been an amazing wealth of support.

 

I am now flourishing

With a clear mind I was able to examine my confidence, strength and emotional resilience and pin point what I needed to develop in myself as a flourishing, young woman. I’ve realised not  drinking does not mean I am No Craic.

 

Editor’s Note

If you would like to find out your pros and cons of drinking try out Janus our short course which will help make  your decision easier.