Post 21-2014. The year I quit drinking

 Last night we went out for a fun date night. Though looking back on how the night progressed, I can't help but reflect on the year I quit drinking and the girl I once was. Last night I had 3 drinks. 3.  That's not a lot by any standards. But it is a lot for me. Had we not had a curfew of 9:30 to relieve the sitter, 3 could have easily turned into way more. Though as I was drinking the 3rd I had my realization that I needed to walk away. I put it down, with liquid still in my bottle  and went home. 5 years ago that never would have happened. I would have drank every last drop and invited people back to the house for an after party. Then the next thing I would know, the sun would be coming up and I would be going to sleep.     The year I quit drinking I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about who my true friends were and who were not really my friends. The year I quit drinking I learned about icing life to the fullest aware of my surroundings and remembering how much fun I had.  The years prior to the year I quit drinking, were filled with dangers, lies, blackouts, not being kind to myself, not being kind to others, being this other girl who I do not recognize or like. A girl who should have been raped or killed. Who wasn't careful, who did things that are completely different than anything I would do sober. She was selfish, mean, had no inhibitions, was thee life of the party but not in a good day. She drank too much, didn't know how to quit, or say no, had low self esteem, very opinionated, pushy and just not nice. She was the reason I quit drinking for a year. She made me realize I was better than that. She scared me with her blackouts and not remembering. She had my rely on others for memories, some of which were not true. Lies were told about her and I couslnt  dispute them. I thought she might me an alcoholic so I made her quit drinking. For one year we quit. For one year I drank soda, tea or water at happy hour. For one year, i dealt with snide remarks about me hosting a happy hour but not drinking. I was told me not drinking made some people not trust me.  I awoke to a new world. I started working out I lost 50lbs. I learned to love me. I  Was enlightened. I became the person I thought I was all the time. I became the best friend anyone could ask for. I cherished those who stood by me in my dark days. I learned I never wanted to me that other girl again.  When the year of not drinking ended. I was stronger, I had self esteem, I was nice and beautiful and for and loved me really really loved me. I knew who I was and where I was going. I was thankful and humble. I learned I could drink 2 drinks total before there was a chance that other girl who I walked away from could emerge. I learned really I was happy with 1 drink  with dinner occasionally. I learned who my true friends were.  I learned I was a better person sober and I really liked her.  The year I quit drinking taught me a lot. Mainly I will never forget why I quit and will do anything to make sure that girl other girl never appears again. For my friends, for my family and for me