She's Sparkling AF: Amanda Kingsbury
Amanda Kingsbury
Managing Editor of Innovation, Mirror Indy
Co-Founder, Indy Maven
When did you commit to an alcohol-free lifestyle?
I stopped drinking on Jan. 1, 2022. But my "sober curious" journey started more than a decade ago. I've told this story before, but one night, my daughter and I were sitting on the couch, watching TV. I'd had exactly one glass of wine, and she said,
‘Mom, I don’t like the way your eyes look when you drink wine."
She wasn't even 10 at the time. But even at that age, she could sense that I wasn't fully present when I drank, that some sort of invisible window shade was being pulled over my eyes.
There was no final "kicker" that led me to quit. Alcohol was causing sleepless nights, which meant everything felt stressful the next day. If kale were interfering with my sleep, I would have given it up, no problem. So why keep drinking alcohol, knowing it was setting me back in every way?
She wasn't even 10 at the time. But even at that age, she could sense that I wasn't fully present when I drank, that some sort of invisible window shade was being pulled over my eyes.
There was no final "kicker" that led me to quit. Alcohol was causing sleepless nights, which meant everything felt stressful the next day. If kale were interfering with my sleep, I would have given it up, no problem. So why keep drinking alcohol, knowing it was setting me back in every way?
Name some unexpected joys since going alcohol-free.
I can more quickly remind myself to notice life as it's happening. Earlier today, while drinking coffee, I enjoyed watching my cat unsuccessfully chase a butterfly in the backyard. Little things like that.
I have fewer incidences of accidentally poking my eye with a mascara wand in the morning, because I'm not as exhausted while getting ready.
Another joy is when people reach out because they're questioning their alcohol use, and they want support. A longtime friend just celebrated her six-month anniversary of being booze-free.
I have fewer incidences of accidentally poking my eye with a mascara wand in the morning, because I'm not as exhausted while getting ready.
Another joy is when people reach out because they're questioning their alcohol use, and they want support. A longtime friend just celebrated her six-month anniversary of being booze-free.
Name a hard part about being alcohol-free.
I still get peer pressure to drink! About two years after I stopped drinking, a friend asked, "Do you think you should reconsider the reasons you drank, to see if they're still valid?"
This person told me she gets nervous when "wine is not in the house." So, the question likely came from her own insecurity about drinking. We had a talk, and now she's one of my biggest supporters, always making sure her fridge is stocked full of great AF drinks.
This person told me she gets nervous when "wine is not in the house." So, the question likely came from her own insecurity about drinking. We had a talk, and now she's one of my biggest supporters, always making sure her fridge is stocked full of great AF drinks.
Favorite social media accounts, podcasts, or books about sober living:
"Lit" by Mary Karr. She's one of the OGs when it comes to sobriety memoirs. Also, "Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget" by Sarah Hepola. And, "The Night of the Gun" by David Carr. Each of those books has lines and scenes (and wisdom) that you'll never forget.
Favorite alcohol-free drinks!
Right now, I'm loving the Busty Lush Glamorous Grapefruit Paloma craft mocktail from Orangily. I also recommend any mocktail that Bodhi on Mass Ave makes; they put in some serious effort and creativity.
Advice for anyone considering going alcohol-free:
Remember: "Your new life will cost you your old one." (Quote from author Brianna West.) And while your new life won’t be perfect (what life is), and it’s a little scary at first, you’ll be amazed and proud of how much you’ve grown.
2 comments
It’s no secret I’m a big Amanda fan and this is one of the many reasons why. She has such a talent for bringing interesting insights and perspectives and thoughtfulness into all she does. An inspiration! ✨
Amanda is an inspiration. Know she struggled but she persevered. Strong woman.