She's Sparkling AF: Amanda Thomas
Amanda Thomas
Creative Consultant, Amanda Thomas Creative
When did you commit to an alcohol-free lifestyle?
New Year's Day 2024 I knew in my bones it was time to make the breakup with alcohol official. I decided with one of my nearest and dearest to start the new year fresh with a for funsies commitment, our own take on the 70 Hard Challenge just for the month of January. One component of the challenge was to be alcohol free. She already had been living the AF life for many years, so it was inspiring and helpful to have her support along the way. Even though at this point I had significantly cut down the drinks I'd have, I could feel a difference in my life force, vitality and overall wellbeing after taking a month break. I decided to go another month. Then another. And another. Now here we are almost 2 years later, living and loving the alcohol free life, baby!!
Name an unexpected joy since going alcohol-free.
An unexpected joy since going alcohol free for me would be the better presence I have. Not being dulled down or diluted in the foggy feeling alcohol induced for me, I feel lighter in my energy body and can be so much more present to my life as it is.
Name a hard part about being alcohol-free.
I'm someone who genuinely enjoys the taste of a handcrafted brewski or glass of vino. Every so often, I get the hankering for the real deal, but the trade-off is just so not worth it for me anymore. Especially now with the wide variety of yummy AF bevvies available.
Favorite social media accounts, podcasts, or books about sober living
One of my fave pods is Almost 30! They have several episodes on leading a sober curious life. Most recently with Jerry Ross.
Favorite alcohol-free drinks!
My favorite AF drink depends very much on my mood (I'm a Pisces girlie through and through!). If I'm feeling adventurous then Brēz. If I want sunshine in a cup then I'm grabbing a Mingle Cucumber Melon Mojito. If I'm feeling like romanticizing life then I'm pouring a glass of Jøyus Rose.
Advice for anyone considering going alcohol-free:
Let it be a grand experiment! Set an attainable timeline for your trial run as a sober curious person, plus setting an intention for your experiment is a must.Then carve out some reflection time once your trial run period comes to an end to do a pulse check. Did ya love it? Did ya hate it? Would you keep going? Was it hard? Was it easy?
It's called sober curious because emphasis on curious! Let yourself be curious about what comes up for you. Curiosity can take you on the most unexpected, yet surprisingly wonderful journeys. 💖