She's Sparkling AF: Jenna Marten

When did you commit to an alcohol-free lifestyle?

I have been alcohol-free since January 9, 2021. I have always struggled with turning my very active brain off, and for a long time I thought alcohol was the only thing that could do that. But once I started relying on it, the cycle became absolute hell for me. Eventually, I knew I did not want to live that way anymore.

Getting sober is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Along this journey, I have met many people struggling with the same disease, and I have also watched friends lose their battles with addiction. I think most people now know at least one person who is struggling or someone who has lost their battle. It is truly heartbreaking. The stakes are very real.

Name an unexpected joy since going alcohol-free:

The clarity. And sleep. Real sleep. I did not realize how much anxiety, panic, and general chaos alcohol was creating until it was gone. Waking up feeling rested, clear-headed, and actually like myself never gets old.

Name a hard part about being alcohol-free:

Everyone says this, but it really does get much easier over time. The hardest part now is seeing how normalized alcohol still is, even though it can be incredibly destructive. I think we are in the middle of an awakening about alcohol, similar to what happened with cigarettes. For a long time, everyone just accepted it as normal. Binge drinking should not be treated as a harmless or expected part of life.

Favorite social media accounts, podcasts, or books about sober living:

I love Orangily and @bigdealbevvies! Always looking for recommendations!

Favorite alcohol-free drinks:

I love anything sparkling! Nowadays is a favorite, and I love the Lemon Shake-Ups made right here in Indy. They taste like the best sparkling lemonade.

Advice for anyone considering going alcohol-free:

Pay attention to the fact that you are asking yourself the question. You do not have to wait for a dramatic rock-bottom moment or for things to get worse. You are allowed to decide that alcohol is no longer improving your life and see what becomes possible without it.

If there is one thing I want to say to the people who actually made it to the end of this post, it echoes something I have heard Kris Patrick say about business: Bet on yourself. Choose yourself. Choose yourself over and over again, until it becomes a habit.

It is not selfish to focus on what you need or to cut out the things that are holding you back. You are allowed to change your mind, modify your habits, and choose a better quality of life.

Do not wait for other people to get on board. Do not wait for permission to change. You are the captain of your own life, and you have the power to choose what is best for you right now.