Three years ago, for the first time in my life and never previously considered, I decided to take a break from alcohol. I was a social drinker but it sometimes put a shadow over me that I never fully recognised until hindsight made me recollect.
My first year as a nondrinker was enlightening yet challenging and as friendships adjusted and family accepted the new me. Most of all I knew 100% that this was a right fit. It suited me to feel energised and clear headed in a way I had never experienced before and for me this was the best part I started to like myself better.
One of the biggest revelations for me since I gave up drink was going to the Electric Picnic festival in 2013 sober. I had visions of feeling inadequate and too far out of my comfort zone to really get into it and so it was a genuine surprise that I was able to embrace that magical festival energy in a new way. This was a turning point for me and it confirmed that the buzz alone of the festival and the brilliant music on offer was enough for me to fully enjoy it. I now felt I had a real opportunity to live in a way that was ultimately going to enhance greatly my perspective on what I wanted from life.
As I eased myself into this new attitude, I started to wonder if it was possible to create an alternative scene to the pub. Live music has been a mainstay in my life and has gotten me through some tough times so I wondered if there was anything to the notion of hosting gigs in unlicensed venues. The intention here was not to uphold some holier than thou approach or to turn against anyone who chooses to drink on the contrary, I wanted to invite people to find out for themselves, with curiosity, what the live music experience is like without booze.
As this has evolved what has come to fruition is how the musicians also benefit having an attentive listening audience has become an integral part of what Sober Sessions is all about. Particularly for emerging acts on the scene who may not always have that opportunity to showcase their material in this context it has become a collective experience for both audience and musicians alike.
Ireland is starting to change slowly, with more people engaging in positive endeavours like mindfulness, wellbeing and overall fitness as ways to improve and enhance their lives. With mental health awareness now at a peak and taking a very central role in Irish society, we have to look at how we can continue to build momentum towards a healthier approach in how we enjoy our social lives. We need to find a balance that will invigorate us, so that we’re not always seeking out excessive societal acceptance of how we view our drinking habits in this country.
There is nothing wrong with people having a few drinks at the weekend or a glass of wine after a long day’s work having a drink to unwind should not be met with finger wagging. Perhaps, though we can look at decentralising alcohol in our social lives giving it a little less attention and focusing instead on enjoying a live gig or just letting loose on the dancefloor.
There are other movements happening in Ireland that bring these notions further Funky Seomra is a drug and alcohol free nightclub that promotes dancing as a way to express ourselves. Morning Gloryville is an early morning rave that has exploded in Ireland in the past couple of years this alcohol free option gives people a positive start to their working day with energising music, fresh smoothies and massage available at their events. Another option is Soda Bread Box, usually taking place in Film Base in Temple Bar, which is a dance hour set in a dimly lit room with loud and funky tunes.
With January being a time when many people reflect on their drinking over the festive period it’s not always an easy transition to decide on a month off. It can be a challenge to adjust into and while it is now socially acceptable to have a dry January, which is brilliant, extending it further might not go down well with friends and colleagues but if it feels right, why not continue? If my experience is anything to go by, you will not regret it! As I reflect on my 3rd year not drinking, I continue to reap the rewards of having clarity, being energised and still being fully capable of having a great time booze free!
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