May his memory be a lesson...
🪼
My husband used to love the story about the starfish on the beach.
He pretty much worked it into almost every sermon.
✨️ So even if this list only helps one person,
it's worth it ✨️
And I know he'd approve of me sharing it:
🪼 Normalise not offering alcohol at events.
🪼 Always have delicious drinks available that are not alcoholic.
🪼 If someone you know participated in Dry July or FebFast, organise catch ups throughout the year that don't involve alcohol.
🪼 When someone declines an alcoholic drink, don't look confused or disappointed or nudge for information or offload your story. Just play on as if it's no big deal and ideally choose something not alcoholic for yourself.
🪼 Observe how often your social engagements involve alcohol.
🪼 If anyone is hinting to you that your alcohol consumption is making them concerned...
deeply listen instead of dismiss.
🪼 Show the young people in your life that you can have fun and celebrate special occasions without alcohol.
🪼 Normalise declining an alcoholic drink without any explanation.
🪼 Put more effort into gift giving than giving a bottle of wine.
🪼 Find other things to acknowledge about someone turning 18 than their drinking status.
🪼 Think about how your drinking impacts those you love and how they have to accommodate for you.
🪼 Offer to be a non drinking buddy for someone who is struggling to cut down.
If you can think of other suggestions to put on the list I'm keen to read them.
The photo I shared earlier today was taken a few days ago on the way to the airport in Adelaide, when I was unexpectedly taken to the same beach I got married on. It was a bit surreal seeing Henley jetty that that I made my vows on at sunrise. Especially because I knew the anniversary of my husband's death was around the corner and this time of year is always "charged".
I'm aware these posts about alcohol make some people feel judged. Please know that's not my intention.
