I Quit Drinking Alcohol and Found Confidence I Didn’t Know I Had
I never expected quitting alcohol would lead me here—to serious strength training, rebuilding my confidence, and finally tackling things I’d put off for years, or put on the back burner.
In the beginning, sobriety felt like a loss. Like I was giving something up. But what I didn’t realize is that I was actually gaining something far more powerful: space. Space to grow. Space to choose differently.
I started lifting weights...AGAIN—not to “get in shape” but because I needed something solid. Something that would ground me when everything felt uncertain. I didn’t expect it to change how I saw myself.
Some days, when the weights are heavy and I’m in the middle of a tough set, I feel this euphoria. I used to think that kind of high only came from what others called the 'runner's high'… but lifting gives it too. And with it comes this deep-down truth:
I can do hard things.
That truth has changed everything.
I’ve stopped aiming for perfection. I focus on progress now—day by day, rep by rep, post by post, one bad video at a time. That simple shift gave me the confidence to finally get serious and focus on building my YouTube channel, AGAIN, revive my old website into reflect more of me, and show up more boldly in my own life.
Wealthy Affiliate has been there, all along, waiting for me. Waiting for me to step back into my future. It's been the rock I can lean into when I've been unsure where to turn next while building my business.
It's given me strength to continue pursuing my dreams.
And as I’m building in my body with weights, that strength has spilled over into every other area. Things I used to avoid or doubt myself about suddenly feel doable.
Because once you prove to yourself that you’re stronger than your excuses…
You stop waiting.
You start living.
You believe in what’s possible and you no longer say, 'tomorrow, I'll start again.'
If you’re in the middle of your own transformation, or renovation like me—or even just thinking about starting—please know this:
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to keep showing up.
Progress over perfection. Every time.
~Lisa Renee
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Recent Comments
11
Good morning Lisa,
It's great that you are moving forward and that things are really happening, Lisa! I hope that you keep on moving forward and building your website and YouTube channel, this really is great stuff.
Sadly, I believe that alcohol does so much damage to people's lives. I once heard a pastor say and he wasn't implying that people shouldn't have a drink. However, he said "How many people do you know that have said when I started drinking, my business took off"!? In most cases, it's just the opposite, and this is the danger!
Wishing you all the best and thank you for being honest and sharing your journey.
Roy
Roy,
Thanks for your response! It's mind-boggling how much of my life was wasted while chasing the next 'good-time' and/or 'bottle-of-wine'...and thinking alcohol had no impact!
I am overly grateful that I realized, albeit at 60-something, that the only way to see dreams and goals to fruition was to put down the booze.
And now to pay it forward!
Good morning Lisa,
It's a pleasure!
Sadly, it seems like with many people, the alcohol takes over and nothing else matters, but it's so good that you are now on the right track. I know that our local village shop sells thousands of pounds of alcohol every week.
I actually think the UK has a drink problem, I'm not sure about the rest of the world, although I think we are fairly bad offenders.
It's so good that you are moving forward and seeing the benefits.
I wish you all the best and a great week.
Roy
Sounds like you have made some important decisions to move your life in the direction you really want. All the best with everything and thanks for having the courage to share your story and inspire others.
Gail
Thanks. Yes, better late than never, and I'm a strong proponent of, 'it's never too late to begin again!'
I totally agree. Every day is a new one and offers new opportunities to change your story. Go for it.
I got an early wake up call to booze and the possible path of my life. I was celebrating my 22nd Birthday when a 17-year-old with a really good fake ID decided to throw the first punch and my last punch ruptured an ulcer. In the blink of an eye I was looking at up to life in prison and thank God the parents, witnesses, and a couple local cops all stood up for the truth and the boy pulled through.
I read a quote that rings very true. If at the bottom of the bottle you can see a fool looking back at you it is time to quit. I quit.
I still drink a couple here and there but have a bottle of rum in the cabinet we opened in January. We don't let anything get us out of control and our only master is God above.
Bless your journey.
You have an inspiring story that all teens would do well to listen and take to heart. Thank you for sharing and seeing the alternative future your life might have had at such an early age.
I love this! Your attitude about life is what most people need in their lives. I love the quote "I can do hard things." Also like you said "Keep showing up". I quit smoking in 2008 after about 30 years of doing so, and I feel great, I have the stamina of a 30 year old.. lol. I work out a minimum of 3 days a week (golf on the other days .. lol). It was hard but the best thing I have done for my health in the long run. "Progress over perfection"
Larry
Thanks, Larry! It's so amazing what our body allows, and when we finally give it what it needs, even after decades of abuse, it responds in kind!
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Lisa Renee,
I am very proud of you for quitting drinking alcohol. I used to drink and I was a paramedic/firefighter. I was drinking to help me numb myself when I was off work. I never drove that way. Then one night I went to a call with a man that had been drinking for 43 years. He was so addicted when he woke up he had to drink vodka or he would get sick but his throat was so burnt from it he was bleeding. SO I stopped.
Sorry I just had to say that. You are correct alcohol always takes away from you never gives to you. Just keep on the track you are on and you will be so much better off. If you ever get the urge to drink again please talk to some one that has been through it. If you dont know anyone please let me knoe you can talk with me. Loved you post.