10 Comments
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Candice Wagener's avatar

Thank you for sharing your experience! I quit drinking in 2013 as a New Year's resolution. Once I realized how much better I felt, I decided to make it a lifelong lifestyle change. We need to keep the conversation going so more people understand you can live quite a fulfilling life without imbibing.

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Celia Chen's avatar

Yes our experiences are similar. I paused, felt amazing and then wondered what benefit alcohol was bringing me all these years. I was a default decision without much ROI. Now if I have a drink like at my best friends wedding in France, its intentional and occasional but I don't really miss it at all. My skin is glowing, my sleep is restored and my health has improved. life is MORE PLEASURABLE now!

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Samantha Haywood's avatar

Great piece!!!

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Celia Chen's avatar

Thanks for the encouragement to keep writing, especially coming from a world class literary agent.

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Tanya Fenkell's avatar

Great piece, Celia!

(I went alcohol-free in 2020 and only wish I’d done it sooner.)

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Celia Chen's avatar

Thanks Tanya! Yes I wish I had known more a decade ago. Hoping this article sparks some curiosity on the topic and what it means to each person. We are all on our own journey. C

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Gavin Chen's avatar

Well said! Great article. I gave up drinking years ago but still witness the social pressures and the glamorization of alcohol in film and television. Luckily there is more attention being drawn to the negative aspects of alcohol use. Keep the conversation going!

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Celia Chen's avatar

Thanks Gavin! We live in a culture obsessed with alcohol so its hard to avoid it socially — but at what cost? Luckily there are a lot of great non-alc alternatives these days that are delicious and replicate the experience of drinking so people can participate!

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Sam Lam's avatar

Great article. I’m currently in an accountability group of not drinking and will send them this article. Agreed this is one of the most critical things to do for one’s health.

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Celia Chen's avatar

Thanks Sam for your comment and for sharing this post. Hoping to start a conversation and spark some curiosity on this topic. I know it was a game-changer in reversing all my minor, chronic symptoms (that were all connected).

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