Hello there! I want to share with you the rollercoaster ride of my first days of becoming sober. It was a journey sprinkled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of coffee.

So there I was, declaring my independence from alcohol. Day one felt like stepping onto a stage without knowing my lines.

I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at the coffee maker like it was some ancient, mystical artifact. “Okay, old friend,” I murmured to it, “it’s just you and me now.” And believe me, that coffee pot became my new best buddy.

The first few days were a blend of weird and wonderful.

I found myself noticing little things – like how blue the sky was or how the neighbor’s cat always looked like it knew a secret. I had more energy than I knew what to do with.

I started jogging, which was hilarious in itself; me, huffing and puffing, running like a wonky shopping cart, but feeling like a superhero.

One of the most vivid memories was on the third day. I was at the grocery store, and I instinctively started to head towards the wine section. But then, I just stopped, right there between the cereals and cookies.

I stood there, having a full-on debate with myself. “Aliya, you don’t need that bottle. Remember why you’re doing this.” It felt like a tiny victory, leaving the store with just my snacks and a proud smile.

The nights were the hardest. I’d lie in bed, the silence feeling too loud. I remember one night, I called my friend Jess at some ungodly hour. “Jess, it’s me. I can’t sleep, and everything’s too quiet.” And bless her, she just listened, cracking jokes until I felt calm again.

By the end of the first week, I noticed changes. My skin looked better. I woke up without the heavy head or the dreaded ‘what did I do last night’ feeling.

I started writing in a journal, pouring out thoughts that used to get drowned in wine. I wrote about everything – my fears, my dreams, and even started scribbling some bad poetry.

One conversation that stuck with me was with my grandpa. He’s been sober for like, a gazillion years.

I called him and said, “Grandpa, I’m seven days sober.”

There was a pause, and then in his gravelly voice, he said, “Aliya, every day sober is a day you’ve reclaimed your life.”

That hit me hard, in the best way.

So, what’s the takeaway from my first days of sobriety? It’s that every moment, every struggle, and every laugh is part of this beautiful, messy journey of becoming me again.

If you’re starting this path, remember to find joy in the small things, lean on friends, and maybe talk to your coffee maker (they’re great listeners).

Becoming sober isn’t just about removing alcohol from your life; it’s about rediscovering the world, and more importantly, rediscovering yourself.

And let me tell you, it’s a world filled with more colors, more laughs, and a whole lot more sunlit mornings.

Cheers to sobriety, and cheers to living!