This is live from NYC Central Park

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I tell the story of being set up with my friend’s brother—a guy who, on the surface, seemed like a good match. But what no one told me, what no one was honest about, was that he was a complete mess.

There were whispers of red flags, but no one waved them in front of me. Everyone stayed quiet. I was left to discover the truth on my own—slowly, painfully—as I tried to convince myself that this could be something real.

Looking back, I realize how often I ended up in situations like this—messy, unfiltered, avoidable—because I was so used to numbing out with alcohol. I didn’t trust my intuition. I ignored my gut. And I surrounded myself with people who didn’t want to rock the boat by being honest. I thought I was chasing love and connection, but I was actually attracting chaos because I hadn’t yet learned how to choose peace.

When we’re drinking, we tend to attract what we reflect—unresolved hurt, inner chaos, and confusion. And sometimes, the people around us enable it by staying silent. They mean well, but the silence is damaging.

Here’s the message: You deserve honesty. You deserve people who speak up when something’s off. And most importantly, you deserve to trust yourself enough to walk away when your gut says no—even if no one else will say it for you.

Alcohol muted my voice and dulled my instincts. Sobriety gave both back.

Ask yourself: Are you surrounding yourself with people who protect your peace—or just preserve your comfort?

✨ Reflection & Message:

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I share a moment that started with the best of intentions—a weekend date out of town—and took a sharp left turn thanks to alcohol, impulse, and an old flame.

My date had to duck out for a bit to attend his kid’s soccer game, and instead of tagging along or giving him space respectfully, I took a detour—right into an unexpected reunion with an old friend I’d once crushed on. One drink turned into too many, and suddenly I wasn’t just catching up—I was deep in the party, ignoring the person I was actually there to see.

I never made it back to reconnect with my date that night.

The next morning? Embarrassed, hungover, and full of regret. I had to lie, grovel, and basically beg my way back to his house to retrieve my car—and my dignity.

This episode reminds me how often I let alcohol make the decisions for me—pulling me off track from what I said I wanted. It was like I was constantly chasing the next thrill, while quietly blowing up the bridges I was trying to build.

When you drink, priorities shift, boundaries blur, and before you know it, you're standing in the wreckage of yet another “almost” moment—apologizing for a version of yourself that doesn’t line up with who you really want to be.

So here’s the message:
Alcohol is a detour dressed as a good time. If you find yourself constantly veering off course, ask yourself: Is this really me—or just the version of me that shows up when I’m drinking?

You don’t have to keep eating crow. You can choose a path that aligns with your values—and that starts with clarity.

Reflection & Message: