30 Days No Alcohol: Facing Social Pressure

[@teos1284]

*"Alcohol makes it easier to socialize, it breaks down barrier, but it doesn't help you get better at socializing" Nathaniel* Wow, this is so powerful and true

[@felipetroccoli7809]

Still highly subjective I guess

[@InnerResearcher]

omg amen this was so spot on

[@altertopias]

Charisma on command has a very good video on that

[@keykey032]

Yasssss I can relate to this so much

[@jdm132]

Definitely not 100% true. I feel like it made me get out of my comfort zone

[@HumansOfVR]

*_“I realized that I'm doing some stuff simply because I see other people doing it and that isn’t a good enough reason” Nathaniel_*

[@TheSublimeLifestyle]

Life Progress - Health, Wealth, & Happiness Channel I’m glad that such a simple statement spoke to you as a health and wellness page lol

[@InnerResearcher]

this was so. well. said.

[@Blakely901]

My exact thoughts

[@dwighthyde]

I applaud you for questioning alcohol and making this video. After 40 years of drinking, I’m on day 133 of being alcohol free with no plans to go back. I no longer need it in my life especially to celebrate special moments. For me, It was a big lie and poison. I’m glad I’m free of it.

[@marinabojic6584]

Great job! I'm glad you're free.

[@terrya1252]

On the 19th of August I will have 10 years no alcohol no drugs best choice I ever made!

[@yusufbadereldin9692]

That’s awesome man, so glad to hear that.

[@k.k6483]

That's amazing!

[@ABB14-11]

Woah, impressive!

[@lilafromyoutube]

I don't really drink and I don't feel like I'm missing out, at all. If there's anyone telling me I'm no fun because I rather order a sparkling water instead of wine, we are not meant to be 😂 I'm not against drinking, I just choose not to.

[@Venom.Strike]

Welcome to the club!

[@lilafromyoutube]

@@Venom.Strike Haha thanks!

[@RidvanDuzey]

This! Exactly this!

[@Brucelee89896]

im 21 and never drank alcahool, alot of my friends drink and think they are cool, I don't care about drinking, so is surprising to find someone who doesn't drink

[@SweetBerry13]

@@Brucelee89896 i smoked for the first and last time, when i was 26 years old) people looked at me as if i was an unicorn) funny

[@maxpaju]

"This speaks to a dissonance between my values and my actions and I want to close that gap" Yes.

[@InnerResearcher]

yesss amen

[@DoctorDoom69]

I’m 24 I gave up alcohol like 4 years ago , best decision I ever made

[@erezshahrur544]

What is so bad about drinking with friends from a time to time?

[@DoctorDoom69]

erez shahrur What is from Time to time ?? ...cause all my old friends drink week to week , drinking a few times a year isn’t that bad , but when people think not drinking for 30 days is a triumph that’s a problem if you think about it ....the fact that going a month without drinking deserves a hand clap ...that’s when you know you are alcohol depended

[@jullianreidel2250]

@@DoctorDoom69 yeah well its an epedimic and its legal

[@Saphury]

erez shahrur i agree

[@jullianreidel2250]

@@erezshahrur544 nothing but most people wont leave it at that

[@_sethm]

I think once you go a while without any drugs you just enjoy and relish in how present you become. It’s such a shift of perspective, going from wanting to alter your reality to wanting to soak all of it in. I think we all owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to be as present as possible.

[@ErykSolon]

I agree 100%

[@victoriapowers576]

You definitely feel more aware when you’re sober

[@yfoog]

Awesome comment - couldn’t agree more

[@duchi882]

*To all the Non-drinkers out there* Brofist 👊

[@MaxReisinger]

Duchi 👊🏼

[@xubionelen]

👊🏽

[@GroshevNick]

on jah vro

[@MatthewHyatt]

👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼🤙🏼

[@ashking413]

My bro 👊

[@ayndie38]

I drank for more than 20 years. I was an alcoholic by the time I was 19. I'll not go too in depth on why, except to say that I came from a rough, poor background where alcoholism was pretty prevalent and there was, understandably, a lot of dysfunction. By the time I was 40 I realized that despite a few hours of drunken gratification and psychological liberation, reality never goes anywhere. It is always there when you come down. And you still have to deal with it and it is harder and more mentally painful to have to deal with it while addicted. I had too much pride to want to be homeless, helpless, and hopeless, so I quit. Just had my three year anniversary sober. It hasn't been easy, and like life is for everyone, some days are better than others, but I have grown in ways that I never would have had I continued down the road I was on. That road is a painful dead end. Literally. It is very hard to admit that you are powerless over something, but just the fact that you're strong enough to do it gives it all a validity that lying to yourself never will. And even when I find myself in a bar with a shirley temple in front of me, most people honestly don't even notice. To quote Dumbledore in the Harry potter series: 'Numbing the pain only makes it hurt more when you finally have to feel it.'

[@midnightelf9149]

True grit.

[@AmaSharapova]

This is exactly how the social pressure works. Instead of feeling guilty that we drink, we feel guilty or uncomfortable when we don't! This is crazy, it should be the way around. Also a plan to drink on special occasions sounds ridiculous.Why do we celebrate something great with such a bad thing? I have a problem of quitting alcohol because with all of my friends we meet for a drink and to "relax". I don't party, but I feel that I need to drink at work to feet in and to keep my friendships. But the more I try quitting, the more I come across people who don't. And they have build up a system around them, they plan their time with friends accordingly and they don't seem to feel left out. This all gives me hope and courage to try and try again.

[@griszka1027]

yea, that social pressure is real big deal, if you want to keep a friendship with "relax-drinking" persons, you must drink, otherwise they'll find you strange :(

[@GroshevNick]

used to drink a lot back in 2014-2016 (had a bunch of blackouts) 2017-2018 started drinking only on special occasions and finally this year (2019) decided to quit completely! 7 months in and so far so good, no regrets sober life made my mind crystal clear and helped me obtain peace, can recommend!

[@ShaneHummus]

This is a good challenge to change your routine and control your mindset.

[@priyalhedau634]

Yaaaa . Definitely 👍

[@harryheadland]

I'm 17 and I've never drunk alcohol and have no intention of doing it

[@Aalpine001]

Alcohol is a drug (Drugs-some psychoactive substances acting on the central nervous system) Its the same drug as weed or cocaine or ayahuasca or etc. Problem is alcohol will increase your happiness if you feell good, or it will decrease your mood if you are sad

[@theblackswan18]

Youre fucking beautiful

[@adrianford8823]

harry headland you’re not missing out on much

[@HazelGrey.]

Make sure you know exactly why you do and don’t want to do what you decide.

[@stasz4375]

Same but I’m 16 and a half🙃

[@MondoLoops]

There really is a big stigma attached to not drinking (especially in our 20s) I'm not a heavy drinker and occasionally I'll have a few weeks without any alcohol, always get comments like its a big deal and I'm being anti-social etc...

[@floris4496]

You're on the right way! Keep going.

[@violethaye6987]

Mondo Loops what I think is that it’s kinda sad that they need alcohol to socialize. Obviously they don’t “need it”, but they act like it’s the only reason to hang out in your 20s. There are so many other things to do people

[@hibak8196]

For some reason people feel attacked when you make a decision different from theirs.

[@cristianpiano2170]

goood. drop those people. ever since I stopped 1.5 years ago, I have stopped talking to many of those people I used to hang out with.. and BOOM my life has more meaning, I'm happier, my goals are so much easy to achieve. It's a good life almost every day (maybe just me but I do a lot to not allow negativity into my life while being a decent human being)

[@zahra-nb8ko]

I am 21 and I never drink alcohol and I don't feel like I am missing something. and hi u really inspire me thank u for the good videos:)

I've gone back and forth on relinquishing alcohol and cutting back on alcohol for probably about 5 years now, and I relate so much to your whole experience. A large part of me knows that I feel better, work better, and make better social connections sober; but I have a big spontaneous streak that gets repressed so much in day-to-day life that alcohol often feels like its only outlet. I guess I need to work on finding better/healthier/more satisfying ways to satisfy that need!

[@t1ffit1ffi]

7:33 "But sometimes I'm concerned about getting too married to a particular idea that I have in my head rather than reality and how I actually operate." Oof, I felt that.

[@victoriahesstori]

I grew up in a super anti-alcohol environment. I never wanted to absolutely say no, but before I would try alcohol I wanted to be legal. So after I turned 21 I tried it. And I hated it. I’ve tried a couple of times since and at 24 I have no intention of drinking. I literally couldn’t think of one good reason why I wanted to drink. I hated the taste. I have enough of a personality that I don’t “need” it to be more fun. I have bipolar, so that is a huge reason not to. Also it can cost a lot to drink and I’d rather buy plane tickets. 😊 good luck in your journey of discovering your moderation!

[@RhymeandRamblings]

This is great that you’ve discovered this so early in your life. I’m 38 and for a long time I would have a glass now and then but it never really controlled my thoughts until a major stressful event happened in my life a few years ago (marriage falling apart) then as I tried to fix it I fell into a deep depression and suddenly alcohol was the only thing getting me through it. I became really dependent on it to the point I knew I would have organ problems if I didn’t get help. It was really hard but I finally quit for 3 weeks and planned on possibly moderating in the future. The first 10 days were brutal emotionally more than anything but after that the cravings dropped off dramatically and I enjoyed the freedom of that so much that now I’m 35 days sober and don’t know if I want to introduce that in my life again. Maybe for special occasions as you say but I honestly feel so much better without it. I’ve also been able to work through things more as I’ve felt them more. It’s been tough but the breakthroughs are amazing lately. Found your videos through searching bullet journaling and they’ve been helping me so much.

[@osse1n]

*Truth be told, if alcohol plays big role in your entertainment - you either bored or have not much going on in your life.*

[@davidefacchinetti2084]

Well I'm sorry but I disagree with that .. Here in the UK, for instance, alcohol plays a huge role in socializing & I guess it's just part of the culture. I don't drink that often, but I think there are several aspects which you can't control and need to be considered before drawing any conclusions.

[@georgekamenov_]

I absolutely agree with you 100%.

[@georgekamenov_]

@@davidefacchinetti2084 I'm willing to argue that it doesn't have as much to do with culture as it does with people just being unable to socialize. Trust me, if you think someone is worth talking to and having a friendship with, you'll find a way to socialize with them without needing a crutch.

[@danishih]

Unbelievably reductive statement. Alcohol is very easy to abuse, but it can also be enjoyed responsibly as part of a balanced and adjusted life.

[@georgekamenov_]

@@danishih That's a fair point, but if that were the case you wouldn't call going without alcohol for 30 days a challenge would you :D Also keep in mind the original comment said "big role". Having a beer with a friend every now and again because you feel like it doesn't hurt. It's the whole "peer pressure" side of drinking that people look down upon.

[@wizart_xander]

i used to drink a lot and often... Then i had a few things happen which i didn't sit right with so i decided that i'd go without alcohol for the entirety of 2017, and i actually succeeded. Since then i've only had a handfull alcoholic drinks for special occasions. (Grandparents 50th marriage-anniversary First meeting with a online friend i had know for 5 years and such) This year i've had 2 drinks It's not that i'm against it... Just that i have no need for it.

[@RhymeandRamblings]

That’s awesome. I just quit 35 days ago and feel so much better. I would like to think I could drink on occasion in the future but I have no desire to right now. When you drink rarely now do you feel bad the next day? Or does it not really affect you anymore especially with increasing cravings etc?

[@janisespinoza2179]

watching your videos at 1:40 in the morning hit differently mentally because your mind is just WOW

[@isabelleisidro8832]

I started drinking when I was 17 (and the legal age here in the Philippines is 18 lol) but I only drink occasionally. The last time I had a drink was last week at my friend's birthday celebration. I remember coming home really drunk and feeling hungover the morning after. Part of me enjoyed that night because I had fun, good conversations and a good laugh with my friends, but part of me also didn't like feeling sick to my stomach. Not to mention, the headache. I'm 21 now and I still don't know where I stand either. Just because I'm still young doesn't mean I can abuse my body. I still want to be spontaneous and have deep conversations with people even without the alcohol. Edit: I hate to admit, but the reason why I drank alcohol in the first place was because everyone else was doing it too. I wasn't a cool kid back in the day. Just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't mean you have to do it too. Don't give in to social pressure.

[@francescadiana]

I haven't been drinking since January 1st this year and I get a whole lot more sh*t for it than for being vegan. 🙅🙅

[@hibak8196]

Lol humans can be weird.

[@terezarasovska8346]

Ahaha true

[@noelgeessink]

Same here! Probably those people are not for you then

[@BeautyYaya]

honestly same it's like people think you are weird for not wanting to be intoxicated and get hangovers and throw up all over the place

[@Kiingpoppa]

It usually has to do with jealousy, people are so stuck in their habits and get so mad when they see people can get out of it when they just can't. They try to shame you to feel better :(

[@xerxesmontes9828]

The subs are coming. Im so glad you're getting more publicity. You help keep me grounded Nathan.

[@linwong1494]

I've never actually drunk before and have no intention to start, but your vids are always good shit so I'm here anyways.

[@jordansmith3597]

I drink every day and will start when I wake up tomorrow but I’m here anyways

[@iwithsara4731]

this is the first time i know there is ( no muslim) thy dont drink ,wow so cool i though just muslim people thy didnt drink

[@brazucas1]

Funny tho that I’m watching this in a Saturday hangover afternoon

[@aciifbabii777]

I’m hungover now funny but not funny . I really want to stop drinking on weekends

[@alicjarzepka3241]

“What is my decision making process ?” Best question ever asked when it comes to self improvement... I guess it’s gonna haunt me now :)

[@yalguunkinch280]

I have discovered your channel almost a month ago, and ever since then i have become completely hooked! I love everything about it. The quality, the edits, the message, the way you explain etc. You have inspired me soo much in every way! I am soon going to start making contents, and the biggest push in starting was you! Keep being real, and keep being you! I'm glad to be following you on your journey!

[@gingercanoe2621]

I haven’t been drinking for a year now bc I hate how (especially with university students) it’s completely normal to drink multiple times per week. My old friend group couldn’t tell a story that didn’t involve alcohol 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@imenimanos5704]

I'm a doctor after studying medecine and seeing all the negative effects of alcohol on the body i say it's a wise move to live without it . Beside of the part of loosing the ability to choose. Plus not only Buddhism even in Islam we aren't allow to drink.

[@ayalashin9155]

Yes, I agree with you. People had better not drink alcohol. It's the worst drink in the world. It's banned in our religion Islam.

[@dimriabhishek77]

It's not banned in Buddhism like Islam.

[@ayalashin9155]

@@dimriabhishek77 what? Buddhism there is not any relation between Buddhism and Islam.

[@dimriabhishek77]

@@ayalashin9155 that's exactly i was trying to say, Buddhism and Islam are poles apart.

[@cronchcrunch]

@@ayalashin9155 it's only a bad drink when abused.

[@Sara-ti7he]

This was such a great video! I love your curious and light approach, and how you're not trying to preach or change other people. You're doing this purely for yourself, and making a beautiful video out of it is so inspiring.

[@JohnNovakovich]

I'm 21 and I drink when its convenient for me, usually once every couple weeks. I often wish I was more "normal" in that I could genuinely enjoy drinking and partying and hooking up. But that's not me. And I'm learning to not only be content with that, but love it.

[@emmaevans9646]

I'm 19 and I made the decision as a teenager to never drink. It's very insightful being the only sober person at a party. I've come to realise that you can have just as much fun being sober as long as you're in good company.

[@abhinavpal4445]

Kudos to your videos bro! Being as the same age as you I really feel connected to your thoughts and I feel I know someone who has similar values like me, and I really appreciate that you are not only doing these experiments but also sharing them with others to learn and it needs strength to express your feelings with others on a platform this big. I was a heavy drinker and I have given up alcohol for the last 6 months and it really changes the way you take on life! Being in a creative field I've seen increased focus and more motivation to work. Now coffee is my Zen mantra.

[@gjori4704]

I honestly never really saw the point of alcohol. I've used it as a damper to break down the barriers that I have when meeting new people, or when being in situations that I don't like. I feel like I've done my share of partying, and I honestly don't like the taste of alcohol that much. I don't like beer, wine, ciders, spirits, and the only times I really drink is if I can't taste the alcohol. I still do drink, once in a blue moon, because my environment calls for it. I get claustrophobic and uneasy at parties, but it often seems like that's the main thing people around me want to do. I was 19 when I first decided to really give up alcohol, and people really didn't agree with that. I've since that figured out that there's a big social aspect to drinking, and I'd like to learn to enjoy the taste of beer and wine. Although, I'm not sure I'm doing it for me or or others anymore. So that makes me very torn about the subject.

[@TheNomadicTrader]

There's so much value in having a clear mind. Being 'present' is the new 'wasted'.

[@isaacolels5156]

Hey man, I liked your analogy of alcohol use/abuse being like putting a sheet of plastic up between your self and your real thoughts and feelings, also your reference to the idea that intoxication is like distancing yourself from reality, Which is like the opposite meditation. I did this a lot as a teenager largely because I couldn’t communicate my feelings to my family, friends, or school staff, which is super common. I’m going through a divorce where my partner was going out, enjoying those lower quality social interactions, defending that habit, and not facing the emotional difficulty of honest communication with me. I’m at a place where I am actually taking more subtle pleasure out of being aware of the beauty of my mind in its still state, where even 1 beer sort of feels like a damper, but for some of my personal relationships a few or more beers and some hyperactivity seems like the right way to interact, maybe to allow some of that persons feeling in to my self.

[@lisaalexander450]

Nathaniel- you have discovered a I have truth that I have just begun to find out, and I'm much older than you. We don't need alcohol to have fun or to fit in. I really enjoy your videos. You are doing something that I wish I had done at your age, and your thoughtfulness and insight are so encouraging. I teach college students, and not all of them are addicted to their screens, spoiled or shallow. It's a fun age to be, and I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. Thanks for such great quality videos! They are like short films, so well done! I wish you much happiness and Peace.

[@plantlove2585]

Alcohol dropped away, quite naturally, at the same time I started meditating, because I really wanted to be as present as possible. And on a physical level, the body started to refuse processing alcohol. So now, even when I tried a little again, it is no fun :D Could be, that there was just a shift in perspective and then at some point, there is no going back. - I really like it that way. I feel much better generally than I used to with alcohol. And totally agree, that it doesn't make social interactions better. - Also, love the connection to Buddhism. Fits my experience so well.

[@britta197]

I love the way you make your videos. You aren't just sit in front of the camera and talk to it and upload this. You make your videos with such an abundance of details. These little cutouts are incredible and give the video a special feeling. I'm so grateful to found you!

[@ibrahim0814.1]

This was incredibly cathartic to watch, I genuinely love your videos

[@r.e.t.8656]

It is so refreshing to see someone so wholesome and more importantly, honest. I am a huge fan, and am empowered to continue being myself as a result of viewing your videos. Love and light 💡

[@cooo2758]

Super vidéo ! J'aime beaucoup ta métaphore du plastique entre tes actions et ton cerveau, tes émotions. Boire c'est aussi mettre de côté ses émotions donc nier une partie de soi qui est si importante. Être plus en conscience nous rapproche de nous-même ! Tes vidéos réflexions me permettent aussi d'avancer sur les miennes :)

[@kikimons99]

I am a 20 year old. I know I am super young. I was gotten used to alcohol at a very young age of 11 by my older cousins and their friends (who were all late teens/early 20s) and my relatives. I used to hang out with them a lot and my parents didn't mind either. My body got really adjusted to alcohol where even after big amounts I would only be slightly tipsy. I was a young teen and thought I was super cool, I used to drink and party with my friends. I quit drinking at 15 (CRAZY I KNOW) after my 2nd ever time of being black out drunk. Ever since then I've still enjoyed house parties, birthdays, new years, and other celebrations being completely sober. Many of my friends joined me to not drink as well. Now I absolutely hate alcohol - how it makes you feel, what it does to people and drinking culture in general. At 18 I moved from mainland Europe to the UK for uni and got the whole experience without participating in drinking - I went to pre-drinks at halls, went clubbing etc. Of course always being the only sober person in the room I realised that the people, the conversations and my time in general was low quality. I respect alcohol as a culture and art form, but I absolutely despise it as a social piece and how destructive it is to people. I just wanted to share all of this so thank you for reading.

[@ashleysouffrant1320]

I think... you're the type who can inspire someone in a deeper level. You're currently the main reason I come into youtube. I haven't actively used social media in 6 years and I'm planning to come back with new purposes. Taking that challenge on Alcohol is quite something... I've tried it a couple times but not truly... it was more of a burden than something I was truly enjoying. I spent 30 days and more already... But hey good luck on your journey man, great content!

[@francoandreidearaujo8020]

Hey bro, I've (fortunately) found your KZbin channel yesterday and I'm gobbling it up. I'm 41 years old and it took me a while to understand this. I am glad you have had this experience and can take more conscious actions. Today I sent the link of this video to my brother, because he told me that he would like to stop drinking alcaholic drinks, but he did not know how to do this, because as you said: "it is easier to interact with people". In my case, I got tired of waking up with a headache kkk, and often without remembering the night or day before. Also to spent a lot of as well! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring! Huge hug from Brazil

[@gdft100]

One of the reasons I like this guy is because of his genuine curiosity. In a time of record high levels of individualism, I think every person has this. However, at the same time, we are often curious to how we can be right, which politics is the prime example of - we argue to be right, not to learn. And this is why Nathaniel is great; him admitting not knowing everything on subjects that interest him is the core of the subject of mental clarity. We do not need a final answer - that would be utopian - we just need to be in touch with ourself. Great job, once again!

[@grabiox]

Im 21, I never drink alcool but at the same time I have no social life so...

[@laralebeu36]

I drink no alcohol and have a social life, I guess it depends on your being. Do you like to be on your own? Do you like to chill and connect with people you've just met the current evening? I just crave the easygoing, joyous and chill atmosphere. I adapt: when people lose up, I too can express myself more freely.

[@assassin0547]

That’s the hard thing the amount of people who think your boring and don’t want to be around you is unreal. I’m not going to drink just to fit in.

[@francis_n]

Gabriolle you have no friends not because you don't drink, more because you have not met good people for you... Yet! Alcohol does not bring you friends

[@assassin0547]

Francis We can’t deny the fact that it makes it a hell of a lot easier. But yes we shouldn’t just have friends who accept us because we choose to drink. That’s what makes it so hard not too

[@tao0044]

"Perfectly Balanced, As All Things Should Be" - THANOS

[@MJ-jq4kc]

You are someone I look up to. I watch all your stuff! Amazing work. Come back to Costa Rica one day so we can collaborate! Much love. 🌻

[@keykey032]

I really liked this video. I can tell that you really connect with the topics you talk about. You talk about actual real things that need to be addressed. This is so different from other KZbiners and I really like it a lot 😊

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

I grew up in a home with a lot of alcohol. It destroyed so much.

[@amandal8404]

I have never been much of a drinker, but did drink lightly (1 beer every couple months or so) in my early-mid 20's. Eventually realized that the mental clarity and bright mornings were far more meaningful to me, and alcohol ceased to be a part of my lifestyle. Being from a culture where drinking is less of a norm, it was easier for me to see how social pressure can play a huge role drinking in America. I share the same thoughts as you. So glad you posted this!

[@thebg8774]

I quit drinking for the same reason that you took on this experiment. I noticed (after many years lol) that the majority of my consumption was because "everyone else was"... It soon became apparent that I actually enjoyed my time MUCH more without drinking. I could remember every fantastic moment, I felt better, my health improved. I lost 12 lbs with no change in my diet other than drinking wow! AND i found close to $100-$200 showing up monthly in my bank account. Overall the best benefit is that I woke up CLEAR and SHARP everyday. I will add I have been a practicing Buddhist for the last 37 years... Keep up the great work Nathaniel. Your "stuff" is some of the best...🙏🏻❤️

[@davidgilani9052]

Great stuff, Nathan. I gave up alcohol almost exactly 10 years ago ... I'm 28 now haha

[@FGFsMo]

It's so hard to find others my age who don't want to constantly alter themselves with drugs and alcohol and that's why I don't have many friends. It's really annoying because my main focus right now is to learn how to be more present, more aware, and to enjoy the now! I want to find friends who are doing the same so we can support each other and share our experiences. I really like the points you touch on in this video. Nice job!

[@studyme-selftaughtlife4958]

*There’s really no need for alcohol to have fun.*

[@benloosen5577]

but personally i have more fun if people around me are

[@nicolewiesner1772]

This is awesome. I started a similar journey almost two years ago and it has changed my life tremendously. It's difficult since everyone around me drinks, but I got used to the questions and approached every situation with kindness and acceptance. I still drink but very rarely, when I feel like it's the right ocassion. I think I've developed deeper connections with people albeit less connections than before. But it's about quality, not quantity. I highly recommend people try this for a month or more. Just a set a date (like "I won't drink until my best friend's wedding" which is how I started) and see where it goes!

[@myflyingkidney]

I stopped drinking about a year ago, last summer. Since then I drank only once, and only two beers, which was enough to put me in a good mood and to make me want to dance and have fun which I usually don't do. It was a special occasion, a wrap party for a TV project I had worked on and I decided it was a good oportunity to enjoy alcohol in a meaningful way. It was a blast, and I am glad I made an exception for that party. Otherwise I have decided to stop drinking out of habit and I rarely feel tempted. It helps though that I don't really enjoy most of effects of alcohol, but it is still hard being social and you still feel excluded when everyone around you is drinking. But luckily since I'm 32 yrs old, most of the time no one tries to persuade me to drink, we are too old for that. So it is manageable. Otherwise it is very beneficial to your health, sleep and mental clarity. Keep it up and good luck!

[@Lotte-jk7yx]

I just found your channel and I'm so intrigued by your content! I love how you approach these challenges and how it's not just 'a fun thing to do', but you actually make it a meaningful lesson! I'm 20 now and I think I consumed about 1 glass of alcohol in total in my entire life. I don't have a specific reason for it other than the fact that I don't feel like it brings anything meaningful of necessary to a situation and what you said in your video was really relatable to me even tho I did not used to drink!

[@samuelcox6232]

Insightful video. I quit drinking for almost three years for similar reasons. Allowed me to gain a lot of awareness about myself and alcohol consumerism.

[@nivaxelena9754]

Hasta ahora tengo la fortuna de ver este video. Es curioso darse cuenta que existe gente que piensa de manera similar a ti. Me encanta lo que haces y la manera como lo expresas. Tengo 22 y bebía por tener "vida social".. y llegaba a un punto en el que me hacía preguntas acerca de lo que estaba haciendo.. Me sentía mal.. Y absurdamente volvía a realizarlo.. Hasta que un día dije, ya no más.. sólo beberé en momentos en que la ocasión lo merezca.. Me amo y quiero seguir creciendo de la mejor manera.. Quiero edificarme con el paso de los días..

[@cynlagos]

I'm obsessed with your videos, the way you shift your mindset and test the norms:)

[@samazwe]

My default drink is Orange Juice...no matter what the occasion.

[@Murk.mp4]

give this man the innocent award

[@magnolia8626]

Good choice! 🤣

[@osse1n]

*People saying that alcohol is a way of socialising,* are either easy manipulated to peer pressure or have a very poor sense of fantasy. Note that I am not rejecting alcoholic beverages as a taste experience, rather pointing out the obsessive drinking culture.

[@TeezMcGee]

I totally resonate with this video. I feel the same way about weed, bad food, soda, candy etc. You just kind of reach a point where you only want the best for yourself and I feel like this is a display of self love. More power to you my brother, good luck on your journey.

[@kain936able]

What you said about the dissonance between your actions and your values really spoke to me - I'm kind of in the same boat right now. It's funny how you released this video today, after last night when I was thinking about my consumption of alcohol and what that means to me. I think that I would like to move towards a relationship with alcohol where it means something when I consume it, rather than just casually, like you mentioned. Just all around this video really helped reaffirm my own thoughts on this topic. Keep up the good work Nathaniel! I really enjoy your content.

[@ajw5868]

Loving the content! I haven’t drank in over a year. I’m only 18 but here in Australia there’s a big drinking culture. I never felt like drinking added any value to my interactions either! But now all anyone my age wants to do is to have a party for the sake of drinking. These parties suck especially if you’re the only one sober so I don’t go to them anymore. Instead I hang out with friends throughout the day and that’s where I get the most value out of our interactions ❤️ from Australia.

[@Sandra-lk5yt]

Your comments about making commitments to yourself and being more disciplined are so relevant for me at the moment. I'm half way through Plastic Free July, an initiative that encourages people to reduce or eliminate plastic usage for the entire month! Making that commitment and keeping my own word, even when it's just to myself and the environment, has proven a really effective tool at remaining disciplined (or stubborn as I like to call it lol) I've found that upholding that commitment is forcing me to break old routines which is great! Kind of similar to what you mentioned about drinking, we sort of just do it because everyone we know does it, but that's no reason to!

[@ryanisdoneby]

Thank you for this video and your words. They have helped me understand so much more about my actions and help make better decisions in life. Your channel is always thought provoking, we live in a fortunate time to be able to share in your thoughts. I'm 19 months sober for the sake of mental clarity and I don't see myself going back. I was able to use the clarity to rise to some significant challenges in my personal life and I feel as if this clarity is a resource I never want to compromise again.

[@Mari-bl2cr]

Respect for you..alcohol is not made to drink it every day..maybe one's in a year to celebrate life that's it..drinking every week or one's in the month is way to much.

[@romelloharris3787]

Out of all the millions, you are my favorite KZbinr. Thank you for being authentic, open, honest and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Sharing it with the world. Very inspiring, Nathaniel.

[@angelicaf4]

Your honesty and genuiness shine through. ❤ ...I loved the video. I don't really drink but I know what you mean about the social pressure. Not drinking is a decision I want to make for my own self. Since I hardly ever drink I don't think it'd be a hard decision to make.

[@lucafruehauf5447]

I just spent my Saturday night at a friend's birthday party, drinking with a lot of people and thought about quitting alcohol for at least the next month. Now, I fire up my PC and see that you uploaded this video. That's a nice coincidence! Growing up in Germany, everyone is very big on alcohol, especially beer. I grew up by the countryside, which means that there's not a lot you can do on a Saturday night, so most folks just grab a six pack of beer or more and drink with their friends. It's also a big part of the local culture because this region has a long history of distilleries and booze. All things combined meant that I had my first beer at 14 years old and I'm not the only one of my friends who started that early. I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the taste of a good bitter Pilsener and I have yet to find a good non-alcoholic version but I'm sure there's one out there. Your video gave me the last push I needed to try your experiment, too. Same goes for smoking by the way. I've been a social smoker for years and it's gonna be interesting to see how weeding out those countless tiny but harmful rituals will work out. I'm still young, not much older than you, so it's best to quit now while the body is still forgiving about the beatings it has to take.

[@simonvegas793]

I love the thoughtfulness and honesty of your content man. You're an excellent storyteller and broadcaster!

[@hhjj7]

Good for you! I haven't drank any alcohol since October. It just happened and now I am consciously continuing the streak for the last 4 months. For me it is easy because I don't respond too well to alcohol (or maybe nobody really does). I no longer drink when I feel it is obligated, or social pressure. Then I challenge myself to not drink, on purpose. But whenever i will feel like it, I will give myself the freedom to do so. Just so far I haven't felt like it, at all. :) only side effect I notice is that I can't party so long anymore. I get tired way earlier. Like at 1am instead of 3 or 4 am. I call alcohol 'borrowed energy' because some other moment I'm gonna have to pay for it. If you have a solution for the sleepiness other than substances, let me know. That's the only struggle I found. Being tired 'early' in social settings.

[@mikeylorenzio2076]

Not wanting to make your life too strict is a relatable concern. While discipline and self-care are important, it's essential to define boundaries so you don't go overboard and miss out on what really matters. Anyways, you come off as mature and well-articulated and I'd like to thank you for the content. Keep on creating man!

[@TPRQnet]

I really appreciate your openness and willingness to put your stuff out there.

[@alyonabilous922]

I stopped drinking 11 years ago and never regreted it. I can perfectly socialize and go dancing being sober, sometimes I do get preassured but I just brish it off. Great challedge, thank you for amazing video🙏

[@TheManuKelas]

You put on words what I think about drinking. I decided to stop drinking 2 years ago, and then I realized that I didn't it to enjoy the moments. Congrats for your channel!

[@tayganbeat3606]

I've been sober 1 year and two months...pretty proud especially seems I'm in Australia where binge drinking is the norm.

[@alessiacastello657]

Taygan Beat i’m an aussie. congrats and keep it up! it’s defs part of our culture. keep it up you’re doing an amazing job!!!

[@tayganbeat3606]

@@alessiacastello657 Thank you so much :D

[@ArturoCabello]

Alcohol is best consumed passively... far too many people drink excessively because they want a distraction from their lives.

[@selinawright7983]

Good morning ☀️ Today I start with moderation.

[@janbraun3337]

Im socially phobic and nearly every day lowkey anxious. alcohol helps me relax and lose feelings of anxiety and fear. i dont binge drink and mostly drink on weekends only but its sad to know that i use it to kind of numb myself in order to have some carefree moments every now and then.

[@willrhodes8763]

I really enjoyed watching this video. I have been contemplating the idea of abstaining from alcohol for sometime now having never particularly found any enjoyment from it. As a relatively newcomer to your channel Nathaniel, it is nice to see a discussion about the stigma surrounding alcohol and the social pressure to consume it. Thank you for providing clarity into your own stance on it, given me more reason to consider my own desire.

[@esioutrot6199]

I like the background music in ur videos helps me focus so much lol

[@tashfl.]

I just HAVE to say that I totally agree! a few months ago I was out with my friends, literally a club and I was soo awake and having fun till 2am, and I was the only one completely sober! Having my own self dancing, breaking all that shyness and weird feelings of being yourself. Its just such a great mood and experience! But, as even Buddhism says: everything its about balance. So I guess sometimes we are allowed to just turn "off" our discipline mood haha thanks for the videos!

[@fahmidamiah]

I really enjoyed this video. I have been T-total my whole life, mainly from religion when I was younger, but now as an adult it is an informed choice with the addition of science and health knowledge. Alcohol is a legal poison and it's just something I would never want in my body. Being someone who loves music and dance, I'd often go out with friends who'd get drunk on nights out while I was the only sober one. It is a really uncomfortable experience, so much now that I don't go out at night with people who will be drinking (a lot). I am not judging them and each to their own. But for me who abstains from alcohol, the peer pressure behind drinking has always puzzled me. I'd watch friends encourage each other and treat non- and light-drinkers "no fun". I really believe you don't need alcohol to have a good time, and I'm fortunate to have a few friends who drink lightly and responsibly. There are a lot more people now choosing to drink less or not at all, which is great for their health overall.

[@snox7357]

i've been 17 years with no alcohol

[@xtra_612]

Im 20 the same

[@floris4496]

I'm 14

[@suzakizahran2889]

I'm 19, same :)

[@royashu]

I'm 18, same!

[@josennyluna6367]

Im 5, same!

[@paultv3866]

Only discovered you recently, but I’m pretty sure you’re the only KZbinr I watch recently. Keep it up, cool production, cool ideas, cool vibe :)

[@clarafrontela8063]

Commitment to yourself, that's the best thing. Taking your own responsibilities and being the architect of your life. Thanks again, Nathaniel. I really love your videos and... sorry by saying this, it could sound ridiculous but... as long as I see you, more I would love to meet you jajaja. Sólo diré una cosa: hablo español, aunque soy pelirroja jajaja. Un saludo :)

[@LukeZaccaria]

I think you hit a lot of good points in the video. I myself don’t drink. Admittedly I’m always training and working towards achieving my sporting goals and drinking is counter intuitive to that, but I simply don’t enjoy the taste of certain alcohols and never have the urge to get “wasted” to have a good time plus it’s not really my nature to be the loud outgoing one. Great video as always man!

[@ButlersTraining]

So my thought on this: My job requires me to socialize, thus I practice and (hopefully) improve my socializing there. Now, when I'm at a party I found people are more open to ideas when they are intoxicated. It helps me with this is as well, first of all, my drunk (or rather tipsy me) has the same values and perspectives I have, but it expresses things differently. From this I manifest my believe further, being able to express it in other ways, when I start conversations about deeper topics. I'm always the person to start conversations about things like mental clarity or else, and people usually are going with it (funny thing is, you can see a drunk person when is thinking about it in their face). So not only can I find differrnt ways to describe things to manifest it myself, but I'm also able to learn how to get my perspectives across to somebody I barely know. Saying that, I don't consider this as getting wasted, it's just having a drink or two, so people push their boundaries. And as a plus going out for a drink is a nice social event, even if you don't want to drink alcohol. Thank you for your time reading this🔥

[@fearlesslionmedia4232]

When I was in college, I partied and drank a lot. Ever since I found my faith and accepted Jesus as my savior, I changed my view on alcohol. Now I drink it to enjoy the flavor and experience of it, the fellowship of having a drink with a friend. I avoid getting drunk because that keeps me from being in line with God. So basically I've found my balance. I only have 1 or 2 drinks, maybe a couple times a week.

[@mike_stk]

You are kinda my day to day philosoph that remembers me to think more critical and deep. Thats why i just want to thank you for the inspiration ;-)

[@boyinthebigcity]

would love to see more videos about buddhism, i recently started getting interested in the ideas of buddhism after researching stoicism and seeing that they have a lot more in common than one might imagine for western philosophy and an ancient eastern religion

[@kojikabuto1234]

Good on you Man! Since one of your main aims is Mental Clarity, giving up alcohol for a while is a great stance. Keep up the good work!!!

[@hopegrit1868]

what you said about seeing extremes everywhere is really true and one of the main reasons is probobly because of the echo chambers that we encounter in the internet constantly facing and incountering with the feed and content that WE like and thinking that Oh everybody else thinks similar to me and that what I view see on a daily basis in my internet feed is a form of validation and permission for my ideas to become more extreme and accepted day by day.

[@gominuke]

i didn't drink till i was 21, when all my friends started at like 13, just to defy peer pressure. now i like having a margarita, a beer or a _tinto de verano_ every so often but i hate getting drunk. PS. puaaaaj, odio la michelada and there we so many b-roll shot of it! (sorry hermanos mejicanos, soy española y no me agrada en absoluto!)

[@stigatin]

Thank you. You inspire me in different topics. I also take different challenges to grow myself. Now i am trying to be sober from alcohol for a longer time period. For now it is already 1 month, but it is challenging sometimes, because people around me thinks that i am weird, or dont know how to chill.