Why I gave up drinking in 2022

[@rosemarygilman8718]

Thank you for addressing this topic, Molly. I'm 65 years old and stopped drinking 25 years ago. I had started drinking when I was 14 and in college I became dependent on alcohol to the point where I would get drunk evey night and often have black-outs. I continued to drink heavily until I got pregnant with my first child and chose to stop drinking completely until after my baby was no longer breast feeding. I was able to do that through sheer will power, but I missed dinking terribly. Once my baby was weaned I went right back to drinking but never to the point where it interfeared with my ability to care for my son. In 1998 I was diagnosed with liver problems and was told by my doctor that I needed to give up drinking or I'd destroy my liver. That was a real wake up call and I stopped drinking then, but missed it a lot. I gradually began to see the benefits for me and my family that came with my giving up alcohol. Eventually, I became grateful for that diagnosis. Thankfully, today liver is healthy and my life has been so much better since I've been sober!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your story! I'm so glad to hear that you are healthy again and enjoying a sober life 💚

[@thriftyvegan73]

Thank you so much for another lovely and thoughtful video. I recently discovered your channel and have been catching up as best I can. I was a big drinker in my 20s and 30s and then gradually reduced until in my late 40s just decided I didn’t see the point of it anymore. I’ve been alcohol free for around 2 years now and feel so much better for it. Being sober is definitely a joy!

[@cdbean99]

Tremendous video. I really empathized with your viewpoint on drinking, especially as a 23 year old young man who never liked alcohol that much and decided that it just wasn’t for me and didn’t get much out of it.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment! That's wonderful to hear. I have a younger brother who's just the same 😊

[@jennygrimm4969]

I am 70. Like you, I didn't drink until college. I drank to be social, but never liked the taste of anything. I also like to feel in control of my actions and alcohol diminishes this feeling. My goal for 2023 is reducing processed sugar. This will be a challenge since I do have a sweet tooth.

[@nitsudrhodes]

I hope you rediscover the sweetness of whole fruits!

[@andreasissons7766]

Such a soothing video and I like the piano sound track. Thanks for sharing your story and being so strong to follow your own path at such a young age.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed 😊💚

[@martindurkin8837]

Can yiou tell me the name of the piano track? it's melancholy and lovely.

[@martindurkin8837]

@@hippyhighlandliving Can you tell me the name of the piano track?

[@persephone213]

Been sober since 2013 and I like my current healthy lifestyle so much better! Only part I’ve found challenging is how drinking is so socially acceptable where I live that it can sometimes be a little awkward to not be drinking and sometimes people just want to go to bars and that’s just so not my thing anymore. That’s okay, though, cause I like being true to myself and I can invite people to go for a walk, to a yoga class, or out for coffee instead. 💖

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Its all about doing the right thing for you 😊💚

[@ursulamelia7136]

Great video and the Scottish scenery is absolutely stunning. I never much cared for alcohol safe in the summer in a beer garden when it got hot in Germany, where I grew up. I am now 60 and have been more or less teetotal for 30 years (moved to the UK when I was 23). Four years ago someone gave me a box of chocolate liqueurs with cherries in, which I love and I ate them all (but not at once). Otherwise I can't recall having had alcohol since. I am the main carer for our springer spaniel, who I love to bits and just for that reason I'd hate to be in any shape or form less than 100%. I need to be able to walk around 7 miles a day with my little charge, so I need to be in good shape. Love your videos!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Thanks for sharing your story Molly. I didn't consider myself a drinker. A few sips here and there. I'm Italian and a may have had a glass of wine when going to an Italian restaurant. But now I don't drink at all because I have high blood pressure and I take medication for it. I'm 72 and don't miss it. ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your story 😊💚

[@terrydenton8267]

Molly, I was never much of a drinker, but my wife and I took up Transcendental Meditation in the mid 1970s. I'm now 76. At that time we gave up all alcohol and also gave up eating meat. About twelve years ago we went completely vegan. Sadly, my wife passed away, and now I'm trying to move toward a more minimalist lifestyle which I'm finding harder than it was to give up alcohol, meat and dairy--which wasn't really hard at all. I enjoy your videos.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment. I'm so sorry for your loss and wish you the best of luck with your minimalist journey 💚

[@jackieives4535]

Nearly 3 years without alcohol and it's been the best change I've ever made in my life. Its surprisingly how many people have alcohol concerns out there, especially when you think you are the only one. I stopped just before my brother died from cancer, I was scared how my life might go if I allowed alcohol to "help me deal with it". I read Jason Vale's book, Kick the Drink Easily which worked for me as it explained what it does to the brain and body and why we then want just one more. ... If I understand what something does to the body I can deal with it. I was also amazed how so many of us fall for the marketing angles the large corporates use without so much as questioning it. It's a drug we are encouraged to take regularly and considered boring if we say no. How odd we are as humans 😍

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I'm so glad its been a positive step for you. You're right, the marketing is very odd 💚

[@geoffminter2927]

What a beautiful little video. Thankyou so much for sharing. I too gave up drinking on news years day 2022. I used alcohol as a crutch and too try and blot out the pain I was feeling at the time and it took me a long while to get past that. Now, being a Buddhist and a reiki master I feel that it doesn't go in line with my life anymore. I'm now at the point where I don't like being around the energy of alcohol. I'm coming close to one year with out drink and I don't miss it one bit! Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from this vegan hippy down on the south east coast 🙏

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations on your sober year! I'm so glad you've found value in it 😊💚

[@penelopebundy2494]

I used to drink a lot through my later teens and all through my twenties! I decided in my late 20’s to give up entirely and was going well, about six months in when lockdowns hit here in NZ. I went back to drinking but much less than before. Currently I’m giving it another go - aiming for six months but will see how I feel after that. I have to be honest - I do miss it sometimes. It’s the taste and the social aspect, and I guess saying goodbye to something I engaged in for so long. But I hate how it changes my personality - which was a big driver in stopping. There’s much better zero alcohol beers and ciders available now which helps me a lot when I crave a drink.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you, your right that its great that there are more drink options now 😊

[@clemsonteach80]

Thanks for another calming video. I too read The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober and my experience is somewhere between hers and yours. I decided to give up alcohol in the middle of this past summer. Like you said, just doesn't align with my values anyone (minimilism, early to bed/early to rise, veganism, etc).

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment. Thats great to hear! Its a wonderful book 😊

[@pieceofsunshine_channel]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@eveb5657]

I am now at a point where I’ve decided I don’t want to drink anymore. In recent years I have probably only drunk once or twice a year but I’d prefer that to just be zero😊 agreed with you on everything!!

[@MrsMMcG]

Thank you for sharing, Molly ☺️ I’ve never had a problem with alcohol and was always a social drinker as well. I’ve had less and less during my time as a vegan (12 years so far) but recently I decided that raw food is becoming a focus in my world so alcohol cannot compete. Our body is all we have, so why not do our best? Sometimes it takes a while to accept it and that’s ok! Wishing you bright blessings 🥰

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing lovely :)

[@ninik1134]

Lovely views, what a great nature! I love a glass of cider maybe once or twice in the summer, but that's it for me. Why should I drink something that isn't good for my body? Most people accept it, some don't but I have learned not to care. I am looking forward to my new hoodie - nature and books! :) Best wishes from Germany!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you so much for your support! I'm so glad you are making the right decision for you 😊💚

[@ljb3135]

Hello I had my last drink on NYE 2019 & coming up to 3 years & it’s one of the best thing’s I have done. It is amazing how many people are giving up alcohol young & old. Stopping drinking has had a ripple effect onto many aspects of my life. Well Done to you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

That's amazing! So encouraging to hear 😊💚

[@ljb3135]

@@hippyhighlandlivingI meant to say I am reading The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd, I’m sure you will have read it, if not it is beautifully written & she wrote it at the end of the Second World War. Fabulous nature writing, all about the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

@@ljb3135 I have read it and I agree that its beautiful 😊

[@christinaward161]

Another lovely video, thankyou. I have just purchased my teen one of your wonderful tshirts for Christmas, she too is a nature loving bookworm. I am also going to treat myself in the new year because i love the tshirts. Best wishes.x

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you so much! It warms my heart to hear that and I really hope your daughter (and you!) like them 😊💚

[@christinaward161]

@@hippyhighlandliving I am sure she will! I have never known a child love books so much!. Her Tee will be perfect, thankyou xx

[@judithrussell9162]

It’s great to recognise what’s suits you and we all have slightly different metabolisms and propensity for addiction. I do drink most days, a small glass of red wine because I enjoy it with dinner. Don’t think I’ve ever had a hangover. Otherwise I am an extremely healthy eater, vegan like you and not into junk food or sweet stuff, but I’m also lucky enough to have great digestion and never any tum probs. Although I drink I think we need to normalise not drinking more, some drinkers seem affronted by non drinkers even though other people’s choices should have no impact on their lives.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience 😊💚

[@GodsSoldier33]

On the day you posted this video, I had started to write a long comment and almost at the end of it I lost my comment :( will try to keep its as short as possible.I stopped drinking back in end of 2021. I had cut back end of 2018. (Was saved and gave my life to Jesus) I suffered from heavy panic attacks prior to ending of 2018 for quite some time. Alcohol contributed to the onset if I was to drink too much where near or intoxicated. I didn't give it up entirely. I would buy a bottle of wine here n there prob 4x within 2020 and mid 2021. I realized my body couldn't handle alcohol like it used to. I'm 52yrs old and I have to say whether it's a chemical condition or low intolerance..me cutting back to stopping completely definitely helped not wanting to drink even if it was a sip or two. The smell alone would make me feel a bit nauseated and uneasy. The problem I had was that, I love the taste of beer. And a good red wine. So..I even tried non alcoholic beer for a bit (I love a cold brew on hot summers) it was okay for a bit but then I found out I couldn't drink too much of beer due to the hops or barley lol. So I now sip grape juice or sparkling cider or sparkling red or white grape juice. I feel I stayed away from alcohol long enough to not crave it any longer. With cravings gone..I am now comfortable enough to be around it and not have any. I said to myself." I'm not saying I won't have a drink anymore" but I'm at a point in my life where I know that's there's prob a 99.5% chance of me saying no to any thing alcoholic. The .5% most likely to a non alcoholic beer. 😊 My overall health is better. I did lose alot of belly fat n I sleep much better. The hangovers or any other issues related to drinkkng too much are not worth anyone's health. For those who like an occasional drink here n there, just remember to drink in moderation, or to bring out the flavor of a good meal. (And by that you just need a half or less glass of wine maybe) and don't drive at all. Wine ( drink) is said in the Bible to drink to be merry/happy. But it also says to be sober in all we do. I Love your vlogs. I find them to be very peaceful and warms my soul all the nature walks n scenes. :) Thank you Happy holiday and God bless 🙏

[@Khaleesi_Tess]

Your story really resonated with me as I've had a very similar experience. It's really nice to hear about others going from social drinker/uni drinker to stopping drinking completely in their 20s/30s. I realised over the course of 2021 that I was no longer enjoying drinking as I had previously, and it was actually quite fun to make a new years resolution to cut out alcohol in 2022 knowing it would be one I could actually succeed at for once. I do admittedly still have the occasional teeny tiny sip of someone else's drink if they're having something particularly exciting, as the only thing I miss about drinking is the taste of a really good cocktail. I am lucky that as I never developed a dependency or addiction in the past this is something I can do without worrying about the taste tempting me to more.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I'm so glad you enjoyed and thank you for sharing! :)

[@AIMCatherine]

Happy for you and happy to see those beautiful it is so good for the overall health.keep safe and inspiring✨🍀

[@annie-nance]

I love your minimalist style.. I've never been a fan of black and white sharp minimalism, your nature inspired style is sooo cute

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you! 😊💚

[@suzannerobertson416]

looking forward to your Christmas videos

[@matecsoka9337]

I'm on the middle ground. Many people drink a lot, and it's a new trend to give up drinking completely as it was only peer pressure/societal expectation anyway. Sometimes these people that give up alcohol are rather harsh on alcohol afterwards I feel. But mostly they were abusing it in their 20's, maybe going to parties aimlessly (not saying parties are bad perc se), maybe even taking other substances, hookups etc. Then they become more conscious, maybe starting yoga or exercises etc. But I just feel the real issue was their aimlessness, not alcohol. I mean there are plenty of old people enjoying a glass of wine every now and then, or trying gourmet cocktails for the taste of it (liking the taste and not the effect), without ever going to the hangover territory.... Alcohol consumption for me is part of being a foodie. Like I like water, but it's the most simple beverage. If I was an extraterrestial landing on Earth, I would want to taste what else they can make out of drinking. I want the sensory pleasure of it being bitter or even spicy, with foam around it, and different colour layers. But I enjoy it's novelness, how I like to travel and visit different places (and not really doing/seeing/tasting the same thing all the time)

[@studiotezart]

I stopped over 2 years ago, and I don´t miss it at all.

[@bettymaugeri7316]

It took a long time but living an alcohol-free life seems to complement my vegan-plant based lifestyle now, I am sorry it took so long to get here - a foggy brain, feeling poorly, being depressed and all that goes with over indulging in alcohol is gone. It was a crutch used to belong, to feel happy but after awhile it was just to get through the day and loneliness. Your video reminded me what was and what is now for me. 🙏

[@mareegeorge8777]

I do have a drink, but rarely. I'll have one when I go to the ANZAC/Armistice Day RSA parades for Dad and that is only 1 as I have to drive back (a bit over a 2hr drive from where i live now) (am in NZ) and maybe a rum on the odd occasion. I do have a small bottle of whiskey i got from Larnach Castle last year, only had 3 nips out of it.. and a coconut rum that ive had sitting there close on 2yrs..

[@cindy7702]

You are one smart Young lady... good for you..

[@richardchapman3389]

GOOD GIRL I STOPPED DRINKING 17 YEARS AGO AND CIG,S 2 YEARS AGO I.M GOING TO BE 69YEAR,S IN DECEMBER 16th FOR ME SLOW WORRYING IS BETTER IT,S THE SAME AS LIVING 😊😊

[@kated5159]

Same here, only started drinking in college and I think when I look at it honestly, I binge drank a lot. I’m pretty sure that peer pressure and insecurity drove a lot of it and as a result I think I moved away from that behavior the older and more secure in myself I became. Now that I’m in the 35-45 age group I think of alcohol as empty calories I just don’t want. That and I’m not ok with feeling awful after drinking anymore. I don’t think we talk about how normalized binge drinking really is.

[@ruebennomura9143]

Nice video great view

[@ingaurban404]

Thank you for this video. I have not drunk any alcohol for the last four years. I didn't really like alcohol before, so it was not a real sacrifice for me. I used to get polyps (don't know if it's the correct English word) in my stomach and had to have colonoscopies every other year. Since I stopped drinking entirely I hadn't had any polyps so far. And to be honest alcohol is sort of a poison. Why should I put sth.poisonous into my body? My friends are very accepting of course. But alcohol plays a big role at social gatherings (at least here in Germany). Have a lovely week!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! I'm so glad your health has improved 💚. And yes drinking is still a very social activity here, but it sounds like you've surrounded yourself with the right people 😊

[@amyh1045]

I also do not drink. I feel the negatives far outweigh the positives. I got drunk a few times in college, despised the hangover, and decided I was done with it!

[@malibu90265]

I eliminated alcohol from my diet over 18 years ago. Fortunately, alcohol was not a problem for me so giving it up was easy. Like you, it is in alignment with the life that I lead and the values that I hold dear.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you, it sounds like we've had a similar experience 😊💚

[@malibu90265]

@@hippyhighlandliving Similar dogs, as well! No coincidence there. We obviously share the love of the thinking dog.

[@martindurkin8837]

A lot of us drink because there is an empty space in our lives which for whatever reason was never properly filled. Mine is loneliness.

[@andeebee2530]

Drank quite a bit socially between ages 19 to 22 but then was no longer interested apart from the odd Baileys or glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Got drunk once about age 40 and swore I’d never do it again, I was so sick. Due to health issues now I do not drink at all and do not really miss it.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you 💚

[@cstar6682]

I have never been a drinker and have never been drunk. Generally, I find it tastes bad and makes my body ache within moments. Wine gives me headaches. I have no problem stopping at one mixed drink and it would be easy to give it up for good.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

So interesting to read your experience. My body never really liked alcohol! 😊

[@martindurkin8837]

Can anyone tell me the name of the piano track?

[@hayleygrimston51]

I'm 52 never been a drinker mainly due to being brought up by an alcoholic mother.Times were not great so the experience I went through made me have a hate relationship with drinking. My eldest 3 grown up kids like to go out drinking socially but my youngest 2 who are 25 and 20 are like me and have never drank. X

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank for sharing! 😊💚

[@Daytona2]

I'm relaxed about alcohol. I measure myself 1 unit a day and that gets me mellow, which is what it's mostly about for me. I drink maybe 2-3 units a day at my parents for Christmas & Easter. I'm not diabetic (tested every year) but I seem to have very fast absorption, giving me sugar highs, so I can be happily mellow on 1 unit. Any more than a unit an hour, and I get nauseous and crash with fatigue quickly afterwards, which is really unpleasant. I've developed a taste for whisky and am pleasantly surprised at my ability to detect the flavours. I've never had a hangover - I don't see the point, as I've always understood to hydrate with water as well. Once or twice as a young adult, as I thought it was a reasonable target, I tried to finish a bottle of wine and failed with nausea. I was lucky enough to be on the fringes of a group of recovering alcoholics - some of the nicest people I've ever met. It struck me that it can be a reaction to an unfulfilled life. btw as you mentioned you have a sensitive stomach, are you aware of Zoe Health's science based analysis of people's microbiomes etc ? You can get a personal analysis. I really like the research they're doing (no connection) www.youtube.com/@joinZOE

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for the link and really interesting to read your experience 😊💚

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for the link and sharing your experience 😊💚

[@AnnaNikishin]

Molly, thank you for inspiration! May I ask you which camera and lens do you use for your videos?

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! Its actually just my phone. Its a Samsung FE S20 😊

[@AnnaNikishin]

@@hippyhighlandliving wow! It’s probably your energy!

[@Mimulus2717]

I have a genetic mutation in the gene ADH1B...it makes the first enzyme in metabolizing alcohol. This means the ethanol gets turned into acetaldehyde something like 20-40 times faster than normal which causes flushing, sweatiness, can result in fainting if you drink too much too fast. It is similar to the Asian flush (although that is in the second enzyme ALDH2 and is an almost absence of ability to clear acetaldehyde...in both cases acetaldehyde builds up). I only found this out a few years ago...I just knew I did not like the way how alcohol made me feel AND I am a total cheapskate who preferred saving my money for things that mattered more like books and music. I do not know what a hangover feels like because I have never drank enough to experience one. My partner and I like the craft beer world (hello from Seattle...home of soooo many interesting beers). But I can go weeks or months before I actually drink a beer. And then it would be for a low ABV, short pour that I sip over an hour. And it has to be something really unusual like a sour plum or seasonal farmhouse beer. Luckily most taprooms here are savvy to the demographic of those who have stopped imbibing and have non-alcohlic alternatives. I never feel any pressure to drink from the crowd, everyone here is pretty chill and the vibe is "you do, you!".

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you, so interesting! 😊💚

[@bolonkinaanna]

❤

[@enkeli9031]

💓💓💓

[@carolinesimmill4962]

Alcohol is a depressant on the body which is not good for us. Making us feel tired and low in spirits after the initial drink has worn off. If you are looking after your well being I think avoiding drink is much better for you. It is easier these days to say no to alcohol socially and that is good that friends and family are more accepting of the personal choices around food and drink.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

True 💚

[@colorsofavon934]

🧡

[@hibasabir2547]

Hi Molly - I really enjoy watching your videos, they connect me with nature. However, I do have one recommendation for you. Sometimes your videos feel a little monotonous. It would be great to see some changes in the videos or new types of content related to nature. I would love to see more Day in my life vlogs (I know you have uploaded some before, and they were really good.) ☺

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thanks for the feedback 😊

[@efortunywhitton]

I've never, ever been a person that drinks; not for any puritanical reason(s), but just because 1. growing up in US, the young people here drink what is probably the closest in flavor to gnat's pee ;) 2. I never saw the point in not being with-it; I can act like an idiot without help. ;0 Now, if red wine is offered during a meal, etc., I literally enjoy taking a sip to pair with my meal, and I find that it really does tend to amplify the flavor of the meal, but that's the extent of my drinking. Maybe a few sips of a nice, cool beer (of good quality) on a hot day; again, food has to be paired with it, or I just don't see. the point. And on a cold day, a wee-bit of port paired with a nice vegan desert: bliss. These occasions for me are few-and-far between, and it's something I can take-or-leave; in other-words, I won't go out of my way for these; maybe if traveling it's nice to have a taste in the way I've described. I've also never smoked pot, or tried any drugs, etc. Again, these things just don't call to me; I know it may sound nauseating to some, but I really can happily get lost in the sight of a beautiful tree, or landscape, etc. These are my escapes. Gorgeous scenes in your video!! Oh, I'm also not opposed to using sherry or a wine in cooking. :) Hugs! x

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Such a lovely comment, thank you for sharing! 💚

[@VeganHiker]

I'm almost 60 years old and have never been a drinker. Over my lifetime I've had a mere sip of alcohol on a handful of occasions. Mostly out of curiosity. It never tasted good so I stopped even doing that! But I was also never in social situations where it was expected to drink. I did grow up in a non-drinking household, which probably helped too!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you, so interesting to read your experience 💚

[@bakeredwards]

I hardly drink because I see nothing positive in it after losing a couple of friends to it.

[@joannebolton1]

I wish more young people had your thoughts on alcohol. It takes confidence to not confirm, confidence to say no. Alcohol never really brings joy. It's a depressant and, as we know, it's very addictive. I've never been a drinker, hated the taste like you, and never saw the point. As a nurse, I saw too many A&E attendances at weekends ALL alcohol related. Alcohol is probably worse for your body (and mind) than smoking. Simple life for sure is the way to be Molly👍

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! 😊💚

[@gamingisalive8512]

Hey Beautiful How are you?

[@purrsephone2904]

I think this is a good decision for your health.🤍

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you 💚