I Need YOUR Help

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I need your help !! So I have a big event and I am needing to pick a dress ( spoiler alert) I landed on one but I need to show you both! ALSO I have been alcohol free for over 2 years and I have toyed with the idea of having a drink at this event 👀 really wanting some feedback on that so make sure you watch the end to hear where im
Coming from lol love yall!
Make sure you follow all of my social medias!
Instagram: / laurenbrazee
Facebook: / ytlaurenbrazee

[@LaurenBrazee]

This video is sponsored by Helix Sleep! It’s the New Year and it’s a great time to upgrade your mattress. Visit www.helixsleep.com/laurenbrazee to get 20% off your mattress plus 3 FREE pillows! #helixsleep

[@kimberlyslaughter4948]

Take a gummy before the gala to take the edge off the anxiety I don't drink and I have horrible social anxiety I totally get it and Lauren I promise you look amazing in the black dress both dresses are gorgeous but that black one whew 😅😅 I can't wait to see the final get up please post pics of you all dressed up ❤❤ you've been through so much and had so much change in the past few years strut your stuff tonight mamas !! And wait til you get home and jon gets to rip it off 😂😂

[@davidasullivan7980]

Love you lady! If you don't drink and have a good time while feeling how beautiful you are inside and out, just think how empowering that will be. It's really not about having a drink would be bad, because it wouldn't be. It's more about you accepting youre beautiful without the courage you might feel because you took the drink. Either way, give yourself grace. There is no right or wrong here. I pray you have a great time regardless. ❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@brookepurler2455]

Don't feel the "social" pressure of drinking. If you don't want to drink you don't have to drink. At the end of the day it's your choice. I'm very proud of you for going over 2.5 years without drinking! That's incredible! You got this! Have fun and find your people at the gala I think that will help with the anxiousness. Love you! 😊

[@LaurenBrazee]

Thank you!! I love that advice! 💕

[@tracyfinch918]

Yeah, you’re not obligated to drink alcohol to have fun! 🍷 Anxiety is awful! I have it as well, but not around crowds of strangers. Do you have medication or edibles you can take?

[@mizuza12]

As someone who will be 13 yrs sober in a couple of months. Here's what I did in these kind of situations. For me have a coffee before hand to give me a wee boost. Then always have a drink of juice, coke, pepsi, lemonade, iced water or whatever . it means if someone offers you a drink you can politely say you already have one. Another thing I did once which i questioned before hand was take a flask of herbal tea. I wasn't sure about doing this but a dear friend said " did you ever worry about taking a bottle of wine?" Of course I realised I had never worried about taking wine. So i took a very slim flask.of calming tea in my bag to keep me calm. Thank goodness I did as the event only had alcohol and no juice !!! That slim flask of calming tea saved my butt. There are also amazing alcohol free versions of alcoholic drinks now some of which are AMAZING. Also remember once you are there a little while all your nerves will melt away. It's always that first little bit thar feels awkward. And remember you're going to look amazing and have a wonderful time for a cause you care deeply about and then wake up the next day clear headed. Whatever you decide to drink I hope you have a wonderful time.

[@karengatz3022]

I have not had alcohol in 24 years. You do not need it to have fun. If you can push yourself through the initial anxiety you will see that you are among friends and that you can have fun without the alcohol. You look fantastic in the black dress!!

[@sharisiragusa8271]

The Black dress for Sure!....It looks Beautiful on you!....

[@beautifulandbold7117]

Envisioning 16yo Lauren looking at a future picture of herself, healed and smiling ❤

[@catiehays3361]

Well I sure hope you post a pic of yourself all ready for this gala, cuz now you have everyone excited about you & this dress!!

[@TheShellie28]

Definitely the black Lauren its definitely a night to shine in that beautiful dress ❤

[@marthainsalaco9266]

Yes Lauren Take A Gummy 😊Love the Black Dress ❤Make sure to Have fun leave All worries and Stress at the door

[@tracyfinch918]

The black dress is perfect! 🤩 ❤

[@tracyfinch918]

You’ve done wonderfully in your weight loss journey and you look awesome! 🥰💯💕

[@evanwalter9]

I've just come back from Aldi. I agree it's the best for low cost groceries. The tortillas chips & lettuce is the same here in France. The packaging just is branded differently to the US, but with the same brand designs. I bought tinned vegetables, cream cheese, antibacterial wipes, and onions, all for less than $10. I remember the 2022 Gala, because you posted a KZbin video, called "Living in lala land", and by the way, your advice in that vlog to discontinue watching news & current affairs was so helpful! I'm so much healthier since then. Almost graduating from full time therapy. Will be back in work shortly, and I have gained total control over my emotions&lifestyle choices. I feel like I'm on fire this year, and making leaps&bounds every month that passes, now it's officially February!

[@irismoreno6909]

I’m also an apple shaped girl, and when I have to dress up, I pair it with a light sweater, or jacket, or a pretty shawl to fancy it up and feel better in it. You are beautiful and awesome! I haven’t had a drink in 15 years because I had a problem, so I’ve had to learn to socialize without it.

[@bubblybernice4863]

Oh my. I love the window chats. That's where we met years ago. How fun.

[@LaurenBrazee]

It feels good to be back 🥹💕

[@Samantha-v3l]

“Paper plates because I love myself”😁

[@ideasandpictures]

The last 5 years have been so rough! I need to remember this when I get down on myself for setbacks that aren’t totally my fault. The dress looks fabulous on you - rock it girl!

[@MultiAstewart]

The green flower power will help with the anxiety

[@TerriSiler-hv8in]

The black one looks great

[@Angela-yo8pn]

Love love love the black dress!!!!❤❤❤

[@matishank]

Yes 🙌🏼 🎉 the black dress is so good !!!

[@LaurenBrazee]

Ahhhh Thankyou!!

[@MultiAstewart]

So happy for you Lauren...go into that Galla and own it. Your beautiful and you deserve to be comfortable. So proud of you!

[@Matteokitty]

If you have an alcohol disorder, then of course don't drink, however if you just made a conscious decision that you prefer not to drink, and you go to the gala and decide to have a drink, then just chill and enjoy your evening, no biggie, and most likely you will wake up in the morning and remember why you don't like drinking, or you will wake up and realize you way over thought it. I say this because I don't typically drink, never feel great, causes some anxiety and depression or a headache or what ever. But every Christmas our family tradition is to go out for Mexican food, and I always have a margarita And a beer and I absolutely enjoy and love it, then I wake up in the morning and remember why I don't typically ever drink, while at the same time I also start already looking forward to next Christmas ha, ha, :) Maybe it can be your gala thing :) So yeah, I don't ever drink, except for once a year I get all dressed up fancy and go to the gala and have a drink and dance and have a great time, then go straight back to not drinking again. I would throw in some Mexican food that night too :)

[@janethovland9354]

Ok Lauren you look beautiful! My fav is the black dress! 💕You are the friend I would love to hang out with. You are real! You got this ! 😊

[@LaurenBrazee]

Thank you!! You’re so sweet! ❤️

[@kathleenfleming7519]

Thank you for choosing that black dress! You look amazing in it! I have been subscribed to your channel for years, and you look phenomenal, Lauren!

[@ambertoner2009]

I am so excited for you and you have work so hard and you will be beautiful in your dress ♥️and you deserve to have fun. look forward to seeing you all doll up

[@lahovey]

You just speak out loud what is in my head (and probably many others). You are beautiful! I stopped drinking many years ago because alcohol makes me feel like shit. I do sometimes wish I could drink for the social part, but its just not worth it to me.

[@TYjacRIVERA]

In my very unpopular opinion, if you DO get to a point of wanting a drink and you get one, do it because you simply just WANT a drink, but don’t do it because you’re trying to loosen up and feel less anxious. 2 years of no alcohol is awesome by the way. My 2 years of no alcohol was a few months ago, and the other day I decided I wanted a drink. instead of punishing myself and overthinking that I ruined everything, and threw away being alcohol free in a matter of minutes for one beer; I just said, it’s OKAY. After sitting with that a while, I came to the conclusion that it’s okay. I’m okay for wanting a drink and going forward and actually drinking a drink. I’m human, and as long as it doesn’t become something consistent and out of hand, it’s literally okay. I’m. Okay. And everything. Is. OKAY. It’s all about letting go of the negative thinking and the self punishment for just wanting a drink. If I look at it like I just threw away 2 years for nothing I would drive myself crazy. But I’m not doing that and I’ve literally been in the best mental state ever from letting go of the negativity. Of course everyone is different, so I say just do whatever feels right to you. If you spend over 10 seconds debating whether or not you’re gonna drink or not gonna drink then maybe just don’t drink if just thinking about what you wanna do is causing this much angst then maybe don’t do it. Whatever floats your boat, ya know 😅 but regardless, I’m supporting all and every decision you make. You’re one of my absolute favs to watch EDIT: I didn’t have a problem with alcohol btw i should have prefaced lol

[@RobinDrives18wheels]

Mmmmmm you & your robe....I had large squares of fleece for my pup. After I had to put him down I slept with that piece of fleece for a few years. I still have it. I touch it every time I find it in the linen closet. I'm still catching up on your videos. But I loved seeing your post of the gala. You looked amazing and I hope as I view ahead that you had an fabulous time 💜

[@MoniquePmlp]

Have a glass of ginger ale or sparkling flavored water or club soda if you just need to hold something in your hand and sip. 😊 Free your mind and the rest will follow. Why do you associate having a drink with a good time? It's a nice gala you will have a good time, there will be many people there that don't drink alcohol. 😊 Go enjoy you don't need a crutch you are fabulous all by yourself period

[@marcey9606]

I think you answered your own question, "What did I not drink all this time for?" Once you answer that you will know if you want to have a drink or not. I hope you have a great night. The black dress looks amazing on you.

[@jnot_lo2067]

You could get a mocktail also They're good!

[@Chipster724]

The black one! For sure! Even from the thumbnail you look GORGEOUS!!!!🎉🎉🎉like I didn't even wait to watch the whole thing before rushing to the comments to vote for the black one. YOU LOOK STUNNING!!!🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

[@dawnrainville2569]

You deserve that gift and I know about the journey I have lost 115 lb over the last 2 years

[@laurazt7004]

I think "drinking alcohol" is tied to your past low self confidence and now that you're healthy/losing weight and feeling better about you, you are bringing past trauma to the present n tying it up with alcohol. You're not an alcoholic obviously so it really just comes down to getting to a point where "having a drink" brings no past feelings up, knowing you're not using it as a crutch but rather you just want to have a drink. You'll get there. Social anxiety is a B1T€H. Eventually you'll get to a point of peace. ❤ have fun Lauren

[@tinamarie7777]

Black dress Queen! 🖤❤️‍🔥🖤

[@christinacordon6164]

Love the gold one

[@eckabey3971]

I really only drink in the same situations so only a couple of times of year if that really. But I don't think I've been drunk since 2018 and I really have no desire to do that again ever. But I think a couple of drinks a couple of times a year isn't going to negatively affect your health more than possibly the next day. But only you can decide what's right for you and you ABSOLUTELY have the right to change what that means to you.

[@scrumdillieful]

Don’t overthink it! Have a drink or don’t doesn’t matter this is your day to be exactly who you want to be. You will make the right decision when it’s time. We are a lot alike so just trust yourself you put a lot of effort into your growth. Either way you go it is okay give yourself the grace to do what feels good at the moment 😘🥰😍

[@melodiethornock1406]

I am so proud of you! Don’t do it. You’ve got this.

[@JerryTalley-ri1qs]

Go with the black it's beautiful

[@rebekahbradley5544]

The black was my favorite

[@bionicprincess8008]

Lauren, pls know that you have a beautiful face…. Your features are lovely. You look stunning in the dress. Hope you have an amazing time. I am 62 and have never had a beer or glass of wine. I have had a couple glasses of champagne and that is it. I have never felt the need to drink. In fact, I don’t like the feeling of not being in control. I am always the designated driver! I am fine with other people socially drinking. My Dad was an alcoholic so I am quite sure that is a big part of my decision. I have 3 siblings and curiously none of us drink. I am so proud of your weight loss. You are beautiful inside and out. Enjoy!!

[@joyweber4659]

I hope you have a wonderful time!

[@beautifulandbold7117]

Gfriend. Enjoy a drink, you're not an alcoholic. Don't. You're ok either way. Trust that you could enjoy one drink responsibly at a special occasion if you chose to❤

[@catiehays3361]

Your naturally pretty!!

[@MissBellaboo702]

You are so beautiful just go there and have the best time you got this!

[@carlimoncher8043]

Is it the actual alcohol or is it the social aspect of drinking? I don’t drink either and usually just order a mocktail so that I am still involved in the social aspect. It foesng numb he anxiety, but just feeling more like everyone else is helpful and lets me relax.

[@lifelong9ersfan]

Yes, I also found out Aldi's water flavor was dye free because of you! Well, i had bought them before and noticed they were colored unlike the $4 small bottles of clear dye free of the Great Value brand at Walmart. BUT after you told me they were dye free, I compared the ingredients to other colored water flavors, and i was 🤯

[@kimengvall1523]

I think you look absolutely gorgeous in the black one

[@katrinac469]

The dress looks awesome on you, Lauren, you look fantastic!!! I would have just one drink to take the edge off, it's not like you're drinking to get drunk, I'm the same way at big events, I have a glass of wine, and it makes me open up a lot more than if I didn't have one, just MO, but, you do what makes you feel comfortable

[@fragilefleur]

My question is what is your fear with drinking and do you fear losing control if you started and do you feel some sense of imperfection if you feel anxious at coming out as you put it I.e. presenting your body and self as a confident woman? Do you have some tools for the social anxiety and self deprecation that comes with events? Do you have a plan if you do get too anxious and a plan if you just get there sober and nervous but overcome it and are shocked that you can attend an event confidently after you get over feeling the newness of being in a dress that makes you feel sexy? Do you fear the power and danger in sexiness and confidence? I get some of this bc I grew up like you as plus size kid and feeling the old lady dress thing when I had to dress up as a young plus teen and young adult. The fears are trauma from the past and you are very vulnerable going to the event this time fearing any judgement and self deprecation to reduce the good feelings you have in the dress. It’s amazing how much power we place on a piece of fabric. You are still your amazing self and the dress is not going to shred your heart this time even if you have a doubt, anxiety or someone gives you a bad look or something. I feel like this is a safe place to come out in the sense of what you meant which is to present yourself as a woman like in the old sense of the word when girls had presentation balls for growing up into their womanhood. It’s an old notion but I got what you meant. You will be okay. You may feel awkward when showing up but then realize people will respect you in this dress or any other. Drinking to ease anxiety is one option but do you have other options in the emotional toolbox?

[@LaurenBrazee]

This comment was SO SO beautiful. Thankyou sooo much! What a great question . Do I have a tool in my toolbox for this? 🤔 I’m going to try and find one 💕💕

[@joylee3115]

Do medication, sit there eyes shut, talk to yourself your mind. Deep breaths, it really helps settle nerves you be be training yourself to be calm. It works!!!! Love Joy

[@judyredmon6644]

As far as drinking or not drinking. Who cares if you drink or not. It’s your choice. If you want to have a drink in hand to help with making conversation etc have a beverage in your hand. It doesn’t have to be alcoholic. If a drink looks like something with coke who would know it didn’t have alcohol in it. Or a sparkling water. Who’s to say there isn’t alcohol in it. BUT…….you owe no one an explanation. I haven’t had a drink in years and have NO problem being around others who do decide to drink. In the end WHO CARES! You do you. Whether you drink or not is no one’s business but yours. And be proud of it!

[@828kae]

Before I watched, I thought BLACK! Not only slimming but very classy and elegant!

[@TerriSiler-hv8in]

Produce prices and gas are about to go up a ton because of tariffs from Canada and Mexico

[@janetstevens5990]

I would love to get a spray tan. I love Aldi's...

[@junebennett9018]

Honestly seems like the CBD has taken the place of alcohol. As long as you are having the CBD do not see the difference in also having alcohol at an event. The video about stopping CBD and then starting again the next video suggested it is what calms you now.

[@vanessadaugherty4294]

Take your gummies you’ll be fine❤

[@DaniMaeFL]

If the decision around drinking is giving you anxiety, I take that as a sign that you should maybe skip the drinks. That is just my opinion..but ask yourself this, if you had even 1 drink, would you have feelings of regret the next day? Would it bother you long term? Cause I don't think you'll regret NOT drinking. Only you can make that choice, just have fun above all! You deserve this!

[@catiehays3361]

The black dress is stunning on you..

[@Grahamt978]

Bums me out you don’t have John by your side showing you off. I hope it was a successful night💕

[@MelissaThompson432]

What does 40 have to do with it? Think Cher: she has never given up her glamorous looks. And she's got to be close to 80.

[@TerriSiler-hv8in]

You aren't an alcoholic so it doesn't matter how much time it's been. I haven't been drinking either for 2 years because the Ozempic killed my desire for alcohol. If I go somewhere I still have a drink and it's no big deal how much time it's been around in between. I have 5 bottles of wine in my wine fridge and 3 bottles of beer in my fridge since Thanksgiving. I just haven't thought about it. If I go out with my daughter if I want a beer I get one. We went to Olive Garden the other day and I had water. It's no biggie.

[@dawnrainville2569]

Go girl

[@Sara_H114]

I like the black one

[@MelissaThompson432]

Good. The black one is way better.

[@CalamityinTexas]

I can take it or leave it. Just had 2 beers on vacation. Hadn't drank since July you don't have to drnk. Eat something special and take your gummy before uly. GLP 1 helps with that too.

[@misslindsayyy9870]

Black all the way!!! And your body is GORGEOUS!! Was before, is now and will be whatever it is in the future. Not that you NEEDED a random persons validation just trying to get us women to love over selves for the current state we are in and nothing more.

[@PaulineAndrews-m4w]

Way to go John!

[@MelissaThompson432]

Listen: tell yourself you don't need it, because you're a lot calmer and more confident than you were 3 years ago, but remind yourself that you're not forbidden to drink if you decide you want to. Leave it there as an option. Even get one and walk around not drinking it. Alcohol is not the enemy. It's just an ex you have outgrown and don't want to be with any more.

[@victoriaskuse118]

I rarely drink anymore. Just don’t like the way it makes me feel. I’ll maybe have have a glass of something at Christmas. But I don’t have big feelings about it either way 🤷‍♀️ Not much help there x

[@jessicastanton7909]

So I stopped drinking almost 2 years ago due to a liver condition, not caused by drinking, but can be worsened by drinking. So the world won’t end for me if I have a drink, but in solidarity to my partner who cannot drink anymore, I don’t drink at all. What we’ve learned is in our group of friends if they don’t support our chosen sobriety, then they’re not true friends. We also learned that you don’t have to drink to have a good time. We feel so much better not drinking. When we think we want to drink we just remember how crappy we feel while drinking and after drinking . So really the choice comes from you about your sobriety. Why did you choose it? Do you really want a drink or do you feel social pressure to want it? I know people who decades of alcoholism that have been sober for decades that got to a point where they were able to have a drink or two throughout the year for celebratory reasons and they don’t even finish the drink. Really love your dress choice !! my mom is going through a weight loss journey and we just went dress shopping this past weekend for my niece’s baptism and we are only a couple sizes off and I think by the summer she’ll be in my dress size 🩵

[@sarahbtothew6610]

Maybe it's not really the alcohol that calms you but maybe the act of sipping on something during the events that takes your mind off of the social anxiety. So maybe if you have a virgin drink then it might have a placebos effect. Just a though. I don't drink but I know I used to sip my water a lot because I didn't know what to do with my hands. Lol

[@karijobishop212]

My thought... take an anti anxiety gummy, and order a mocktail, you'll look stunning, and holding that fancy glass may calm you. No one will know, nor should they care. You're going to steal the show.

[@catiehays3361]

Girl, your gonna be just fine. Take a extra gummy, but if u wanna try having a drink go ahead. Just enjoy yourself..

[@joyweber4659]

Don't drink, just try to relax.

[@Angela-yo8pn]

Ps I don’t think you are tooo tan at all! It’s prefect!

[@TerriSiler-hv8in]

With the price of alcohol out plus food plus tip it's gotten outrageous!

[@AnthonySmith-bj9mo]

hi Lauren

[@brettgagnon5214]

😂😂😂John’s comment! ☠️

[@lindaowens2966]

You've got this you don't need the alcohol to relax and have fun. How about a gummy?

[@terry1892]

Hi,God said to eat ,drink, and be merry. Just do it,no regrets, okay.

[@Ydnew51]

🖤🖤🖤🖤🩶🩶🩶🩶🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@melissagreen1117]

Have the best time gf.

[@amysovine462]

Ehhhh you are putting to much pressure on yourself … I say go in see how you are feeling and if a glass ends up in your hand hold it, sip it, drink it or grab a soda water with lemon or lime !! Be easy on yourself !! 🙏🏼🤍❤️

[@lindaowens2966]

Love the gold one!

[@audreycowdry1019]

You are not an alcoholic, so one drink is not a big deal. I think you are overthinking this!

[@dawnrainville2569]

Date nights are very important nights girlfriend

[@debbiej10101]

Take a low dose edible it'll all be good. I don't drink alcohol either but I love my thc.

[@victoriaskuse118]

I commented on Instagram to go for the black dress… it’s way more forgiving 👍

[@ambertoner2009]

I am so excited for you and you have work so hard and you will be beautiful in your dress ♥️and you deserve to have fun. look forward to seeing you all doll up

[@annahoover5296]

Hi Lauren