Day 12, 30 Days of Sober Sunrises

Day 12, Wednesday, July 10th, 5:52 am*

Light soft pink wave caps, capturing the reflection of the pink sky, is beautiful! Moderate wind and waves, grey blue cloud cover on the horizon.

Walking up the path I was struck at how beautiful the scene was.

Soft pinks, dynamic cloud patterns, layers of colors, smell of the salty sea, the sound of the ocean, quiet from human noise, just natural beauty that heightened all of my senses. 

I think that we would all be in a better mood and could regulate our emotions better if we got outside into nature in the morning instead of waking up and plugging into technology, phones, news, emails, social media..

Letting your natural rhythms wake up with nature is very soothing and positive.

We are nature. We are animals, who are not supposed to be plugged into devices all day.

My heart rate decreases. I feel instantly relaxed letting nature wake me up and looking at something real and beautiful.

It washes away stress. It's actually prescribed in some areas of the world to improve health and vitality.

Doing this now 12 days in a row has helped me see this truth about nature even more.

Observing wildlife in nature is really cool too.

Pelicans scanning the waters, getting so close to the waves their wings are just above the edge of the tops of the water. They find something, shoot up in the air and dive head first, straight down in to the water, it's so cool. Seeing seagulls float against the strong wind without moving.

What would that feel like? I imagine it feels the same as floating in the sea, freedom, lightness, peaceful.

There was a man sleeping on the beach this morning with his personal belongings and a large bottle of alcohol right next to him.

I also saw this as I was walking out toward my spot.

He's not enjoying a beautiful peaceful sober sunrise like me.

It makes me sad. Alcohol is poison, it robs people of their precious lives and peaceful, memorable moments.

It destroys friendships, romantic relationships, health, causes cancer and more.

Yet we still love it. Yet we let ourselves continue telling ourselves we need it and it's not a big deal.

It's a big deal.

Everyday I see what a big deal it is. People aren't going after their dreams. It separates friendships. It causes cancer, heart disease liver issues, anxiety, depression and overwhelm.

I probably will never stop helping people get over using it too much.

We need all the help we can possibly get to move past the constant over-drinking.

We could all end up like the guy on the beach.

That is 100% real.

Just because we drink it in a fancy glass instead of out of the bottle, doesn't make us better.

If you are reading this, you can stop the path you are on.

It can be the most healing and magical and soul touching experience of your life.

So, get outside, ignite your senses with the natural world, say no to the extra drinks today and YES to your life and I'll see you again tomorrow!

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COACH STEPH TELL!

I hope your day is as bright and amazing as you!

Oracle, for Steph: Maple Spirit, Generosity
Be open to receive the bounty of the universe at teh same time, be generous with others and with yourself. 

*P.S. At the time I was publishing this blog, several hours after the actual sunrise, I have received news that my sister in law, T, has passed away. I am deeply saddened and gutted for my husband, his parents and his siblings. 

As far as I know, the sober sunrise project might need to take a pause, as I head back to Chapel Hill tomorrow to be with my husband and family. 

Tell your people you love them. Create strong community and friendships, ask for help, and remember, YOU MATTER, your life matters and it's worth fighting for, even when it feels like there is no hope sometimes. 

And if you don't know, you matter to me and I'm glad you are here.

xo,

Angela Mascenik
www.angelamascenik.com/aliveaf
Stop Over-drinking and Start Living Podcast
Certified Stop Over-drinking Coach
🌅 🌅 🌅 🌅

About the 30 days of Sober Sunrise Project:

These entries are dedicated to my 6th year of living an alcohol-free life. I have discovered that I love sunrises in my new life. So, I decided to do a writing project of documenting 30-days of sober sunrises over the Atlantic ocean. I rented a house within walking distance to Carolina Beach to make this happen. My family and a few friends will be rotating in and out during this time.

I have no agenda or goal about the outcome. I am curious and fascinated about what might happen.

But most importantly, I just happy that I gave myself the chance for this to even be possible. I am thankful for every person who has helped me get here, past and present, good and bad. They all played a role and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't the experiences in my life (even all the excessive drinking) before this very moment. Let's see what happens! 

[Scroll down and CLICK 'Back to Blog List' below to read the previous entries]