There are Better habits to learn

This blog is inspired by a beautiful article that appeared as a supplement in "The Hindu", dated the 1st of September, 2024. It was titled "Women at the receiving end", referring to the effects of alcohol on families, especially women. Huge respect to the author, Devina Albert.

As someone who works closely with young people, I often find myself urging them to avoid alcohol, even in social settings. Due to this, I give the impression of being old-fashioned or overly conservative and as if I don't trust adults to know their own limits. But it's not about a lack of trust—it's about recognizing the subtle dangers that alcohol can introduce into one's life - physical health is only a small portion of it.

When you know you have a habit to lean on, it can quickly become the easiest escape during tough times. Unfortunately, in today’s world, "tough times" come more frequently, as our tolerance for stress and adversity is not at its highest. I've witnessed this firsthand with a dear friend, whose life ended prematurely, at an indirectly influenced level though.

My message is simple: Choosing not to drink doesn’t make you a saint, and that's not the path I'm advocating. However, when you can confidently say "NO" to a habit that offers no real positive justification, you're doing something powerful. You're setting an example and establishing a unique identity for yourself, as James Clear so eloquently discusses in Atomic Habits. You're making a statement that says, "This is who I am, and I’m okay with standing out from the crowd because I choose not to drink."

In fact, that choice—to stand out, to be different—is one of the most courageous things you can do. One person inspires another and they inspire someone else and a whole generation gets inspired subsequently. That's how change happens.

When meeting friends or relatives at their homes, "Tea or coffee for you?" getting replaced with "Should I make a drink for you?" - it sounds alarming to me. All that talks about "One life, I'll live life in my own terms", "I know my limits", "What fun is a get-together without drinks", "You don't know the heartbreaks I have suffered", "I need a stress reliever since my business schedule is too hectic", are all very poor excuses we give to ourselves - it's otherwise called as "Lack of self control".