Have you recently decided to stop drinking? Congratulations! An entirely new chapter of your life lies ahead. Do you know what’s even better? You’ll be able to experience it fully, with all your senses.
However, whether you were “just” dabbling in heavy alcohol use or had developed a full-blown addiction, giving up the bottle is never easy. If you’re successful (and you will be!), you’ll always have to stay vigilant, guarding your sobriety as the precious gem it is.
Inspirational quotes clearly aren’t a magic cure for addiction, but they can play a role in keeping you motivated.
Why not make a vision board that includes insightful quotes and beautiful images representing the life you dream of, change your desktop picture to a quote that reminds you of your goals, or paste quote-laden sticky notes in important places?
Take a look at some of our favorite “sober-spiration” quotes — and add more to your collection along the way to create your own inspiration hub!
“Your best days are ahead of you. The movie starts when the guy gets sober and puts his life back together; it doesn’t end there.” — Bucky Sinister
Bucky Sinister isn’t just an actor, stand-up comic, and athlete, but also the author of several self-help and stop drinking books. This quote comes from one titled Get Up: A 12-Step Guide to Recovery for Misfits, Freaks, and Weirdos.
This powerful message reminds you that the future is wide open when you stop drinking. You’ve been unshackled from the path you were on, and you’re in charge of what happens next!
“Being sober delivered almost everything drinking promised.” — Anne Lamott
You know the drill. You used to drink to feel happy, to relax, to sleep better, to become more social, and to feel safe. It didn’t work. As alcohol tightened its grip on you, everything only got worse.
Sobriety’s honesty is the perfect antidote to alcohol’s lies — and Anne Lamott is right; it so often ends up bringing all the benefits you thought alcohol would give you.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr
This quote is about faith, but it applies to sobriety as well. It’s scary to stop drinking. You don’t know what’s ahead and fear you won’t be strong enough. That’s OK. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to take that first step — and keep going.
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” — Napoleon Hill
Keep walking that road! Those equal or greater benefits are still out there, waiting for you to discover them. With sober eyes and a clear head, you’ll be able to recognize every opportunity that comes your way and live your sober to the fullest.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
A 19th-century take on the currently-popular “it’s not about the destination, but about the journey courtesy of a famous poet, we think this quote perfectly represents the early stages of recovery. You’ll have setbacks, but you’re on the right path. Nobody but you can take that away.
“A voice within was telling me that I needed a drink, that I couldn’t bear it without it. But that voice is a liar.” — Lawrence Block
If you’re hearing that voice, too, don’t believe it. Block continues: “You can always bear the pain. It’ll hurt, it’ll burn like acid in an open wound, but you can stand it. And, as long as you can make yourself go on choosing the pain over the relief, you can keep going.”
You’re stronger than you think. Never doubt that, and never let that voice lead you astray.
“Leap and the net will appear.” — John Burrows
Are you ready to take that step and start weaving the net of your future? Are you excited to discover what lifelines life will throw you? All you have to do is commit and walk the path.
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” — JK Rowling
The point at which you start believing you can’t sink further becomes the place from which you can only rise. Once you get your wake-up call, you can immediately begin laying the groundwork for a beautiful future. Take it from one of the most resilient women out there.
“If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” — Benjamin Alire Saenz
If this famous author’s words sound like a tall order, break the task into bite-sized chunks; don’t worry about your entire life and focus on today. Rinse and repeat. Before you know it, a lifetime without alcohol feels within reach. Just remember never to take your sobriety for granted!
“As you move toward a dream, the dream moves toward you.” — Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron created The Artist’s Way, which looks at first glance like a creativity manual but is also a guide to recovery. Heavily focused on spirituality, Cameron’s words are a potent metaphor for anyone who’s working to stay sober.
Soon enough, everything will stop feeling like a fight, you’ll get a taste of freedom, and you’ll discover the universe has your back. Not there yet? Keep this quote around to remind you of the lighter times that lie ahead.
“Addiction doesn’t hurt you nearly as much as it hurts the ones who love you because you numb your pain, they don’t.” — Toni Sorenson
Those who find “tough love” motivating may appreciate this quote. Alcoholism touches everyone around the addict, but so does recovery. Remember that sobriety is a gift — not just for you, but for your loved ones as well.
“No sober day is wasted.” — Mick Herron
Because whatever else you do, the author explains, you’ve made a real accomplishment in retaining your sobriety. Cherish it, and look forward to the next one. This punchy quote gets straight to the point (and fits in your wallet).
