Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

This is undoubtedly one of the most significant transformations I've experienced, and it's essential to share my story since those around me have been astonished by how effortlessly I've embraced this change. So, let’s delve into the details.

On July 5th, I made the decision to quit alcohol and vaping after a chaotic July 4th that pushed me beyond my limits, revealing that I no longer desired those habits in my life. The excitement was missing. While enjoying a night out in Brickell with a friend and consuming six margaritas, I returned home feeling empty and my self-esteem in tatters. This was no surprise, considering that...

Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, functioning as a sedative that impairs coordination, reaction times, and self-control, and negatively impacts judgment and memory. — Harvard Health

The next morning, I woke up feeling dehydrated, the usual aftermath of a night out, and realized it was time to confront a tough decision: to abandon drinking and vaping as they weren't contributing to my happiness. The truth is, I don’t just have one drink; it’s a slippery slope that leads to excess.

While I wanted to convince myself I didn’t have a problem, I had to accept the reality: alcohol was indeed an issue for me. It was a tough pill to swallow, but the first step was recognizing that I had mistaken alcohol for "fun" when it actually brought me "suffering."

When we allow detrimental habits to govern our lives, we are essentially telling ourselves that we are "insignificant" and "unworthy" of a fulfilling life. — MW

Similarly, my relationship with vaping spiraled out of control. I felt embarrassed and ashamed, often hiding my habit, which only perpetuated my cycle of guilt. I was living a facade of happiness while I drowned my sorrows in drinks and smoke.

After exploring a variety of resources, including books, podcasts, and insightful YouTube videos, I identified a straightforward truth: my indulgences stemmed from a lack of purpose and self-worth. I realized that I had been neglecting my well-being, allowing others to treat me poorly because I didn’t value myself. I had been treating my body as a dumping ground for toxic substances.

All actions are interconnected; the way we treat our bodies reflects how we permit others to treat us. — MW

Once I grasped this harsh reality, I knew I had to challenge my beliefs and cultivate the strength needed to embrace sobriety. I recognized that achieving my potential required letting go of low-frequency habits like drinking and vaping. Greatness, I decided, does not reside in these destructive actions.

With that in mind, I committed to rewiring my mindset so that alcohol and vaping would no longer be sources of comfort but instead reminders of suffering.

At some point, I had convinced myself that these substances offered me solace, but in truth, they were simply distractions from my emotional struggles. Instead of confronting my feelings, I was filling a void, a common mistake many make.

Now that I was aware of what needed to change, I resolved to completely detach from alcohol and vaping. This would involve a rigorous 21-day mental reprogramming process. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to face the challenges ahead for a life free from dependencies that added no real value.

Step 1: Recognizing the Damage

On the first day, I took inventory of the adverse effects alcohol had on my life—pain, poor decisions, and emotional turmoil. I came to terms with the fact that alcohol brought no positivity, only suffering.

I had endured relationship problems, self-sabotage, and feelings of worthlessness, all while relying on alcohol for comfort, which was utterly unnecessary.

Similarly, vaping left me grappling with feelings of guilt, sadness, and a sense of being undervalued. It had become a toxic habit, seamlessly woven into my daily life, providing an illusion of well-being.

After acknowledging the negative impact both habits had on me, I knew it was time to act.

21-Day Challenge: Shifting My Mindset

I developed affirmations to challenge my old beliefs and embraced new life choices. I created a set of 21 affirmations—seven focusing on quitting alcohol, seven on quitting vaping, and seven combining both. I read these affirmations daily for 21 days. If you're curious about these life-changing affirmations, feel free to reach out to me.

Each morning, I recited these affirmations with conviction, allowing myself to confront the discomfort associated with my past habits. This practice helped me reshape my emotional responses and confront the realities of my choices.

Handling Triggers

During my 21-day challenge, I faced moments that triggered strong reactions. When an acquaintance who had gone silent reached out again, I chose not to engage. I remained unaffected and focused on my journey.

In my professional life, I decided to leave my previous job due to disagreements on new terms. While some stressful situations arose, I maintained my composure, even with a vape shop conveniently located next to my building.

To further challenge myself, I visited my old hangout spot (North Italia) alone, armed with a book. I ordered sparkling water with lime and a pizza while observing others drink, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel a pang of FOMO.

Fast forward to my time with friends at the Standard Hotel bar on just the third day of my journey. Although tempted to drink, I opted for sparkling water that resembled a vodka soda. This choice helped create a relaxed atmosphere.

Navigating Social Situations

It’s common for drinkers to feel uncomfortable around sober individuals, and I used to be one of them. Now, I manage this by ordering soda water with a splash of cranberry, making my drink appear alcoholic without deceiving anyone.

This approach fosters a comfortable environment for everyone and helps me connect with others. For instance, at a restaurant in Maryland, my mom ordered Prosecco while I enjoyed sparkling water with grapefruit, which resembled a vodka grapefruit.

After about a week, I felt increasingly confident. The first few days were manageable, and I kept myself busy with activities like walks and shopping to distract from cravings.

The Struggles of Habitual Cravings

There were moments when I instinctively reached for a vape, a reminder of how ingrained that habit had become. Day 5 was particularly tough, leaving me disoriented and uncomfortable. Despite the urge, I resisted the temptation to buy a vape.

I committed to cleansing my lungs and improving my health. After that challenging day, things became easier. The first week is the hardest, but with consistent affirmations, staying on track becomes feasible.

Whenever I faced a trigger, I would remind myself, "I am comfortable feeling uncomfortable." This mantra provided calmness during challenging moments, allowing me to navigate situations with grace.

Embracing the New Normal

After completing my 21-day challenge, I was surprised to discover that I no longer sought comfort in alcohol or vaping. I am three weeks sober and feeling empowered, motivated, and excited for what lies ahead!

A fun fact: during a call with my therapist, I shared my sobriety success. I conveyed that alcohol and vaping simply "don't exist" for me anymore. If something doesn’t exist, how can I crave it? She found this perspective powerful.

Now, when I see someone vaping or drinking, I feel disgusted. The smell of alcohol repulses me, serving as a reminder of the pain and regret associated with my past.

A Pivotal Moment

On Day 20, during my travel to Maryland, I skipped my usual pre-flight drink and opted for water and snacks instead. On the flight, a nearby passenger ordered tequila, and the smell triggered a mix of regret and sadness in me. I realized I had genuinely reached a point where I disliked alcohol.

I’m here to tell you: it’s possible to quit cold turkey and detach from your addiction, no matter what it is. Determination and support can help you overcome anything.

Whether it’s alcohol, vaping, or other low-frequency habits, reflecting on your life can help you identify what truly adds value and what doesn’t. Imagine living without those detrimental habits—what a freeing thought!

The "I Am Sober" app helped me track my progress during my 21-day challenge. It was the best decision I made. If you’re serious about breaking free from unwanted habits, download this app to help you stay motivated and positive.

Remember, multiple addictions can block you from manifesting your desires and worth. These habits stem from a belief that you’re insignificant and undeserving. When you don’t value yourself, it becomes difficult for the universe to respond to your needs.

There’s so much more to share about this journey, which is why I created significantsouls.org—a platform for connecting with those seeking to understand their experiences and embrace a powerful, effortless life.

I can provide personalized affirmations and guide you through a 21-day reprogramming challenge to overcome your addictions and make healthier choices.

Final Thoughts

This experience was crucial for me, demonstrating that it’s possible to detach from old habits and transform into someone new. Remember, we aren’t born with addictions; we create them based on our circumstances.

Look at an old photo of yourself as a child. That innocent version of you doesn’t need toxic habits.

I now find joy in reading, walking, mindfulness, and engaging with new people, embracing life with a positive mindset.

You have the power to transform your life and wake up every day with joy and a commitment to bettering the world around you.

Embrace the opportunity to create an extraordinary life for YOU!

With love and compassion,

Mariana Weber

Discover how to develop good habits and break bad ones with James Clear.

Learn effective strategies to overcome bad habits and achieve your goals with Joanna Soh.