I start this post (which quickly turned into my first X article) not knowing what I'm going to say or share, but I felt a duty to share more of my story in hopes that it may inspire even just one more person.

Grateful to share that I've been sober for 6 years today.

I grew up in an era where drinking was not only celebrated, it was expected in business. As a life long entrepreneur where conferences, mixers and business dinners were the norm, it become too easy to develop a drinking habit.

It was too easy to become a high functioning alcoholic. I struggled to turn my brain off at night, and like many I fell into the trap of thinking a "night cap" was helpful - they are not, and science has proven alcohol can be detrimental to sleep. While it might have helped me "pass out", it was not leading to good sleep and as I aged, the wear and tear of constantly having alcohol in my system was slowly killing me.

I didn't understand that you didn't have to wake up with a fifth of vodka in hand to be an alcoholic. I didn't understand the cumulative damage that just have a nightly drink or two could do. I didn't understand the mental and emotional toll that years of drinking can have.

It wasn't always just a drink or two. I work hard and I play hard, I go hard and know one speed and that's not a strength when it comes to booze. 6 years ago today I was out drinking in Austin and got drugged & mugged. It was scary, but I survived and in hindsight it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It was a wake up call, and time to make some changes.

The first couple months were challenging and I got help, spoke to therapist and took an out-patient class to gain a greater education and understanding of alcohol and addiction. I had multiple friends show up daily, a few of which had been sober for years and I'm not sure they'll ever fully understand how much it meant to me that they "showed up" when I needed it most. I did not complete the 12 steps of AA, but I did get educated on the topic and go to a few meetings and it was all I needed for my lifestyle change to stick - mainly because I had such an incredible support system.

2018 was the hardest year of my life, going through a brutal divorce and separated from my kids, it would have been too easy to start drinking again to numb my emotions and feelings - but thanks to those friends and family I made it through 2018 and never looked back. Life has ups and downs, I still have stress, but I'm proud to say I have no desire to drink. I may be biased as my life has 100X'd since I made this lifestyle change.

I'm not a prohibitionist nor do I think all people shouldn't drink, for most it's okay in moderation. I still go to bars, clubs and go hard .. I just slam soda water with a lime now.

As this starts to get long, I don't want to ramble and I don't want to preach or virtue signal.

I just want to pay it forward.

Not everyone going through something has friends and family like I did that will show up for them. Not everyone can overcome addiction with a little education and a few AA meetings. Everyones journey is different and if you're still reading this and going through something - my DMs and cell are open to you. If I'm not following, drop a comment, ask for a follow and shoot a DM.

If you're sober curious or want to give a dry month a go and not sure how to act in public - hit me up, I've been there. I will say that it's far more socially acceptable NOT to drink in these settings today than it was 5-6 years ago. 6 years ago when I would turn down a beer because "I don't drink" I would get some weird looks - today, "I don't drink" is often met with "cool, me either".

Mocktails are a thing now, 0% beers actually taste like beer now and most people, especially if they are true friends will respect your decision not to drink, some will even applaud it. You might be surprised by how many people, influential leaders in web3 who also don't drink.

All that said, I still realize how at first it may seem awkward or weird, if so, it will pass. I no longer think about drinking and actually look forward to events where others get inebriated and I stay on my "a-game", it's become somewhat of a networking super power. But it didn't start like that, the first few months took work, conscious effort, & while I no longer go to AA meetings nor do I use any sobriety apps - they certainly helped in the beginning.

But nothing helped as much as my family and friends who showed up.

If you're going through it and would like to chat - please reach out. I may not have any helpful answers or advice that works for you, but I'm happy to lend an ear and share what worked for me.

& to those friends I mentioned, you know who you are, and while I've shared my gratitude privately, I want you to know that your actions 6 years ago are inspiring my actions today. Thank you ❤🫂