From Fear to Excitement: A Mindset Shift That Can Change Everything
One of the biggest mindset shifts that helped me in my alcohol-free journey was learning how to handle uncomfortable emotions differently. In the beginning, fear came up a lot. Fear of failing. Fear of missing out. Fear of who I would be without alcohol. It was uncomfortable, unfamiliar and honestly, at times overwhelming.
Then I came across something that changed everything.
Fear and excitement can feel exactly the same in your body.
The racing heart. The butterflies in your stomach. That sudden surge of energy. Physically, there is no difference. The only thing that separates them is the label you give to the feeling.
That was a lightbulb moment for me and instead of saying “I am scared”, I started saying “I am excited.”
Excited to wake up clear-headed.
Excited to see who I was without alcohol.
Excited to do something different for myself.
It did not erase the discomfort completely, but it gave me back a sense of control, and taking your power back from alcohol is one of the most freeing experiences you can have. I realised I could choose the meaning behind what I was feeling. And that simple shift, from fear to excitement, helped me stay grounded through cravings, social events and all those ‘firsts’ alcohol free.
A Tool You Can Try
Next time a craving hits or you feel a wave of discomfort, pause and ask yourself:
What if this is excitement for what is ahead, not fear of what I am leaving behind?
What opportunities might be hidden in this feeling?
How can I move forward with curiosity rather than judgement?
This is not about pretending it is easy. It is about choosing a more empowering way to meet the moment.
Meditations to Support You
As part of my alcohol free journey, I began studying meditation and started creating resources to help others on the same path. These two short audios on Insight Timer are designed to support you during cravings and encourage a mindset of strength and self-trust:
Riding the Wave – A Short Alcohol Craving Meditation
A quick, calming two-minute meditation to help you stay grounded and let the craving pass.
Coming Home to You – Alcohol-Free Affirmations
A set of supportive affirmations to reconnect you with your why and build confidence in your alcohol free path.
I am so excited to create more meditations soon, including ones that support general wellbeing, calm and self-trust, not just those related to alcohol.
The Takeaway
Every time you choose excitement instead of fear, you build trust with yourself. You build resilience. You build freedom and if you need a reminder, keep these words in mind:
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible'."
– Audrey Hepburn
I believe that you are capable of more than you think. Keep going.
By: Caitlin Behrens