heatwavefuelled spontaneity

It’s 7:34am on a Sunday morning. It’s been one of those seminal London weekends when the sun shines fiercely and there’s a heady mix of weekend plans and ‘fuck it’ heatwave-fuelled spontaneity sweeping infectiously across the city. Friday evening was date night - a leisurely stroll with my love through the park down to the river, past cafés and bars full of happy, smiley people with cold drinks in hand, faces turned to the clear blue sky. A delicious dinner in one of our favourite restaurants.

Saturday was a big one A friend’s street party was exciting on paper and even more thrilling and fun-filled on the day. I was in my element - dancing to great tunes with old friends and new, flitting from deep conversations to light banter, from moments of stillness to complete craziness. The party was magical, the very essence of London - heavy basslines from the sound system; jerk chicken on the barbecue; children careering giddily down the car-free street; a visiting fire engine; a chaotic tombola The traveller round the corner gave pony and trap rides. There was a dog show. It was magical, the kind of day that I never tire of, even after 30 years of living in this same familiar pocket of south London

But this weekend was different. Because I am undertaking a new adventure - that of being a consciously moderate drinker

Drinking moderately is a game changer for me - I’ve spent months at a time completely sober; I’ve also spent a lot of my life drinking and partying more than most. I’ve had some great adventures. Alcohol still plays a part in my life. But I’m happy to say it’s becoming a bit player, it’s no longer one of the major characters that’s ever present on holidays, hey days, celebrations, and meals out.

I’m loving this new stage of exploration into the world of the ‘sober curious’ Life for me is about change, new experiences and adventures; alcohol-fuelled nights started becoming a bit one-dimensional and unmemorable in more ways than one… and yet there is still the odd occasion when I want a drink

So for now, having experimented with sober celebrations, sober holidays and sober girls’ nights out, I've decided I'm going to explore mindful, very moderate drinking Friday’s date night would have involved cocktails, a second or third bottle of wine, a late bar - no limits Yesterday’s sun-drenched street party and sound system combo would have seen me with an ever-present glass of rosé in hand As it was, I set a two-unit limit on both nights, and had one of the most life-affirming weekends I’ve had for ages

It’s 7:34am on a sunny Sunday morning. I rise with a smile and a clear head, pack my swimming stuff and cycle to the lido across a blissfully quiet common for an early dip and coffee. Life feels good and I know that part of that is down to the fact that alcohol plays an increasingly small part in it.

By Kath Ludlow

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The Sober Edit Playlist - August 2023