Karthika Gupta, after turning 50, chose to go alcohol-free, leading her to explore new experiences while traveling. Although she initially feared feeling left out during social events and travel, she discovered joy and connection in non-alcoholic options. During a trip to Switzerland, she enjoyed an exquisite meal paired with non-alcoholic elixirs, reflecting on how her perceptions of celebration and enjoyment grew without alcohol. This journey highlighted the shift from using drinking as a social crutch to embracing clearer, more fulfilling experiences.
Each course arrived paired with a thoughtfully crafted elixir, like the rhubarb-kombucha aperitif that tingled on my palate, showcasing that sober experiences could be remarkable.
The longer I stayed alcohol-free, the more curious I became about what else might shift; could I still feel joy at a celebratory dinner without a glass of wine?
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