Growing up I used to think that my opinions on life would never change. I used to tell myself that no matter what I would never end up liking girls because they had cooties and even if I did that I would force myself not to. Yet here I am years later being confidently attracted to them and knowing how wrong I was back then. When I was younger I used to despise the thought of alcohol and the idea of people getting drunk for fun. I saw people that would drink as less than those who did not, and I would always try and preach to others as why they should not drink. I never really told anyone why I was against drinking until eventually one day I told someone my reasons not to and now I am more comfortable speaking on the topic. I despised the use of alcohol because my grandmother, who I was very close with, ended up splitting from my grandfather as he was an alcoholic and would come home only to beat her in front of their 13 children.Occasionally the older ones would step in and protect her only to be received by a few beatings as well. I always thought of how something that could be avoided so easily, ended up breaking apart a family of 15. He left my grandmother to be a single mother and I knew of how much she struggled and how hard she worked to provide food for her family and pay for their education. I only met my grandfather once and it was too long ago for me to remember. Everyone says that he was a nice guy, only when he wasn’t drinking.
Those thoughts followed me up until college when eventually I learned to realize that it is not just the alcohol, it is how the person uses it. Now I do not judge others of what they do because in the end it’s their decision and most people I know do their best to handle their liquor. To this day I remain sober, but I have now learned how to not frown upon my peers for attempting to enjoy themselves.
It's nice that you've opened your mind more. I'm sorry for the abuse your grandmother took.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about girls back then. Today I tell my cousins if they like them and they say no, I just laugh.
ReplyDeleteI don't enjoy seeing people consume alcohol. It makes you see them whether as they truly are, or monsters who you never even seen before. I'm never going to drink myself, and I'm glad you don't judge people based on what do for it's their decision. I do, however, but it's strong to not judge.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your grandmother. I also think drinking can get you into trouble but being responsible is a huge part.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about alcohol. I look down on it, but I don't like to tell people what they should or shouldn't be doing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. But it's a good thing you remained sober to this day.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that ultimately it is the person's final choice and actions. I also don't think that alcohol is good thing.
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing, I seen people drinking and I was like why? But now I don't mind enjoying a drink or two, mindsets change. New things are hard to interpret
ReplyDeleteeven though you have your reasons for not drinking, its great that you do not judge others for consuming alcohol. you learned a great lesson. i'm also very sorry about what your grandmother has gone through.
ReplyDeleteI admire your ability to accept the decisions of others even though you have had a rough experience with what alcohol can do and cause. It's not an easy thing to realize that it's not all how you've thought it to be, but it is an important to learn.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that happened to your grandmother. I also agree that drinking can get you into tricky situations.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I like the use of the word "cooties". Also it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and you are right, it is the person drinking. Because in the end, they have to choose if they can be a responsible social drinker and if they can't then they shouldn't drink or do drugs.
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