It’s amazing, how we feel comfortable, in our familiar surroundings, with our friends, drinking.
This isn’t about alcohol, causing anxiety…what I am discussing, is our ability to overcome anxiety, overthinking and stress, that is caused by us having to face life, without having that one drink, just to take the edge off.
Years of living with, social anxiety, never truly feeling comfortable within the groups of the many friends I had, followed later in life by general anxiety, high levels of stress, depression and insomnia, had caused mayhem throughout my life.
Learning at a young age, how to ”front up” and “deal with things”, I continued to polish my “armour”, the “tougher” life became.
When I discovered alcohol in my teens, I’d found a way, of not having to feel this way, very quickly. I wouldn’t have to deal with my feelings and emotions, I could forget and quieten my over active mind, while “enjoying” life with friends.
Living this way, for many years, had almost killed me, finally, I’d worked out it couldn’t continue. One of the biggest issues, I’d need to address my insecurities, feelings of not belonging.
Virtually my whole life, had been spent battling and fighting, attempting to control and not be controlled. Realistically, this was no way to live.Walking and cycling, had provided an opportunity to do the inner work, given me the space I needed.
Cycling gave me an opportunity to “front up” in a healthy way. I could put into action, what I believed I’d resolved, during the hours spent on my own, asking questions.
I’d heard about a 
mile ride, the local cycling club was doing. I thought I’d turn up alone and ask if I could join them, that was a great decision, I’ve had some fantastic experiences, met incredible people and made true friends.
Before I’d made the decision to join them, I’d invested time, listening to the negative self talk and dispelling my belief. I wouldn’t be welcome, because some of the club members would still be holding a grudge, over a fight we’d had outside a night club years before.
As it turned out, it was all made up by my imagination.