Inspiring Women Who Are Rethinking Drinking Volume 19
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Meet Meerah
The founder of Dry Society Girls embraces her choice to live alcohol free.
Tell our readers about yourself!
Hey, I’m Meerah! I’m the Founder of Dry Society Girls – a community for people who are alcohol-free, looking to drink in moderation, or just curious. I started Dry Society Girls to show people that the choice to be sober or drink in moderation can be just that: a choice. It doesn’t have to mean a drastic shift to your lifestyle or who you are fundamentally.
Outside of Dry Society Girls, I live in Toronto and have a cute (and very stubborn) corgi named Charlie. You probably won’t find me without a drink in my hand (the day starts with coffee and ends with something non-alcoholic). I would consider myself an extroverted introvert; I love trying new restaurants and bars with my friends, but I also love a night in with reality tv and some wine (non-alcoholic, of course).
What was your relationship with alcohol prior to you rethinking drinking?
For me, alcohol was mainly connected to different social situations. That’s why making the decision to remove alcohol was difficult; I didn’t know I could live the exact same lifestyle without it, because I hadn’t seen anyone around me do that.
That’s part of the reason I started Dry Society Girls – for me, removing alcohol from my life was a choice, and when I realized the things that were important to me could stay the same, I wanted to share that with the world. You can live the exact same lifestyle, without the booze, if that’s what you want.
What made you decide to rethink drinking?
COVID was pretty hard for me, as it was for most people. About 5 months into lockdown, I hit a low point and was forced to confront issues I chose to ignore for a very long time. I made the decision to put in the work and focus on bettering myself – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I decided to cut out alcohol for one year to expedite the process. Well…that one year turned into 2+ years and counting.
Has it been easy or difficult to give up alcohol, and what do you think contributed to that for you?
It’s been easier than I thought – I’ve been fortunate to have a good group of friends who support and love me no matter what. I still find myself in awkward social situations, but they are few and far between.
I like to be prepared – I bring my favourite non-alcoholic drinks to cottage weekends, park hangouts, housewarmings, etc. I’m also the one recommending restaurants/bars for my friend group (I always do my research and find the spots with the best non-alcoholic drink options!)
What are some of the benefits you’ve seen as a result of cutting out alcohol?
The first thing I noticed was definitely my skin. Second, I would say the absence of my hangxiety. To be clear, I still deal with anxiety (and probably always will). I’ve even had some of my lowest points while I’ve been sober, but I have the opportunity to approach those situations with 100% mental clarity.
What is the top piece of advice to someone who might want to rethink drinking?
Honestly, do what feels right for you and don’t let anyone else tell you how to live your life. If that means cutting out alcohol completely or drinking in moderation, that’s all ok. At the end of the day, you know yourself best and what you truly need.
What do you wish you had known before starting your own journey?
You might just be surprised by the people who choose to stick around throughout your journey. Keep those people close.
There is a whole world of non-alcoholic drinks available at your fingertips. Try them all, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Fake it til you make it. There will always be awkward situations, but what’s important is that you show up and continue to choose yourself.
You can connect with Meerah and Dry Society Girls on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, and check out the website: www.drysocietygirls.ca.
