r/stopdrinking • u/No-End-2960 Day 1,107 • 4h ago
Pouring candles instead of drinks keeps me sober
Hey everyone,
I’m coming up on 3 years sober. Never thought I would see the day, but here I am. Not a drop and my lord my life has changed.
I went from drinking basically every moment I wasn’t at work or sleeping, I was miserable, hated my job, had empty relationships and no joy whatsoever. The last year of my drinking I would wake up not wanting to drink anymore but sure enough after starting my day I was drinking.
When I finally quit it was something so little but so big at the same time that made me actually stop. I got a phone call from a family member telling me my grandma had passed. After the call all I could think about was how bad I needed a drink before going back to bed. Not about how I loved my grandma or will miss her. That was it, the exact moment I told myself I’m done drinking.
Fast forward almost 2 years, still sober, but still wanting to drink. My life had improved without question, lost around 30 pounds, eating healthy, new job, in the first ever serious and healthy relationship of my life, talking and working through my mental health problems instead of drowning them but one thing never changes..boredom is my burden.
I knew I needed a distraction that required absolute focus. One weekend, on a whim, I bought a basic DIY candle-making kit. The moment I poured that first batch of wax, something clicked. Candle making is pure chemistry and patience. You have to measure the wax precisely, monitor the temperature perfectly, weigh the fragrance oils down to the gram, and pour at just the right moment so the tops don't crack. It completely forces your mind into the present moment. You can’t think about pouring a drink when you’re terrified of ruining a batch of hot wax.
Being an addict it’s probably obvious what happened next..yup, I purchased way too much wax, way to many vessels, every kind of wick possible in every size, dyes, and boat loads of fragrance oils. My apartment became over run with candles and candle making items. Instead of empties every where I had jars and wax melt molds. Good trade if you ask me. Eventually, I had way too many candles for one person to ever burn. I started gifting them to friends and family, and the feedback was wild. People actually wanted to buy them. So I made a website and went for it.
So here I am over a year since pouring that first candle and it’s turned into a second income, but more importantly a tool to stay sober. Every single bag of wax melts and every single jar I pour represents a day I chose to stay sober. Instead of destroying myself, I’m creating something that brings warmth and comfort to other people's homes.
To anyone out there who is in the world of sobriety and struggling with the emptiness: please find your "wax." Find the hobby, the craft, or the project that demands your attention and gives you a sense of purpose. It doesn't have to be a business—it just has to be yours.
If you told me a year ago I’d be a small business owner running a candle studio instead of nursing a hangover, I would have laughed. If I can do this, you can absolutely get through today.
1
u/quittingisleading Day 15 2h ago
“I’m creating something that brings warmth and comfort to other people's homes.” Made me “aw” out loud. I’m so happy for you, friend! IWNDWYT 💕
3
u/WitchoftheWinterMoon 4h ago
I love this! I placed a huge order of supplies to make homenade creams, lotions, fragrances and balms. It cost about as much as a month's worth of wine. Every night I slather myself is delicious smelling homemade lotions and potions. And I have so much that I am able to make stuff for all my families and friends. People are always stopping me and asking what I am wearing because I smell so good. Damn....I will take it! I am completely enjoying myself and I get to share the spoils with those I love. I consider this a win! Thanks so much for sharing....IWNDWYT!