An abridged account of a true story:

A couple of years ago my friend and I decided we were completely capable people and didn’t require a specialist to fix a dent in her passenger door. After some time we managed to successfully disassemble the door. We had no knowledge of cars or any technical skills, thus a quasi-celebration ensued but our excitement and feeling of accomplishment quickly dwindled as we realized there was now a glass barrier preventing us from completing our goal. We spent the following few minutes dumbfounded, sliding our hands across the glass panel mumbling “why would there be glass here” and “this is so unsafe”. Finally, the decision was made to enlist the help of a professional. Sadly we were unable to reassemble the door, an issue we justified by thinking it’d be removed regardless. Approximately two minutes into the drive we both realized something… the window was down.

You take the average "get together" and place two people in it. There's the Sober man who's never found a need or urge to drink and the Inebriated man who's never without a drink. Offer them each a shot. Sober man accepts the offer. This may surprise you a bit but you hand it over and life goes on. Inebriated man declines the offer. This news is shocking, not only to you but the rest of the surrounding attendees. Festivities halt and huddled around once inebriated man you ask "what's wrong?" He gives a simple reply of "Nothing, I just think it's time for a change." The air fills with "good for you" phrases and everyone does a quasi cheer because they are just that proud.

But why? Does no one else find this act a little unsettling? I mean granted this is not the exact happenings but you place this situation in nearly any setting and it usually has the same outcome.

No one applauds the man who's gone all his life without a drink and finally decides to take a sip but everyone applauds the man who's drank all his life and finally decides to refuse a sip.

Everyone has a "reason" to drink but not everyone has a need or is dependent on doing so. I am the sober (wo)man that's never had the urge to drown my sorrows or up my mood by drinking. Now, I am not saying I deserve a "__ years Sober" plaque nor am I saying I want any recognition for this "achievement"  because it's uncalled for. So why do we celebrate Inebriated man so? Yes, you are glad Inebriated man decided to attempt the act of not being an alcoholic but shouldn't you be more proud of Sober man? Sober man, regardless of the countless downfalls, has stood tall and faced his hardships composed and dependent on nothing other then himself. Inebriated man was weak and convinced himself he was incapable of anything without his liquid courage. Why do true accomplishments of strength go unnoticed yet brief moments of stability receive praise?

"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?"

No. Never. Does anyone actually feel like that?