I never thought I’d be writing this, but here we are. Smoking and drinking weren’t habits I grew up with or even picked up in my younger years. In fact, my first time smoking was at 30, during a huge identity crisis. At the time, it felt harmless—just an occasional trip to a legal state for “fun.” But before I knew it, it turned into a daily habit. I convinced myself it was for my ADHD or to help me sleep better. And honestly, it worked. Or at least, I thought it did.
Then everything started shifting.
When I began feeling the call to pivot my life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—I knew this habit couldn’t stay. I know there are debates about smoking and drinking as Christians, and let me be clear: this isn’t about judgment. For me, it came down to one simple thing—I heard God’s voice say, “You have to experience Me sober.”
The Day I Quit Smoking
I remember standing in my bathroom, staring at a can full of… let’s just say “trees.” And I spoke back to God, saying, “You’ve got my promise once all this is gone.” But then I felt Him reply, “I can’t wait.”
That was it. I put the can down, walked away, and I haven’t smoked since. This wasn’t some distant past; it was just a few months ago. And if I’m honest, I knew deep down it was something I was hiding—not just from my kids, but also from my friends, clients, and online community.
Looking back, I also hated how I looked in pictures when I was out with friends or on date nights. I’d see photos and videos of myself looking completely glossed over—present, but not really there. That realization hit me harder than I expected. If I couldn’t show up fully as myself, why was I doing it?
The Drinking Pivot
Drinking wasn’t as hard to let go of, but it was still something I loved. Lord knows I enjoy a good cocktail—especially a Maple Old Fashioned. But in June, I went on a fast. What started as a health-focused decision quickly became a spiritual awakening. I realized I wasn’t missing out. In fact, I felt lighter. Even on my birthday, I toasted with no alcohol, and for the first time, I felt proud—not for giving something up, but for choosing something better.
What I’ve Learned
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. God called me to let go of these habits so I could fully experience Him, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m not saying you have to give up smoking or drinking, but I do want to ask: Is there a habit God has been calling you to leave behind?
Maybe it’s something you’ve convinced yourself you “need” or something you’re hiding from others. Maybe it’s time to step away—not because of judgment, but because of freedom. These are the things we’re unpacking in Pivot Pusher Society—because we love you through it all.
God’s been showing me that sometimes, the things we hold onto are the very things holding us back. And for me? It took experiencing Him sober to finally feel free.
Pivoting w. Faith,
Britney
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