Doing Less of What Feels Wrong

And why not drinking this July 4th is not just an act of protest, but an acceptance of your values and beliefs.

Santa Monica Pier, California. Photo: Brian Hodge.

It’s July 4th. Normally a holiday with much Pomp and Circumstance, and yet my California beach town feels desolate. As if the celebrations have been put on hold this year.

It’s no surprise that some of us are feeling, well, less than thrilled about the holiday this year. And if you are in the same boat, let’s talk about why that feeling is even more of a reason NOT to drink alcohol today.

In case you need the reminder: You DO NOT need to drink today.

Thinking back — the 4th of July holds many sweet memories from my childhood. I grew up on the Jersey Shore just a few miles from the beach, and every year we would flock to the crowded boardwalk to watch the fireworks. It was a symbol of summer. Not only a celebration of our country’s freedom, but our freedom from the school year, and a nod to the lighthearted feelings of summer.

Before I quit drinking alcohol, July 4th was just another excuse to binge. Another series of plans and parties, rooftop bars, staying up late, and over-consuming food and beverages.

After quitting alcohol, it has been more of a low-key day. A break from work or responsibilities, but really a day of rest and recovery. I feel that I’ve seen my fair share of fireworks, and the crowded beaches and boardwalks have lost their appeal (was there ever any, really?).

And now, in 2025, with the current state of politics— it feels more somber than ever.

Regardless of your political leanings, this year has been a roller coaster of emotions. And in a world where stress and overwhelm is at an all-time high, celebrating feels like the last thing on my priorities list.

Maybe it feels the same for you.

In my personal alcohol-free journey, my life has become more about helping others, being of service, and staying focused on the things that I can and cannot control (and knowing the difference between the two :)). And while I am limited in how I can control the decisions of the powers that be, I can speak openly with you about how all of this plays into our alcohol consumption or our reasons for not drinking.

That’s why today I want to share with you why NOT drinking alcohol on July 4th is an act of protest.

In the capitalistic society we live in, July 4th is a beast on consumption.

We join together with family and friends to eat, drink, and be merry. Picture every 4th of July party you’ve ever been to… It usually features an extreme abundance of unhealthy food (burgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salads, soda), and a major abundance of alcohol. Red solo cups and beer cans line the tables and hands of each guest.

Cheers to the American way of overdoing everything… It’s not cute.

While we go about, numbed from alcohol and overstuffed with food, what we’re really feeding is the machine.

The alcohol industry salivates over this day. They launch new red, white and blue cans and bottles each year, they ramp up their marketing with flashy fireworks, and they succeed. The July 4th holiday is ranked one of the top selling days for alcohol brands, and it is ranked as the #1 at-home beer drinking occasion.

So, if you’re trying not to drink today, the cards are stacked against you. You are the fish swimming upstream.

But here’s why not drinking is not only a valiant move, but also one that has political impetus.

By NOT contributing to the consumerism, the alcohol purchasing, you’re not buying into the scam. You’re “voting” NO with your dollars (or lack thereof). And by NOT attending the party just to make others happy, you’re staying more true to yourself and in alignment with YOUR wants and needs.

So, if you don’t feel like “celebrating” today because it feels unethical or in misalignment with your values— good!

I am giving you permission to do something else today. You can say no to the BBQ, the fireworks, and all of the other distractions and simply have a day for you.

This not only goes for July 4th, but literally everything else that in your gut doesn’t feel in alignment.

We spend so much of our lives saying yes to things to make others happy. To fit in, not rock the boat, or doing things because we think we’re “supposed to”.

We stay stuck in the same job because its safe. We stay in the unhealthy relationship because we think the person looks good on paper. We show up to the BBQ because we don’t want to let the person down. We say yes to drinking alcohol because everyone else is doing it.

It can feel uncomfortable to say no, to defy the norms or expectations of others, to swim upstream against the current.

But if we always feel this sense of being “off” from our own needs, wants and desires, we WILL want to drink or use other escape tools to numb out those feelings of discomfort or misalignment.

So, let’s use today as practice to getting comfy with the uncomfy. It’s OK to say no to a drink. It’s OK to say no to attending the party. And its OK to feel a little weird standing up for what feels right for you.

I promise you that it gets easier with more practice. And I promise you that you’ll ultimately feel better in the end making the choice that feels aligned.

Sending you love, and permission to say no to the 4th of July, to alcohol, and to overconsumption.

Xo, Dr. Brooke

PS. I’d love to know your thoughts! Let me know in the comments your plans for the day, and how I can support you with staying AF today.

And, if you think this post may help inspire someone else, please pass it along!