Millie Mackintosh has reached a significant personal milestone after staying clean for one year.
Due to’social pressure to drink,’ the former Made in Chelsea actress confessed she didn’t think it was feasible to give up booze.
She is, nevertheless, quite proud of herself for having the ‘courage’ to ‘say no’.
The 34-year-old TV personality, who has two children with husband Hugo Taylor, Sienna and Aurelia, provided a very frank update with her 1.4 million social media fans.
She uploaded a series of snaps of her ‘living [her] most authentic life’, including playing with her children, working out at the gym, and holidaying with her partner.
Millie’s caption began: ‘Today I celebrate one year of alcohol-free life, my first soberversary!
‘I’ve been open and honest on here about the reasons why I gave up alcohol and how this was focused around improving and protecting my mental health.
‘It was hard work at first and sometimes it does still feel difficult especially with the social pressure to drink, in our society it almost felt impossible not to, but a big shift happened when I realised I had the power to choose to say no!’
Millie continued: ‘It’s not about “giving up” or “quitting”, it’s about living my most authentic life in a way that makes me feel my best.
‘I realised saying no to things that no longer serve me creates space in my life for things that bring me joy, and that’s been a big part of the past year, rediscovering myself, who I am at 34 and what brings me happiness.’
She stated proudly: ‘I care less about what people think of me and I have a lot less anxiety!’
The reality star clarified that she hasn’t set a ‘time limit’ on being sober, but she plans to avoid alcohol ‘for as long as feels right.’
‘I’m so proud of myself for making it a whole year, for making a promise to myself and sticking to it, Millie in her 20s or even a few years ago wouldn’t have had the courage to make it this far and I’m so proud of that growth.’
She concluded: ‘Tonight I’ll be raising a mocktail to me and how far I’ve come, and how much I’ve changed in the past 365 days!’
Millie was inundated with messages of support, with husband Hugo commenting that she has the ‘courage of a lion’.
Myleene Klass added a clapping emoji, and Laura Whitmore added a love heart.
Millie originally revealed her desire to become clean in November of last year.
She said that drinking had become a ‘big trigger’ for her anxiety, and she had planned to abstain from alcohol for 12 weeks while also receiving treatment and taking prescription medicine.
‘I had a breakthrough in therapy and decided to stop drinking alcohol, I didn’t want to admit it but it’s a huge trigger for my anxiety,’ the mum-of-two confessed at the time.
‘It has an instant negative effect on my mental health and right now I’m focused on feeling my best, finding happiness in my life and not trying to escape from it.
‘It’s been 12 weeks and I’m enjoying sober life, not missing the “hangxiety”, feeling more energised, my skin is looking great and I’m sleeping much better.’
Millie emphasised that she isn’t committed to never drinking alcohol again, but she wants to keep continuing as long as it is benefiting her life.
‘Now, I’m not saying I’ll never drink alcohol again, I’m just saying that right now, I’m not and I want to keep going,’ she declared.
Source My Celebrity Life.