How I Broke My Drinking Habit (w/ Edith Zimmerman) | How to Be a Better Human | TED

Overview

This episode explores Edith Zimmerman's journey to sobriety, her creative process, and how she replaced drinking with meaningful habits. Through humor and introspection, Edith shares insights on self-discovery, creativity, and building a fulfilling life after a major lifestyle change.

Notable Quotes

- The hardest part about stopping drinking was worrying that nothing was ever going to be funny again. – Edith Zimmerman, on the fears of losing creativity and joy in sobriety.

- What do I actually like to do? If I just sat there with nothing to do, the hands would start creeping toward the wine. – Edith Zimmerman, on the importance of replacing old habits with engaging activities.

- Everything you think you know about yourself is probably not true. Just keep testing. – Edith Zimmerman, on the ongoing process of self-discovery.

🍸 Sobriety and Self-Discovery

- Edith shares her initial fears about sobriety, including concerns about losing her sense of humor and social life.

- She emphasizes the importance of replacing drinking with activities she genuinely enjoys, such as knitting, watching ASMR videos, and reading thrillers.

- Rediscovering childhood interests proved to be a gold mine for finding joy and purpose.

🎨 Creativity Without Alcohol

- Edith challenges the myth that alcohol or drugs are essential for creativity, noting that many people produce their best work after quitting.

- Her artistic style evolved naturally over time, starting with simple stick figures and developing into a recognizable, distinctive approach.

- She finds humor in mundane experiences, such as creating a fictional mermaid character with an ordinary, relatable life.

🏃‍♀️ Running and Replacing Habits

- Edith discusses how running became a key part of her post-drinking routine, helping her manage time and energy.

- Physical activity provided a sense of accomplishment, a way to clear her mind, and a healthy outlet for her dedication and discipline.

- She highlights the importance of swapping out habits to fill the void left by drinking.

🧵 The Power of Small, Engaging Activities

- Knitting became a surprisingly effective tool for Edith, keeping her hands busy and preventing idle moments that might lead to drinking.

- She describes it as hand food, a simple yet powerful way to stay grounded and focused.

- Edith encourages others to experiment with small, enjoyable activities to discover what resonates with them.

🔄 Embracing Change and Testing Assumptions

- Edith reflects on the fluidity of identity, emphasizing that people can change significantly over time.

- She advises being open to new experiences and revisiting old assumptions about oneself.

- The process of self-discovery is ongoing, requiring patience and a willingness to try new things.