Politely declining hedonism

I'm completing week 4 of zero alcohol today and intending to continue for at least another 4 weeks before I start drinking again, albeit moderately.

I feel great, mostly because I'm able to get more done at the weekend. It's not like I ever used to drink excessively, at least not since my late 20's, but even having a few drinks socially can really interrupt sleep patterns and make you feel less capable.

What is Hedonism

Hedonism defined as the pursuit of pleasure, but what is more pleasurable than feeling great and getting out in the fresh air to do a bit of gardening? No, Hedonism is really the participation in unhealthy pursuits that give people a quick fix of pleasure. It is the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle.
In the west I am continually surprised at how many seemingly decent people will still let themselves go, drinking themselves into oblivion, taking drugs and sleeping around with various partners or cheating on their wives / husbands. Invariably this always leads to self destruction of some sort. Illness and disease, loss of financial resources, emotional or psychiatric issues and a lack of ability to connect with what's really important in life.

Why do they do it?

For a short term gain to distract themselves from problems in life mainly, but there is also a lot of pressure on people, from friends, media, and social media to 'have a good time!' Facebook and Instagram are full of pictures of young beautiful people sipping champagne, and no doubt many of them taking drugs. Living the high life it seems is all about more is more, when in reality, many of these people would be far happier if they lived a more frugal, natural life.

Call be boring or sensible

I don't care what people think of me for avoiding drinking for a while. I just tend to avoid those people who give me a hard time. Ultimately I know that my life will end up better as a result of not drinking so it matters little to me what other people think. I also love feeling healthy and clear headed. My business involves a lot of intellectual writing and analysis so having a clear head really helps me to get on with things. Indeed I've used some of the spare time that I've had this weekend to get some work done, as well as do my chores and do some exercise.

Perhaps, as I've got older, I'm just realising the futility of it all. Why did I waste money and time pursuing something that didn't exist. Happiness is really found in the simpler things in life, not in drink, drugs, sex and consumerism.