It has been almost a full 8 months since I began my 365 day alcohol free challenge.
Since October 2017, I’ve drank twice.
One was a bit of a bender after I got dumped (I know – how rude), and the second was to celebrate Christmas. The bender left me bed ridden for an entire day and the headache lasted a week – it was a bit of a wake up call to address both my taste in men and Prosecco consumption.
Pretty much, it has been a pretty sober year.
I’m frequently asked if I think I’ll go back after I complete the challenge. This time a couple of weeks ago – I decided that I would probably stop early, in September, when I go away with the grown up girls for a week. I convinced myself I had served my time, done my due, and was ready to knock back a cold one on the beach.
I utterly convinced myself that was a good idea.
And I told one of my holiday friends,
Who instantly replied with, “why, you will feel shit?”
It only took those five words to smack me in the face like a pair of wet knickers for me to really reflect upon my choice.
And realise she was right.
Because when I look back in my memory banks at the last 8 months I cannot see any occasion that would have been improved by alcohol.
Not one…
I can recall a few where having a glass or two of wine would have masked some stress, or have helped loosen my tongue.
But not one that a glass of wine would have made better.
And trust me, I am not being evangelical about this. Anyone who knows me, knows I loved a glass of wine.
But I’ve loved everything this year, without my mates Pinot or Stella.
I haven’t sent any stupid texts, I remember everything about nights out. I’ve not had any parenting disasters that I can attribute to mummy medicine.
Every choice I’ve made has been a sober one.
People have asked if I think I’ll have the odd glass of wine. I.e – tread the path of moderation…
Based on my new theory, I don’t see why / because how will it make that moment better? Plus, I can’t moderate for shit.
Wine isn’t tea. We can all agree tea pretty much solves the worlds problems.
Alcohol is a drug, a depressant, and one I think I like myself better without.
I’m often asked of the benefits of being totally sober, usually I am stumped because nothing immediately springs to mind. As it is gradual not sudden.
Yet I know i am fitter, I love working out more than ever before. No lingering hangovers means no excuses.
My skin is better – I think – my consumption of moisturiser is at an all time low.
My bank balance remains unaffected – what I don’t spend on wine I probably spend on CrossFit and alcohol free beer and wine.
Why alcohol free wine – I like to join in, and I like the taste – I just don’t like the drunk bit anymore.
I don’t know if this is for life, I reserve the right to change my mind, but until I see the benefit, I think I’ll stay sensibly sober.
Until next time,
Jane
X
Ah Jane you speak my language! I do enjoy the odd gin, a cheeky gin cocktail here or there but only for the taste of it. I hate being drunk. I hate being hungover even more. I sometimes think it would be easier to just tell people I don’t drink at all than that I don’t want to drink when we’re out!
but you can moderate – I’d have one and then another six 🙂
YES! For me moderation is just an illusion. I just hit 8 months the 10 of Dec and it is nice!
I haven’t really drink since being pregnant then breast feeding, I hate the idea of not being able to ‘deal’ with something or not being able to drive, and you are spot on, if you need alcohol to make it better…maybe it isn’t that good in the first place!
exactly!
I’m with you on the skincare! My face is so much healthier without it. We’ve just come back from a holiday and I did drink there, but way less than I would have done previously. We did go to Champagne and I figured that was a must for drinking. But largely I don’t drink much these days, for the same reasons as you. Not sure I’ll ever go without it for good, because I like the odd celebratory glass, but I’ve definitely found good reasons not to bother with it most of the time.