• Home
  • Work with me / About me
  • Disclosure
  • Terms/Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Website Terms & Conditions
  • Contact

Northern Mum

Crossfitting, pancreas acting, single mum to three

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • mail

Treading a sober path – 8 months Alcohol Free

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

Comments

  1. Colette says

    August 7, 2018 at 9:19 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • northernmum says

      August 8, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      but you can moderate – I’d have one and then another six 🙂

      Reply
      • Tim Myers says

        December 16, 2019 at 8:44 pm

        YES! For me moderation is just an illusion. I just hit 8 months the 10 of Dec and it is nice!

        Reply
  2. Gem says

    August 7, 2018 at 10:45 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • northernmum says

      August 8, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      exactly!

      Reply
  3. Helen Wills says

    August 10, 2018 at 11:42 am

    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.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jane is a working Mum of three and has great hair. One of these things may not be true.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 10,121 other subscribers

Categories

  • All Posts
  • BB's journey with DDH
  • Breastfeeding
  • mummyblog
  • Paleo / Crossfitting
  • Reviews / Featured Content
  • Travel / Out and About
  • Twin Girl and Type 1 Diabetes
  • Uncategorized

Tots 100

TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
TOTS100

Search

Follow on Bloglovin

Follow on Bloglovin

Previously on northernmum….

Awards!

Tots100 MAD Blog Awards

Looking to Save Money?

Check out my thrify blog, full of ideas to eat and play well  – for less money!

www.fromspendingtosaving.co.uk

Northern Mum

Copyright © 2019 Northern Mum Crossfitting, pancreas acting, single mum to three
Site design with help from DigitalJen

Copyright © 2021 · Slush Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT