Ten Things I've Learned in 100 Days Alcohol Free

 

"Sobriety was the best gift I ever gave myself"- Rob Lowe

Well, here I am. I've swerved the booze bitch, who lives in my mind, for the past 100 days. I'm proud of myself and that's a wonderful feeling. This started as a "dry month" for me, just a chance to get curious about myself and how alcohol was or wasn't effecting my life. I'd expected that when the 30 days was up, I'd pat myself on the back and reward myself with a glass of wine. I'd never bargained for what actually happened. I felt good. I was sleeping so well, my digestion was so much better, my mood felt more calm and stable and I had the sense that I was just on the cusp of learning who I am and what I actually need from my time on this planet. So, I decided I'd do another 30 days to see what else I could learn about alcohol, the alcohol industry, women and addiction and, most importantly, my whole self. When I started my first 30 days, I downloaded an app on my phone to keep track of some stats for me. As of today, I have saved $432, I've passed on 288 drinks that I otherwise would have tossed down my neck, I've avoided 57, 619 calories that I'd rather use on Ms.Vickie's chips, my liver health has improved by 27% and my risk of heart disease has dropped by 14% in 100 days. 

Here are my TOP TEN biggest takeaways from my 100 days 

1) There's a full and vibrant "sober curious" and "AF" (alcohol-free) world out there. While social media can be a scourge on mankind, it can also be an incredile tool to connect like minded people. I've met some hilarious, inspiring, relateable people through this shared experience. Like all groups, there are still some douchecanoes floating about. I'm learning to pay them no mind. 

2) Dropping the daily booze habit can spur intense sugar cravings. This is a real thing for loads of people, although it wasn't the case for me. The general consensus is "Eat all the goddamned candy"....for now, anyways. One demon at a time. 

3) AA is NOT the only way. It is ONE tool in a world brimming with others. AA is not a fit for me but I do appreciate their motto of "One day at a time". Once I stopped cringing and rolling my eyes at it, allowing it to settle into me a bit, I found it helpful. 

4) There's a grieving process when you end your relationship with Alcohol, just as there would be when you end any relationship in your life. Especially when calling it quits means other facets of your world will be touched by change. "Will this change my social life?", "Will I be boring?", "Will people judge me or avoid me now?". Grieve it. Don't push those fears or sadness aside, sit with them and learn from them. I still have pangs of sadness and I expect I may down the line too. 

5) There's a whole genre of books referred to as "Quit Lit". For me, those books were game changers. Reading became medication, self care and guidance for the next right steps. Holly Whitaker is hilarious and tells the best damn stories. 

6) There's a term called "Pink Clouding" or "The Pink Cloud Syndrome" which describes a phase in early addiciton recovery that feels incredible. In this phase, people feel freed from the vice, optimistic for the future and excited about recovery. The pink cloud will pop at some point but keeping a journal of how amazing I felt while on my cloud, helps me carry those feelings with me. I re-visit my journal entries from my pink cloud days when I'm tempted or feeling on edge. 

7) Some heavy drinkers need medical care and supervision to stop drinking. Luckily, I was not so far gone as to be in this category. For those who are in that unfortunate club, stopping cold turkey can be deadly. If the body is shocked by being deprived of a substance it's now dependant upon, it can cause delerium, changes in heart rhythm or seizures. 

8) Willpower does NOT work. Willpower is just that-power. It takes part of your daily personal power to stick to it. Your willpower is a limited resource, you can run out of it just as easily as you can run outta milk. If you've spent a chunk of your willpower on not texting your ex, or passing on that cupcake, you may just be fresh out of it when Merlot starts bellowing your name from the cupboard. 

9) Booze causes the worst bloat. For me, I looked 7 months pregnant most of the time. For others, they not only get the burger belly but also a puffy face. 

10) Yes, my pink cloud has popped but I'm left with the genuine belief that I'm a better version of myself this way. In my day to day life, I now feel clearer. More attuned to myself, more loving to myself. I feel optimistic for the next 40 years of my life in a body that I'm treating with care and 1 year ago, I would NEVER have imagined this choice or this outcome for myself. 

That's it, friends. My biggest tidbits after 100 days without my steady crutch, Merlot. 

You've been so supportive through social media, thank you! Please raise a glass with me to my 100 DAYS. You can put whatever floats your boat in your glass and I'll put tonic and lime in mine. Cheers!