300+ DAYS SOBER
I haven’t had a drink since New Year’s Eve. Since 2015. It’s November 27, 2016. That’s 331 days. I have some friends who say they couldn’t go that long without a drink. Some friends shrug their shoulders and admit that they could give it up. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t have a drinking problem. Due to some health issues, it’s just something that I can’t have right now. I’m not against it but I don’t miss it. Here are some thoughts on what it’s like to not drink for 331 days:
- You start to enjoy other beverages. Things like nitro cold brew coffee or La Croix or just plain water (with lemon).
- You enjoy your food a bit more. When you aren’t sharing the spotlight with a cocktail, you really taste your food differently.
- It’s hard(er) to be social. It’s not that I can’t handle not It’s just not as fun to constantly be ordering tiny club sodas with lime over and over and over while everyone else gets tipsy.
- Because socializing is harder, you end up doing all the things you always wanted to do. Things like, painting for 100 days straight or reading books or traveling
- You lose weight! I’ve heard this from various people who gave up drinking. I can’t really speak to this specifically because I’ve also cut down on sugar and dairy but I know there’s truth there!
- You face your stress and anxiety head on. The habit of picking up a bottle of wine because you had a tough day suddenly isn’t an option. You have to realize why you stress drink or eat or binge. It’s tough but it’s good.
- The challenge? Finding my community in other places!
Have you ever abstained from anything intentionally? What did you learn?
Author: Allison Lehman
Email: [email protected]
Bio: Allie Lehman co-owns The Wonder Jam with her husband in Columbus, Ohio. They help tiny businesses grow their own brand by offering workshops, design, photography and coaching.
Link to social media: http://instagram.com/alliepal
