A Sober Year
As I sit down to write this post, I can hardly believe it's been a whole year since I made the decision to quit alcohol. In the spirit of transparency, I'd like to share my journey with you all, as well as the challenges and revelations that have come with it.
The Challenge: A Family Vacation in Dubai
It all started with a family vacation in Dubai. My brother-in-law, playfully challenged me to quit drinking for a year. At first, I brushed it off, but as the trip progressed, I began to realize that this challenge was an opportunity for me to turn my life around.
So, I took the plunge and committed to a year without alcohol.
Discovering the Sober Curious Movement
During my journey, I came across the concept of being "sober curious." This movement encourages individuals to explore their relationship with alcohol without necessarily committing to full-time sobriety. For many, it's about questioning the role alcohol plays in their lives and making more mindful choices when it comes to drinking.
Embracing the sober curious mindset helped me remain open and non-judgmental throughout my year of sobriety, allowing me to truly examine my own relationship with alcohol.
Embracing the Change: Mental and Physical Transformation
Throughout the year, I noticed several incredible changes in my life. One of the most significant was my improved mental health. I was happier, less angry, and had much better mental energy. I even found myself in a state of flow for the entire year, something I had never experienced before.
The physical changes were also remarkable. I lost 10 kg, my sleep improved dramatically, and I felt more focused at work than ever before. The absence of bad days was a pleasant surprise, as I found myself able to navigate life's ups and downs with a newfound resilience.
The Social Struggle: Navigating a World That Loves to Drink
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this journey was adjusting to social situations without alcohol. I quickly realized that it wasn't me who had a problem not drinking, but those around me! Friends and acquaintances often questioned my decision, and I had to learn to stand my ground and not let their opinions sway me.
Despite the initial pushback, I managed to find support from the people who truly mattered in my life. They respected my choice and helped me stay on track, even during difficult moments.
Discovering "Don't Break the Chain"
In my search for tools to support my goal, I discovered the app "Don't Break the Chain." It's a simple habit tracking app that allows you to mark off each day that you maintain a specific habit, forming a "chain" of success. The idea is to keep the chain going and avoid "breaking" it by missing a day.
What attracted me to this app was its simplicity and the motivating factor of visually seeing my progress. I set up the app to track my sobriety, and each day, as I marked off another successful day without alcohol, my chain grew longer.
The Takeaway: A Year of Personal Growth and Empowerment
Looking back on this year, I am filled with gratitude for the challenge my brother-in-law presented to me. Quitting alcohol has not only led to improvements in my physical and mental health, but it has also given me the chance to grow personally.
I've learned to stand up for myself, make healthier choices, and not let others' opinions dictate my actions. This journey has shown me that I am stronger than I ever thought possible and that I have the power to overcome any obstacle that stands in my way.
Finding Balance: A Mindful Return to Drinking
I wanted to add a little update on my journey since this post is about transparency. After a year of sobriety, and with the insights I gained from the sober curious movement, I made the decision to start drinking again, but with newfound self-awareness and moderation. I truly missed the taste and the occasional enjoyment of a good drink. Now, I have set a personal limit of a maximum of 3 drinks per night. This has allowed me to appreciate alcohol in a healthier, more responsible way while still maintaining the personal growth and lessons I've learned throughout my sober year.
Remember, life is all about balance and finding what works best for you. Stay true to yourself and make choices that align with your values and well-being. Embracing the sober curious mindset can be a powerful tool for self-exploration and personal growth, even if you choose to incorporate alcohol back into your life in a more mindful way.
Until next time, stay strong and be well. Thank you for reading.
Dubai. December 31, 2021. 101,6 kg