While most people are setting New Year’s resolutions that they will most likely break within the first few weeks, I am altering my life for a different reason.
I am placing myself in an adult timeout for the next 30 days. Yep, that is right…30 days of sobriety. When everyone was out drinking it up on New Year’s Eve, I was good and home before 10:30pm however it wasn’t until the day after that I over indulged. I don’t remember everything that night but I do know that I most likely embarrassed myself at some point as well as those that I was with. I have never been a big drinker, but I would come home and have a glass of wine after work about 3 times a week. It wasn’t until working in a bar again that I started drinking more. Before I would have two glasses of wine with water, I now have found myself drinking three or four and water only at the end. Then there are the shots. I never used to do shots until working in the bar. There is only one purpose of shots, to get drunk quicker. For years I have watched people making fools of themselves in public and now I have found myself in that same place.
I am not saying that I am stumbling in and out of bars at 11am or downing bottles of wine in one sitting but I do have a habit of having a good time and end up drinking that one too many. And I noticed that it has become a pattern which needs to stop. If I can’t drink responsibly, then I shouldn’t be allowed to drink at all. I have to relearn moderation and responsibility.
If you are wondering why I am posting my “dirty laundry” on the internet, it is actually for a few reasons. One, I know that I am not alone. Others may have told themselves the same thing that I have but never stopped. Two, I know that it is going to be tough at times, like while out with friends, and I might need some support. I am looking forward to feeling “clean” on the inside. To becoming more aware of how much alcohol plays in a role in my everyday life.
I have 30 days filled with mocktails and early nights home. A special thanks to Luisa and Gretchen who I know will be there when I need them and are already supporting me on the sobriety bandwagon. So today starts the first day sans booze. I’m not sure what will happen after the 30 days but I will make sure to post a follow up.
By the way, if you are interested in giving your liver a break or working more on moderation, I found two websites!
If you are wondering if you drink too much, take the survey at Drinkers Checkup
Moderation Management is a great website about teaching you how to moderate your drinking habits.
[…] I have reached the end of my 30 days of sobriety. I wish I could come out saying it was this wonderful amazing experience but for me, that happened […]