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Sober Year In Review

 

So I've literally drank not even one drop of alcohol this last year. 

I remember sitting down with a beer and a shot the day before my birthday last year and saying, "That's it, I quit - I'm not drinking anymore."

These last few years I haven't been drinking much either way, and I've done a whole year without drinking before - but this time was a little different, aside from the fact that I am getting older, and older...

 

The first few weeks were the hardest. You know I live alone, I don't have anyone looking after me or anyone I report to - no one to "come home to", so realistically I can - and have done - whatever the hell I want, whenever I want. 

Anyway, so if I want to have a few drinks I usually do - but this last year I decided not to. 

Also, I've been Vegan for over a year now, and maybe that had something to do with it. Balancing out your diet ultimately does affect a lot of other things. 

In November of 2013 I took a month off working and went out West, then came back through the United States. You would think I'd probably have a few drinks during that time - especially since I was staying in hotels and visiting friends and whatnot, but truth be told - I did not have one drop of alcohol at all. 

 

So this last year has been full of challenges - and I'm glad I was able to face them sober and head-on. Between starting a new job, opening a new restaurant, and dealing with the various family issues we've faced this year - it really has been quite the ride. 

My birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and I had thought about having a drink (alone) to see where exactly my head is at with the whole thing (before saying yes or no to invites to "have a few drinks with friends"). 

I did in fact go to the LCBO and buy a few things that I used to enjoy. Put it this way; the taste of alcohol now disgusts me, I didn't like the feeling, I found I wasn't "thirsty" enough keep drinking - and between forcing the effort and the strange feelings in the morning - it wasn't really worth it. 

So it took me a while to finish off what I used to be able to drink in an average night - and that's that. I haven't had anything to drink since then, and I don't plan on it. I sleep fine at night - something I used to think could only be achieved by drinking - and really, with all the nonsense I have to deal with in my family thanks to alcoholism, it's probably better for me personally if I don't pick up the habit (again).

 

So with another few days of having no alcohol in my system behind me now - I can safely say that I think me and alcohol are not a thing anymore. I was thinking maybe if the stars align or the mood is right, that I might enjoy a dry martini or something fruity and fancy - but how often that will happen, and how often will it happen in such a way that I don't have to drive anywhere afterwards? Who knows, maybe it'll never happen. I don't want to say, "I will never drink alcohol again" - but basically that's what it feels like. 

So if you've never gone off the deep end with alcohol then congrats. If you've never cared one way or the other if you had it every week or not - congrats. If you could go without drinking for a month - congrats. 

 

And if you can't, then I suggest you start trying now, because alcohol abuse is a symptom of a greater underlying problem inside you - and no matter how much you drink if that's the case - it will never be enough. The trouble with alcoholism is that there is a definite and absolute "enough" for the human body. Your kidneys know an "enough". Your heart and brain know an "enough". So I hope for you and your loved ones' sake that you don't ever get to find out your bodies' limit the hard way when it comes to alcohol. 

 

With all that being said - have fun, it's your life. 

If you want to, grab a drink! Hey, have one for me too. 

I'll even drive you home and hold your hair later if you want.