I began this endeavor in support of a friend who wanted to quit drinking for 30 days. We decided on September 6th through October 6th. There are at least a few other people who are joining us in this goal or their version of it, and it really does make a difference. I am certain most of us would like to think we are "in charge of our own domain", but realistically, we are influenced by our environment and the people we spend our time with. That is why I am having an easier time with this go at Breaking Booze. I no longer have the same temptations, the stressors nor the pressures that I wholeheartedly believe kept me drinking more than I should have for longer. I don't work in restaurants anymore, and that's a big one. I don't force myself to go to bars I don't want to, especially when I don't want to - and I don't let anyone make me feel guilty for it. I did my time in those places. There's nothing for me in them. I can socialize with my friends anywhere. There shouldn't have to be booze and we shouldn't have to be buzzed. That's why I started inviting my nieces and my sisters to walk trails with me when we'd get together. If you haven't seen someone in awhile or you suffer from anxiety in general (as many of my family members do), it can help take away some of the pressure of being face to face or knowing what to do with your hands, things like that. You feel less like you have to fill the silence. You talk about more things that you want to, and less about things you feel like you should. Since I have made the intention to drink less, I walk more with friends and I walk with friends more. Since I decided to cease drinking for the month, I've started walking with old friends too, and in new places! I have a walk scheduled next week with a friend I go way back to middle school with. She's taking me to a preserve that is new to me. Michigan has a lot of great trails and if you enjoy that kind of stuff even just a little bit, take advantage of them. If you can't walk them or you can't walk far, find a place to park it and just take in all that is good around you. My dad had both his hips replaced and has had more trouble with his body than anybody should, so he has a hard time getting around and for long. My younger sister and I brought him to our favorite preserve just to sit on a bench and chat. We took a picture too. He absolutely loved it. Then again, we could have sat just about anywhere and he would have been happy to have his girls together and be there too.
So, 12 days in. I would wonder if I've had anything to drink if I were you, so I will tell you, I had a lager recently, and a seltzer a few days before that. I may not have been perfect, but I've been good. I'm still practicing awareness and restraint. I sat with my friends who were having drinks for a good hour before I decided to drink that seltzer. I haven't bought any wine and I haven't gone out for drinks. I'm making more plans that don't involve alcohol and I'm getting more things done too. I'm definitely saving money. My friend, I will have you know, has not had anything to drink. I am so, so proud of her. When is the last time you went 12 days without a drink?
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