Are you doing Dry January?

Congratulations! Taking a break for whatever reason is always a good thing. 

Are you worried that not drinking = boring?

At first, I did feel boring, and like I’d lost my identity. It took time to connect back with myself and discover the real me. I am now three years sober, and it is honestly the best decision I have ever made.

I am here to tell you that not drinking is only true if you let yourself believe it. We have all been conditioned to think that we have to have a drink to let go, be silly, and relax. We have learned this over the years because, as children most of us didn’t have a problem doing these things without a drink.

You have a choice. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

I have written lots of blogs on getting clear on your why > 

and hints and tips for staying on track when you stop drinking >

I want to invite you to be mindful about your choice to stop drinking for January. Is it because you have had a heavy Christmas period and you need a break or is it because you struggle to moderate and this is a welcome break, at a time of year when others may not judge so much because they are on their own health kick?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, then it might be a good idea to look at this as the start to a new lifestyle choice, rather than a month off.

I am not someone who can moderate. I am all or nothing in everything that I do, and I am aware of this. If you are aware of this, you can channel this into things that will serve your greater good, rather than things that will take away from you. You just have to stop.

Easier said than done though, right? I didn’t know anyone who could help me (three years ago, people were not speaking so openly about sobriety and its benefits). I knew that I needed something, and AA was not the right thing for me. I took on a charity challenge to make it bigger than me and hold myself accountable.

You have to do what is right for you. We are all wired differently, and that’s ok, stop comparing yourself to others.

After my challenge, I became so passionate about the difference sobriety had made for me that I trained to be a coach to help others who feel stuck. If you feel like you need support, there is more information here on how we could work together >

Nine months ago, I set up a free weekly support group for like-minded people to meet up and connect on an app called ClubHouse, which is audio-only. You can listen in or join in the conversation. For more information on how to join >

If you’d like inspiration on what alcohol-free alternatives there are out there, then here are my favourite sober sips > 

I am genuinely proud of my sobriety, and I want others to know that it is an option that might change their life for the better.

You should be proud too. You have taken the first step to a more mindful version of yourself.