My Year of Sobriety

I was sober the year of 2016.  Let me explain....

Last December 2015 I became aware of a trend in Hollywood where actors and actresses were vocal about giving up alcohol simply because it didn't help them achieve their goals.  I became very intrigued by this concept and quickly noticed that the fitness experts I followed and admired equally didn't drink, or reserved it for special occasions.  In a month where I was definitely OVER-indulging, I ruminated over this possibility in my own life all that month.  

Now mind you, I certainly didn't consider myself an alcoholic or even a problem drinker, but I was drinking wine (my adult beverage of choice) several nights a week and had felt God speaking to my spirit for a couple years that He didn't want this habit for me.  Of course I ignored His voice.  You see, my husband could drink wine every night if the budget allowed ,so how could I refrain if he was still consuming?  Also, we live in a culture of celebration, don't we?  Family and friends are always having birthdays, then all the usual holidays, then there's Groundhog's Day (just kidding), but really there are "special occasions" occurring each month, several times a month.  Right?  I was also about to embark on a fitness journey to get in the best shape of my life by the time I was 50 which was only 18 months away.  I was motivated.

I decided days before 2016 that I was going alcohol-free for an entire year to see if it made a difference in my health, fitness, and spiritual life.  The ONLY caveat was that my dad was taking our entire family to Hawaii in June 2016, a trip of a lifetime, so I knew that I would want to indulge in a few Mai Tais and Pina Coladas, which I did partake in but only a few.  I learned in Hawaii that I could really give or take a tropical cocktail; I was having a blast and just didn't desire much alcohol.  

I will admit that the first few social gatherings of 2016 were a tad awkward and often when people asked why I wasn't partaking THEY were the ones that became uncomfortable, but I just learned to take along or order seltzer water wherever I went and in little time it became my norm.  And just so you know, I wasn't perfect.  My plan was to practice a life without alcohol but without legalism.  My very first slip up was in May for my friend Gwin's birthday celebration.  We had a driver to take a group of us to lovely town of Davidson, NC, for margaritas in one cafe and dinner down the street from that.  I love margaritas and probably only have them once a year so I didn't think I would cave when the waiter brought out JALAPENO margaritas!  But I caved.  I had one, possibly one and a half, but who's counting?  It was just ok.  I was disappointed in myself that I got weak.  But I brushed myself off and forged ahead and other than Hawaii, didn't fall off the wagon again.  Well, except for October-December when all of a sudden I started sipping from my husband's wine glass occasionally during nice dinners.  But only sips of his, never my own glass.  That's ok, right?  Oh, and champagne on New Years' Eve because my lovely neighbors wanted me to celebrate with them so I obliged!  I try to be a good neighbor!

OK, so I wasn't dry the entire year BUT I was 95% dry and really this was a test of myself to see what would change in my life if I ditched alcohol.  So let me break the categories down for you on what areas improved due to my dry-year:

Fitness:  I'm 10 pounds lighter than I was when I set this goal for myself but I can honestly say that cutting out alcohol isn't the reason the pounds fell off.  I lost 10 pounds through good old fashioned clean eating, portion control, and daily exercise.... HOWEVER, when you wake up every single morning without a foggy brain OR alcohol in your bloodstream which affects your muscles the next 24-48 hours, you get AMAZING workouts and have the clarity and motivation each morning to push play and get it done first thing upon waking.  For that reason alone I could give it up for life!

Health:  Do I feel healthier without alcohol?  Nope.  I think some red wine can be good for your heart and some doctors even prescribe it to heart patients.  But, if I'm honest, drinking wine did lower my will power and I would often over eat or make poor choices after consuming a glass or two of wine.  So while I don't "feel" healthier, I believe I am, mentally and physically.

Spiritually:  This was the biggest and most important area of improvement.  For the first time in my life I became an early morning riser (well, actually starting in July).  I would wake up before my family and spend time in devotion to God, then workout.  That set the pace for my entire day.  It was like a success-starter.  I could hear His voice more clearly and I knew I wasn't being disobedient to His plan for me.  Hear that?  I said for ME.  This is not a judgment on anyone who drinks and I don't believe it is wrong for a believer to drink but I knew deep in my heart and spirit that He didn't want it for me.  When you walk in obedience He really blesses your life.  It felt good; it felt right.

Today as I write this its officially 2017.  What is my plan for 2017?  I can honestly say I don't miss alcohol. I also learned that I no longer like inexpensive wine.  I only like the REAL expensive stuff and since I've been a wine drinker since the 80s, yes, I do know the difference and even blindfolded I'd be able to discern. 

  I've decided to abstain from it except for very special occasions (I guess that rules out Groundhog's Day).  I don't need it to have a good time and since I turn 50 this July, I don't want any stumbling block to my goal of getting in the best shape of my life by my 50th birthday.  

I hope you do not feel judged by my story, it's simply that, my story.  I wanted to see if I could do it and while I didn't stick to my goal 100%, I feel really good about my decision in 2016 and going forward in 2017 and beyond.  I'll just take it year by year.  If my story helps anyone who has been on the fence of quitting, OR better yet, sensing God's call to obedience, then I'm glad to have shared it.  And if you think this story could help inspire others, please share.

One more note, my childhood friend, Lori, who is also my coach, has been sober for 4 years and I'm so proud of her.  She inspires me everyday and encourages others who struggle with alcohol that they can live the BEST life without it.  She's my living proof.  She glows.  I love you, Lori, keep on keeping on!