These blog posts document my journey of abstaining from alcohol for a year with the help of the One Year No Beer program. Please feel free to comment because I know there are others that could benefit from hearing your voice as well. I would be thrilled if we could be on this journey together. I started this blog about 60 days in the challenge, so there’s plenty of time for us to be goal friends.
Sprints 22: August 12 – August 25, 2022
The focus of Sprint 22 was beliefs. Although I am almost done with this year-long challenge, there are still some beliefs that cause me difficulty. Part of me still struggles with the thought of sobriety in the long term. I still have beliefs that celebrations should include some indulgence with alcohol. I dabbled in thinking that I could drink once a quarter or just on birthdays. However, as I worked through this sprint, I realized that those things aren’t a real desire. Instead, they were manifestations of ingrained and distorted beliefs. I know these beliefs aren’t true because I’ve been able to celebrate most of this year without a drop of alcohol. I didn’t feel like I was missing out or was celebrating any less. I also struggle with the belief that a drink is worth having if it’s “special.” I still want to explore being a sober Cicerone. The spitting part is something I’m accepting more everyday. Nevertheless, I struggle with the belief that if a beer is “special”, I couldn’t possibly pass it up. I also still think about fine dining. I’ve equated wine with fancy dinners for so long that I have to challenge the belief that I’d be having an inferior experience if I don’t partake. Essentially my beliefs are centered around FOMO. Thankfully, I’ve been pushed to do the thought work during this sprint to challenge those beliefs. The truth is that I haven’t been missing out and I won’t be missing out if I remain abstinent. I have also been challenged to adopt new beliefs in this sprint. Most of my new beliefs center around nonconformity. I don’t have to fit the mold or do the status quo.
Sprint 23: August 26- September 8, 2022
This sprint had multiple foci, but I was most interested in the inspirations about goals. I have been on bedrest for the last 4 weeks and have used some of my time between resting to think about myself and my future. I thought about the Mastermind program and the goals I set during that time. One of the goals involved developing my blog and growing my influence through different mediums and social media platforms. I discussed this with my husband and he suggested that I take the Kev On Stage Social Media Masterclass. I really enjoy the class and highly recommend it. It’s been so motivating. One key theme from the masterclass was to be “aggressively genuine.” At this point in my life, being aggressively genuine includes not drinking. Drinking no longer defines me. It’s amazing how abstinence has changed my health, my lifestyle, and my goals. Now, with more clarity from not drinking, I am able to be myself fully. I am able embrace my goals and future self like never before.
If you want more information about the One Year No Beer program. Check out this LINK. I strongly recommend this program if you question your relationship with beer. Even if you’re doing a “dry” month, it could be helpful for you to meet your goal.