After having a fun start to 2015, I started feeling like I needed a reset of some kind. I took stock of what I was and wasn’t doing in my daily routine. I realized, although not to excess, I was drinking more than usual. Not one to tiptoe around an issue, I made up my mind to give up alcohol for a month.

“May I smell your beer?” is an actual question I asked various friends over the course of 26 days in March.

This decision was met with all kinds of responses from others, but I was content with my decision. I was asked whether I thought this decision would affect my social life, my dating life, etc. The answer is that it didn’t affect whether or not people wanted to be around me, but it did produce 5 changes I wasn’t expecting.

(1) I dropped almost 6 pounds after changing nothing in my routine except for drinking alcohol.

(2) I slept better and wasn’t as groggy or grumpy when I woke up.

(3) I received compliments about my skin and was asked what my secret is … water.

(4) My focus was off the charts. Usually I hop from project to project, but I was on fire with my focus.

(5) Finally, and most importantly, I just felt amazing overall.

My social life didn’t take a hit. My friends stepped up to the plate and became more creative with ideas for getting together that didn’t involve alcohol. Those dates included lots of food, exploring new (to me) areas of Charlotte, great conversations, and coffee (thank you Daily Press). So much coffee and I’m okay with that.

 

I made it 26 days without drinking. You may be wondering about what made me drink before the end of the month. Easy, Sycamore Brewing has prosecco on tap and I wanted a glass.

I’m proud of myself for not drinking, but mostly I’m proud for realizing I needed a change. I did what was best for me. We all need to listen to ourselves more, even if we say we want a glass of prosecco at a brewery.