We Stopped Drinking for 30 Days and This is What Happened

Four concerts, three dinners, and two nights out at a bar with friends all without alcohol.  We were inspired by friends to challenge ourselves to do a 30 day cleanse from alcohol.  Yes, we did it for health reasons, but also to build self esteem and better our relationship.  I knew I could do it able because if you challenge me to something, I will see you at the finish line because I’m stubborn as all hell, but I wasn’t so sure about my husband, he’s stubborn too, but not in that way.  Today marks day 31, aka the day we can go back to having alcohol, and there’s been a lot to wrap my mind around.

Here’s what I thought would happen when I quit drinking for 30 days-

• My skin would clear up
• I would have more energy
• I would feel healthier than ever
• My  meditation practice would deepen and my spirituality would grow
• I would loose weight

Well guest what, none of those things happened… sigh.

Here’s what did happen-

• Self esteem went up
• I enjoyed concerts more
• Confidence in self control
• I gained muscle
• I reconnected with great friends
• I ate a lot of late night tater tots
• My relationship with my husband has never been stronger
• I learned a lot about myself
• I was able to let go of  pent up guilt and sadness

I don’t drink daily.  I’m not one of those people who comes home from work and has a beer or a drink with dinner every night, so not drinking at home was easy.  I always have wine in the house, but I maybe have a glass once in a while, especially after a bad day.

I do drink socially, so when we went out with friends, that was the hardest.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed concerts a lot more sober and I’m hoping to keep this part up!  I danced a lot, remember all of the show, and was able to drive home at the end of the night and get a good night’s sleep which was just all around awesome.

My husband’s journey had many more benefits, especially to his physical health.  Beer belly is now barely there, he’s been working out every morning, and dang, I can’t wait to hit up the beach with him in a month.  He also feels mental clarity and has never felt better.  I’m so proud of him.

A lot of the reason we needed a break from drinking was because of the chaos and intensity it brings.  Especially when you are out and about, alcohol can lead to trouble.  More drinks, staying up later than needed, and the next day, feeling absolutely terrible.

Maybe you have been there, but drinking has always made the both of us feel so guilty.  Guilty that we are essentially poisoning are bodies, guilty that we made poor choices, guilty that we can’t enjoy the next day fully since we don’t feel well.  This guilt eats us up inside and it’s been a source of anxiety in our lives.  When we thought about it, we came to the conclusion that it really wasn’t worth it, and thirty days alcohol free was happening.

If you are thinking about doing a month free of alcohol, I highly recommend it!   It changed our lives for the better, and I can only hope that we keep up this good work.  Yes, we will have a drink here are there, but I think keeping it just to a social place (aka only when we are out with friends) is our next 30 day challenge.