Thirty days, half past…me

It’s been 30 days. 30 days since my last drink.

Immediately I could be viewed as a recovering alcoholic and my response would be, “No. No I’m not.” And you could think “Yeah right, isn’t that what alcoholics say?” Touché.

This mini-vacation started at the tail end of last year when I came down with an illness that left me pretty horizontal for a few days. New Year’s Eve came and I was new to solid foods and the harshest thing I drank that day was root beer. Something had changed my perspective in those days and I decided as a test to my health and my will I would challenge myself not to consume any alcoholic beverages for the next month and a half. Two reasons drove this challenge.

First, I’ve been struggling with weight loss. It cannot possibly be as difficult as it is for me. I suppose a lot of people might utter those same words. I have made a complete one-eighty in the way I eat for over a year and combined with running and weight training, I’m on the slow boat to freedom. In fact, we might have dropped anchor. I wanted a period of cleanliness where I could cut this out completely and see what kind of impact it has on managing my weight and overall health. I have been sleeping better and have felt some benefits physically.

Second, when I set out a goal before me I intend to keep it. I intend to see it through to the finish line. I’m nothing if not someone who will push, push, push until I reach the end, with my own measure of success.

Over the last month I’ve been in social situations where there has been alcohol served and consumed. When I divulge my current quest, I’m fairly certain I’ve caught a couple of people (well okay, nearly everyone) off-guard. This isn’t something I’ve abstained from in my adult life, nor had any reason to. “Are you still not drinking?”, “WHAT?” have been some questions I’ve continued to field. Yep. I am. I’m doing it for me and my well-being. Often times, no matter what the challenge may be, we need to push ourselves and challenge our abilities if we want to see what we’re made of or how far we can go to find optimal (whatever your definition is) health.

Two more weeks until I reach my goal and the day when I find out if clean living has proved any inkling of  success. After that? I don’t plan on binge drinking or returning to my old habits. I have a new appreciation for consumption and time will tell how that folds back into my life. I do know that as I age my viewpoints about some things have shifted and I look forward to doing more things (physically and mentally) that will challenge me to give everything I have. It’s in my own best interest to be at the top of my game no matter what life rolls my way.

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