One year in. Thoughts and reflections on a life without alcohol.

I may not have done it without the bet. I've had a year off alcohol before but over the year I had 4 glasses of something bubbly. Which was near as dammit a year off. But having started actively not drinking before Christmas, I had a sip of red wine, which on conversing with my daughter meant I'd consumed alcohol and had to re-start my challenge. On a whim I accepted the challenge. 'I bet you can't do a whole year mum'... Well...

Tomorrow, the 27th March 2018 is a year since that conversation. I did it. We did have some kefir but I'm not counting that ;) Fermented foods are good for the gut health after all.

I thought I might share something profound but then remembered it was me, it was late, it had been a long (and productive day) so just a few things I'll mention.

It's easier than you may think. I've had a lot of fun. And felt much better on a morning than if I had been drinking the night before. I've danced. I've enjoyed all these things just as much as if I'd had a drink or two. Sometimes I've gone home because I was tired and perhaps in the past I'd have stayed out. I've felt emotions clearer. I've enjoyed life more (that came out without me thinking about it... hmmm will muse over that one later). I've (this one was a bit of a shock, especially in places with freely flowing alcohol) not missed it. I like it. I like it a lot.

Maybe it's not forever, maybe it is. But I like it and for today that's good.

​With love, Em x