Dry January

“A long December and there’s reason to believe… Maybe this year will be better than the last” — Adam Duritz

I start this post by stating that I fully acknowledge the disease of Alcoholism and take very seriously the struggles of those inflicted.

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Alcohol. I’ve had a million laughs and my fair share of mostly innocent embarrassments. My participation in taking 31 days away from the barroom is more about a commitment to healthy living than it is an avoidance of a substance.

Everyone writes posts in late December about their goals for the year to come. The gym’s fill up a week after the new year and are empty again by the fourth week in January. Resolutions to flip the calendar with a commitment to change seldom work. I must say Dry January has by far been the most effective new year’s resolution I have made in my life.

There are vast studies that tout the benefits of taking a month away from alcohol. My observations are simple:

1. It feels great to wake up early fully drained of chemicals.
2. January 2023 has been the most boring month of my life.

The lessons pondered deeply over the last month have to do with the priority of health that can no longer be neglected upon arriving at a certain age.

“This year, I’m doing the same thing but the good part is it’s all being easier; if it counts for anything something’s changed” -Mica Klave

Never Underestimate The Ability to Surprise Yourself

In times of uncertainty, we often seek asylum in the predictable. One does not often transcend a problem without experiencing discomfort. There is a time enjoy the bliss of idle silence, but at a certain point, you’ve gotta come out of the corner and get back to swinging.

We often perpetuate the unsteady by over-thinking without taking action. A steady combination of action planning and effort tend to get one closer to the ultimate solution.

Alone Time is Sacred

I do understand that loneliness hits different with people. It would make sense that one who is surrounded by others might value alone time more than someone who seldom sees another soul. I have come to find that the most profound speakers listen far more than they talk. Time spent reading, in research or listening to informative podcasts may not be as fun as a night at the rodeo, but knowledge attainment seldom arrives in a loud room.

Spending a month away from social events was a wonderful practice in mindful silence; drinking-in knowledge and inspiration.

Remember To Celebrate Good Fortunes (however small they may be)

Frustration is a consequence of high expectations. When one is hyper-focused on progression, waiting for the less-motivated can be trying. But, everyone is going through something and sometimes they need a hand up.

It pays to reflect on the good things you have in your life: friends, family, fulfilling hobbies, the sweet sound of music, dramatic prose, the great outdoors, the great indoors, a movie or book.

Day number 30 of sobriety found me sitting in the sun watching my son pet our dog as another day paid us ado.

“most of us probably not getting better, but not getting better…. together!” — John K Samson

To sacrifice and exhibit discipline produces a sense of achievement. The longer the sacrifice, the greater the prize.

I hope you find what you are looking for….. and if you haven’t, you might try letting go of something?

Thanks for Reading!

• Dave