I am often asked why I did not simply moderate my drinking, instead of quitting alcohol completely.
The simple answer is, it's easier. Much, much easier.
Sure, I moderated a few times, and it was fine. For a while. But eventually my wine consumption crept back up each time, and the next thing I knew, it was all I would look forward to that evening after a stressful day at work. I had lots of breaks from alcohol, and each time I drank less afterwards. And before I knew it, I was thinking back to those blissful days not worrying about alcohol, and not making silly mistakes in the evenings when I drank. I missed the lovely REM sleep, I missed the nice skin and clearer mind, the lack of dehydration, and best of all, the lack of worrying about what I had done the previous night.
Not drinking also freed me from the constant decisions, every day... How much do I drink tonight, what do I drink tonight, where, and who with? It freed me from torment when cravings got bad again. My anxiety disappeared. My diet got better because I wasn't hankering after fatty foods to mop up the hangover. Stress was easier to manage. I exercised more. I sang to my radio in the car more. I made better decisions. I was happier, brighter, me plus one. The constant chatter in my head, usually negative, was gone.
Alcohol is a thief. It steals happiness and peace of mind. It is addictive. Insidious. Moderating was a bit like having a tiny bit of poison in your evening meal every night. I preferred my evenings poison free, thank you. Giving up was by far an easier decision to make than moderating.
But what about willpower, I am also asked. Isn't life miserable without it?
Another simple answer... No. I drink as much as I want to. I just do not want to drink alcohol anymore. I need zero willpower, because I am not wishing I could drink, ever. No cravings. I am free. Heart and soul free. And so, so much happier.
In fact I am so much happier, I decided to pay it forward to the reason I am free, and train to be a This Naked Mind Institute Alcohol Freedom Coach! It is the most exciting thing I have ever embarked on, and my training started this week. The initial training is pretty intensive, and lasts a full six months, but once done I will be able to help people free themselves from the constant pull of the alcohol trap. No willpower required, no cravings, just beautifully, blissfully free.
The plan is so successful, 36% of people where able to moderate and cut their drinking after participating, with 54% able to quit altogether! Better still, over 85% of respondents reported better mental health. How amazing is that?
I cannot wait to get started,- I will keep you updated on my progress right here.
Excited and raring to go,
Amanda x
Comments