What a year!

So here we are. Almost at the end of 2020; a year like no other. None of us have experienced anything like this before, and it’s not over yet… But, despite the challenges, I have seen kindness in bucketloads, people pulling together like never before, and a real sense of ‘togetherness’ even in a year when we have mostly been apart from our loved ones.

I have probably ‘seen’ my friends and family more than I would have done, as we have all made a proper effort to have zoom catch ups, quizzes, and group calls. We have spent more time truly enjoying being at home, and together as a family. Of course, it has not been all sunshine and rainbows, sharing a space with another adult, a toddler, and a dog, and working at home, can be challenging at times. But, we are so fortunate that we have a garden, and live in an area with lots of outside space to enjoy, I know some people do not have this privilege.

Apart from a sip of Chablis in the summer, I can honestly say that 2020 has been an alcohol free year for me! It has been challenging at times, but I have done it! So, I am going to go through my “lessons learned” / surprises.

1. Don’t underestimate the physical effects of giving something up. The first 2 weeks were awful: Probably not helped by drinking quite alot over christmas. Honestly, I could quite have easily caved in these first 2 weeks due to purely the physical side effects.

2. The power of the crowd is astonishing. This is something I learned early on, when I was struggling. The thought of having to tell you lot that I had failed, was an awful feeling, and one that kept me going. The words of encouragement, the number of blog views, and followers really have kept me on track.

3. “You are still there!” This has stuck with me from quite early on, when I was having a chat with a very good friend who gave up drinking about 10 years ago. I asked him if nights out or social events were more boring when not drinking, and he simply said “well why would they be? You are still there!” I have had some of the most enjoyable nights out I have ever had over this past year, and the best thing is, I can remember them all!

4. The beer jacket is an actual thing. When not drinking, take an extra jumper. You’re welcome.

5. Get a mentor. I was so lucky that a friend of a friend offered to support me early on. She had just completed her first year booze free, so was able to give me an honest, warts and all account of what I had to come. She also sent me loads of books, and was on hand over the entire year. Not only was she there every step of the way, but the fact that she had done a year, and was still booze free was an inspiration. Thank you Sarah. I could not have done this without you.

6. Play the film to the end. This is another fabulous trick to have up your sleeve and one that has helped me on many occasions. Sarah told me this one very early on, and it has been amazing. Basically, its a visualisation technique. If I wanted a drink, I would imagine having one, then another…. Then going to bed late, having a rubbish nights sleep, and waking up with a fuzzy head, craving carbs! Worked a treat!

7. Relaxing is possible without wine! Who knew?!

8. There are some amazing non-alcoholic drinks on the market. I have enjoyed some lovely fizz, amazing rose wine, and some excellent beers. A good alcohol free red does not exist. There are some ok ones, but they just don’t have the depth of real wine. There are lots of amazing faux spirits coming to the market; tequila, whiskey, gin… They are all distilled spirits so they have that spirity ‘tang’. The gins are the best by far, and they all work really well in mocktails.

9. Turns out I am just a loon. Alcohol had nothing to do with it! A comedienne at heart, I love nothing more than getting a laugh or two. I always used alcohol as an extra boost, lower your inhibitions and all that. Turns out my inhibitions / embarrassment genes are non existent! Apologies all…

10. Bad stuff still happens. Having a drink won’t make it better, or go away. It just means you will still have to deal with it, but with a hangover!

So overall, an enlightening year! Being an all or nothing type person, this has worked really well for me. Cutting down was not an option, and my main goal when I started this was to experience everything a year had to offer (birthdays, bad days, good days….) without booze. I know this is not right for everyone, and I also know plenty of people who have a healthy relationship with alcohol. This year has made me re-evaluate my relationship with alcohol, and think about how I want it to feature in future. So, the question remains…. Will I drink again come the 1st January? The answer is yes, but I want my default to be not drinking, as I said in my previous post. So I am going to continue with this blog, and keep you updated with the next stage. You never know…. I may have another “one year” challenge up my sleeve!

Thank you all so much for your support this year. I couldn’t have done it without this blog, and all your words of encouragement. You are all smashing! X x x