This Dry January was the first time since I began drinking that I made a truly committed effort to ditch the booze. Incidentally, it was also the first time in a long time that I felt truly proud of myself. It may seem like such a small thing to some, but to me it was huge. I had finally proven to myself that I had the elusive thing called “will power”. I took back control and oh boy, did it feel good. 

I could go on forever about how much I enjoyed Dry January, but I’d hate to bore you all to death. Instead, here is a lovely little list of why I LOVED a month sober…

Spare cash! Kerching!

Not being deathly afraid to check my bank account on a Sunday & treating myself to my favourite things in the world – books! Be gone party girl, the book worm has arrived…

No hangovers

There are no words to describe how wonderful it was to go a full month without hugging a toilet bowl.

Hocus pocus, I found focus

For the first time in a long time, I re-focused on my Master’s dissertation. The end is in sight!

Feeling a sense of achievement each day

This does wonders for your self-esteem.

Others noticed the difference

People openly told me I seemed happier.  

Early mornings

Because I wasn’t too f*cked to notice or passed out, I saw sunrises, birds, squirrels and a visiting fox!

Being inspired

As the boozy haze descended, a sky of creativity appeared & I began writing again. T’da!

An ease in the anxiety

It would be a lie to say it had gone, but I felt a noticeable difference as the weight on my chest lifted.

I felt like “me” again

Identity and self are profoundly abstract concepts, but I felt like I reconnected with a part of myself I hadn’t event realised I’d lost.  

If you’re looking for reasons to try sobriety, I really hope the above serves as inspiration!