Almost there....

It's January 29th, which means today is day 29 of not drinking.  I must say the challenge for this month has been rather easy.  There really has only been a few moments where a drink would've been ideal.  I think what I'll take away from this month the most is to really think about whether or not I want that drink when I'm out... because truth for me is that I never really need it.  It's also been nice saving money while out to eat and not to mention I choose restaurants that are in the two star category when I'm not drinking.  Although it will be nice to go out to a nicer restaurant next month.  One other thing I noticed was the only time I really had to make a conscious choice not to drink was when I was out with others that were drinking.... AND maybe when I broke my wrist.

What I'm really missing

It's January 18th... which means it's now been 18 days alcohol free.  What I'm continuing to notice is how many events I go to that include drinking.... and are just part of the natural routine.  But what I'm really missing... is splitting a bottle of wine with a friend!! Sitting and drinking water with someone at a restaurant just doesn't bring out the same experience.  This brings me to my next point...I really enjoy going out to dinner and making it an experience.  Starting off with a drink...  talking... sipping...talking... drinking....and then maybe ordering an appetizer...while still enjoying my drinks.... talking... and then maybe order a salad... another drink... at this point we are probably an hour and a half into the evening....  and then after the waiter/waitress has come over several hundreds of times I finally say I'm ready to order.  All and all it's around a 3 hour minimum experience.  Let's just say I haven't had anything like that in over 18 days and THAT is what I'm missing!!!  My dinner/lunch outings are lasting maybe 1 hour tops...and I mean tops!!! so ... so much for the dining experience... it's just not that fun right now.... so what am I supposed to do with this?? not sure yet.... 

What I've noticed

okay.... so it's been 11 days no with no alcohol.  In all honesty it's felt fairly easy to not drink.  There have only been a few exceptions to that..where I had a slight cringe - like in the airport when I found out my flight was delayed for over four hours (I mean doesn't that make anyone want to drink!)....  or when I  recently went out of town to visit a friend that's been grieving and she wanted to drink and instead I had to say I'm not drinking... I think I ordered 5 waters.... which made me really happy when the bill came!

thoughts so far:
I like how much money I'm saving
It's only in the moment I've felt bummed about passing on alcohol (wanting a glass of wine)
After dinner I'm happy about my decision not to drink
There is an element of social pressure that I just naturally drink when others are without thinking if I really want to or not.
Alcohol is expensive
I like not being woken up by wine in the middle of the night
Fine...I'm missing a glass of wine... okay....maybe two...

January::::

It's time to begin the experiment of the forming and breaking of habits. January is the month of no alcoholic beverages. Now the truth is I wouldn't say that alcohol has to be considered a bad habit and nor am I trying to start a debate on drinking or not drinking. In fact I wouldn't even say alcohol is a habit of mine. I mean I like to have a glass... or two of wine..okay okay sometimes three with a friend.  There's also the fun nights out or meeting a friend for a drink... So why the reason for taking out alcohol???.... well simply put alcohol has affected those I deeply care about in not so positive ways....AND I'm under the belief that it's healthy to look at what we put into our bodies and the effects they have on us... With that said, I wanted to take this month to examine the role that alcohol plays in my life. I'm curious as to what will come up for me.... What emotions will I feel when I'm out with a few friends and they are drinking and I choose to drink water?? Has any part of having a glass of wine when I'm out at a nice dinner simply become routine?? How has it affected my energy level and emotions? Will I miss it??? And not to mention I wonder how much money I will save by not drinking??

There are many more questions I have... but mostly I'm just curious to see what comes up for me.

The beginning of the 12~30 Experiment

Supposedly it takes 30 days to make or break a habit. Over the next twelve months I will be adding in and/or taking a way a habit. I am curious as to my reactions and feelings in this process... but mostly I'm really excited to have FUN with this and see what freeness awaits and even at times what traps I've created for myself....

As of now this will be a tentative schedule for each month. Let me know if you have any other ideas or if you want to share what it is you would like to add or take away in your months.

January:: No Drinking alcohol for 30 days

February:: Meditate for 15 min every day

March:: 30 minutes in nature rain or shine

April:: Saying I love you in the mirror several times

May:: The Artist's Way: writing

June:: 

Read for 30 min every day
           (8 hours of sleep)

July:: No TV

August:: Try Something new every day

September:: No eating out at restaurants

October:: Take a picture every day

November:: Write in my journal every day

December:: Create a new painting every day