Throughout these posts, I’ve mentioned many benefits I’ve seen from going alcohol free.  At times it’s a nice reminder to myself and I’ll list again below for both you and me…  However, it occurred to me the other day, that I might be missing one of the most important benefits.  

First, lets start with the obvious; You stop putting a toxin in your body!   Your health starts to improve.  Your mind starts to clear from the fog and you become more Pure…  

This connects to your body and you start to heal.  Sleep becomes much better and more restful.  The inflammation in your body lowers.  

Over time you become more aware.  Maybe more calm.  Less irritable.  Life becomes more manageable.   

For me, relationships with family and friends became much more authentic and meaningful.  

My mind changed from thinking about drinking, when I could and could not, to a simple decision of not. Opening up more room in my head for productive thinking…

The practical benefits are also key.  I save money!   Lots and lots of money spent on wine, beer and booze.  Just last night I had a dinner at a nice restaurant, and laughed when I got the check.  $30. So rad!  Those $12 glasses of wine used to add up.  Now, they hardly charge me for a sparking water and lime.  Or a hot tea…

On that same note, eating has changed.  I’m way more conscious about what I eat.  Before, it was lots of food.  Big heavy meals.  Feeling full along with the empty calories of alcohol.   Yikes.  

So guess what, duh I lost weight when I stopped drinking.  Like 20lbs without doing much anything different.  My body leaned up.  My face was less puffy and that gut full of pale ales diminished. 

Then mornings became amazing.  I like to wake up and tell myself what I’m grateful for each morning.  And that often starts with, “I’m grateful to not be hung-over”.  This usually at 6am, as I gear up for a great day!  (I’m also grateful for coffee at that hour, but that’s a different topic).

The aches are gone.  I used to wake up with pains in my back, or just full body aches.  My insides were working over time to detox from the alcohol.  While I was dehydrated and exhausted.   Yeah, those are gone!  

My skin looks better. I used to be red faced.  Skin issues all the time.  Crazy what putting a toxin in your body does.  Switch that up for water and well you start to glow. It’s sort of beautiful. 

I could go on and on. There are literally so many benefits. But it recently occurred to me that one of the most powerful benefits to going alcohol free is the sense of accomplishment. Taking on one of the worlds most difficult challenges.   It’s empowering!  It’s real!   It’s unique!   It’s rewarding!  It’s no doubt challenging at times.  But that’s part of the journey and the beauty.  

It’s self-love!  It’s self-respect.  It’s seeing benefits.  Having more success in life.  It’s responsibility.  It’s Self-control.  It’s trust. It’s faith.  It’s discipline.  It’s love. It’s loyalty to yourself.  It’s mindfulness. It’s peace.  It’s power!  It’s humility.  It’s honesty.  It’s grace.  It’s freedom.  It’s bold.  It’s brave.  It’s compassion.  It’s devotion. It’s courageous.  It’s integrity.  It’s making a difference.  

It is self worth.  And it is wonderful!  

Sometimes, I forget. That I’m a badass on my unique journey. That I’m worth it.  And I’m stoked for taking on this life challenge.  Not many get to see this side of life.  Not many get to feel what I feel. I’ve felt the other side.  It was gnarly.  Now I’m feeling this side and it’s amazing.  

Empowered by challenge. Strength and growth from past failures. i am a work in progress, yet worthy of good.  i am becoming the man i’ve always wanted to be…

I’ll leave it on this quote by Burton Hills “happiness is not a destination.  It’s a method of life”.