Hi! My name is Caitlin and I'm not an alcoholic, but I don't have a great relationship with alcohol.
I don't crave alcohol, I don't turn to alcohol when things get hard, and I don't drink every day, or even every week, and I don't ever find myself casually thinking about alcohol.
My problem is that when I do drink I sometimes struggle to limit myself to just a couple. Maybe more than sometimes. Maybe more than more than a couple. A friend has pointed out that this is probably in line with a lot of my personality - I don't do things by halves, it's all or nothing, and I love partying.
So, after managing to drink myself into a genuinely concerning place on the 20th of December 2016 after a work do I decided to challenge myself to 12 months, 365 days, with no alcohol.
If I find it easy then that's great, and I will save money and be healthier, and if it's hard then I guess I had a bigger issue than I thought and the challenge becomes even more important.
Today, after a really hectic few weeks I have finally had a chance to slow down and reflect on the last few weeks. Since the 20th I have flown to New Zealand, spent Christmas with my family, spent 12 days (and new years) in Blenheim at the New Zealand Scout Jamboree, and then flown back to Kuala Lumpur. Normally there would have been drinking pretty much every day for me over the same period, so it was an interesting test going through that on orange juice and lemonade.
Don't get me wrong, Christmas is a wonderful time in my house and I don't need to drink to get through it, but usually we do have a few celebratory champagnes and things. New Year's is always a big party, which in reflection usually results in my mostly missing the first day of the next year. Not a great start when you think about it.
Socialising has been another interesting thing, because previously one of my go-to social options was "let's go out for a drink". I've needed to get a bit more creative since that isn't really an option now, which is good, and so far - much cheaper!
Anyway, I'll keep you all updated as I hit various milestones and challenges. If you'd like to join me on my #NoBeersies2017 I highly recommend it and I'd love a buddy on my journey so get in touch!
Love, hugs, and health,
xo CaitLabels: alcohol, budget, drinking, lifestyle, partying, saving, zero waste
