Tuesday – Work Day
Second Attempt – Day 2 of Our “30-Day No Alcohol Challenge”
4:32 AM
Can you believe it? My boyfriend woke me up at the crack of dawn—3 AM to be precise—just because yesterday I mentioned wanting to improve my life. My plan was to work on my paintings for three hours before heading to work at the lobster cannery.
At that moment, when Allan woke me up, all I wanted was to sleep until 6 AM, but he brought me coffee and breakfast in bed, and I couldn’t resist. So, begrudgingly, I got up.
As I was setting myself up to work on those forgotten paintings, a tiny voice inside my head started questioning if three hours of effort would make any significant impact on my life. It seemed like a waste of time.
But then I remembered this video I once saw on “London Real” about how you should focus on improving your life (or project, business, etc.) by 1% per day.
This video prompted me to consider dedicating the hours between 3 AM and 6 AM to work on my art consistently, every day. By doing so, I could achieve a 1% improvement daily, and this progress would accumulate significantly over time.
4:42 AM
Inspired by that video, I made a bold move and changed my alarm time from 6 AM to 3 AM from Monday to Saturday. Yeah, it’s early, and I might be tired at first, but I know myself—I’ll be dozing off by 7:30 PM. I’ve done this before with Allan for over five years until my excessive drinking phase messed up my sleep pattern.
Now, setting this earlier alarm might not seem like much, but it’s my 1% improvement for today, and you know what? I’m already feeling better than yesterday.
7:30 AM
Ugh, work. Off to the lobster cannery again.
I despise this job, but it’s a fishing community, and the options are limited. Working with the public would drain my introverted soul. So, off to the cannery it is.
10:03 AM
I’m having my break in the SUV; I couldn’t stand the lunchroom chitchat. My patience was already running thin.
The day started with a dramatic scene, with a young woman crying wolf once again. She’s always pretending to be pregnant or going through some other crisis for attention. It’s frustrating, and she’s loud and obnoxious. Not the best way to kickstart my morning.
I try to be nice to people on the surface, but I must admit my patience wears thin these days. Sometimes I wonder if my lack of empathy is due to alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
I just want to go home.
12:52 PM
Today has been quite the day so far, and I felt the need to jot down my thoughts. Right now, I’m sitting in my SUV during my 25-minute lunch break, and I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
My best friend, Emily, is texting Allan and me through our Facebook Messenger group, and it seems like she’s on a mission to convince us to abandon our 30-day challenge of sobriety.
Emily went on and on about how she drank last night and how it was totally worth it. She even said that being sober is boring. I can’t help but feel like she’s trying to glorify drinking in the hopes that we’ll give up on our commitment. It’s almost like she wants us to stumble and join her in the world of indulgence.
I messaged Allan privately, asking, ‘When’s the last time Emily was genuinely happy after getting loaded the night before going to work? She always ends up suffering the next morning and wonders why she keeps putting herself through this.
Allan responded with a short but telling message. He said, “Because it’s drinking season for most people.” Now, I know Allan inside and out, and that reply speaks volumes. It’s clear to me that he’s feeling the pull towards a drink himself. The temptation is real, and I can sense it in his words.
3:07 PM
My mind was wandering while working, and I can’t help but wonder if Allan is really into this 30-day no-alcohol challenge thing. So, I just asked him if he wanted to do the challenge for himself or if I was kind of forcing him to do it, and he replies, ‘You’re not forcing me, but I do like beer, though.”
Ah well, I guess he’s not as invested in this as I am. After work, we’re heading to buy some groceries and, unsurprisingly, beer.
6:25 PM
I’m beat, but groceries and beer shopping it is. Once I’m done with chores and dinner, I’m hitting the sack.
9:36 PM
Finally, bedtime at 8:30 PM, and I’m fast asleep. But here comes Allan, after having a few beers, complaining about a headache and how warm the camp is.
His restlessness is keeping me up! I really need to get some sleep for my early start tomorrow, but with his tossing and turning, it’s proving difficult.
Okay, I’m signing off now. I hope I can get some rest. Till tomorrow.
– That Anonymous Artist
Supplementary Info: 2 Days No Alcohol
Embarking on a 2-day alcohol-free journey can be an eye-opening experience for both occasional drinkers and those who have consumed alcoholic beverages regularly. Besides the well-known health benefits associated with reduced alcohol intake, you’ll also notice various positive changes in your body and mind within this short period. Many people may have concerns about withdrawal symptoms, but fear not, as for most, the symptoms experienced during a two-day alcohol-free period are relatively mild, especially when compared to the more severe effects some long-term heavy drinkers might encounter when they abruptly stop their alcoholic intake.
During the first 48 hours without alcohol, some individuals may notice symptoms such as sweating, which is a common early-stage withdrawal symptom. However, it’s important to mention that the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens, is quite low for a two-day alcohol abstention. These severe symptoms are more often seen in individuals who have been heavy drinkers for an extended period. For them, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance when attempting to stop, as their body has become accustomed to alcohol and sudden cessation can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Incorporating more non-alcoholic drinks into your daily routine is an excellent way to reduce your overall alcohol intake. Instead of reaching for that glass of wine after a long day, try a refreshing alcohol-free alternative, such as sparkling water infused with fruits or herbal teas. By making this small change, you’ll be on your way to improving your health, and you may find that you don’t miss the standard alcoholic drinks as much as you thought. Remember, it’s not about deprivation; it’s about making mindful choices that benefit your body and mind in the long run. Whether you’re a moderate drinker or someone who indulges in alcoholic beverages more frequently, giving your body a break from alcohol for just two days can set the stage for more alcohol-free weeks, months, or even longer, if you choose to pursue this path. Your liver and overall health will thank you for it.