Tuesday – Unemployed, Chasing My Dreams
Fifth Attempt – Day 0 of My “30-Day Experiment”
6:55 AM
Ugh, what a way to start the day. I’m dealing with a hangover and exhaustion. Allan, being the early bird that he is, just woke me up for a walk in the woods. But I dragged myself out of bed and I’m going to join him.
9:45 AM
Okay, so the whole “30 days of not drinking” challenge is proving to be tougher than I thought. I failed miserably, for the fourth time, and now I’m seriously realizing how big of an issue my relationship with alcohol is. But hey, I’m not giving up yet! Once I conquer those 30 days, I might just want to stay sober forever.
So here’s the drama that unfolded last friday…
I was driving around in our cozy little community, minding my own business, when a wild 20-something woman started tailgating me, even though I was going the speed limit. I got all nervous, and she was so close to my car that I couldn’t even see her headlights. Talk about aggressive driving!
Instead of getting into a road rage battle, I pulled over to let her go, she passed me, and then I went back on the road. As soon as we both were at a stop sign, not one minute later, she started flipping me off. Thankfully, she was going to the left and I was going to the right. I thought, that’s it. No more drama after that.
Wrong!
She went to the left alright, but quickly turned her car around and decided to chase me! Me, in a car chase? Can you believe it? I couldn’t either!
My anxiety was through the roof.
I quickly sought refuge at the gas station, going all secret agent mode by hiding in the back parking lot. But this lady wasn’t playing around. She cornered me, and being the tiny 4’11” person I am, I felt trapped. And let me tell you, this girl was a giant compared to me! Goliath vibes, seriously.
So there I was, trying to reason with this angry woman who was adamant that she wasn’t tailgating me. All while having her camera recording me. I was trying to get away, but she kept on standing in front of my SUV, yelling and recording me. Calling me names. But the name-calling wasn’t bothering me. What bothered me was that I didn’t feel physically safe!
Anyway, I was finally able to get away by speeding by her when she thought she couldn’t quickly go in her car for something. Could have been a baseball bat, for all I know. And she yelled at me as I was driving away. Thankfully, it was like the heavy traffic parted just for my escape. And then she wasn’t able to get on the road to chase me anymore. I hid in a side road until I thought she would be gone.
Anyway, after I arrived home, I got some texts from co-workers, telling me this crazy lady was looking for me. She went all social media detective, posting pictures of me, my SUV, and my license plate on Facebook to identify me.
Now, you might wonder why I didn’t rush to the police to report this lunatic. Well, in the ultimate plot twist, my craving for a drink outweighed my desire for justice. I know, I know, it sounds crazy. But you know what they say about cravings, they mess with your brain and blur your memories.
Looking back, I should’ve handled the situation better, but hey, life is just a series of learning experiences, right? I’m just grateful that a coworker was able to identify the crazed driver, thanks to their dating history (small towns, am I right?).
11:23 AM
Finally able to eat something after days of feeling terrible. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m slowly getting better. Despite my past failures, I’m choosing to try again. There must be something out there that can help me overcome this addiction. And I’ve got to admit, I haven’t fully explored all the resources I have, like those books by Simon Chapple (Amazon) and “The Alcohol Experiment” website, by Annie Grace.
12:14 PM
Allan and I went for another walk in the woods, our second one today. It’s amazing how much we missed out on when we were just stuck drinking all the time. We saw mushrooms, a random sock hanging in a tree (what’s that about?), and even had a talk about bears in the area. Not gonna lie, the bear talk made me a little jumpy, but overall, it was enjoyable.
Allan, being the military veteran he is, offered to teach me some self-defense moves. I mean, I’m only 4’11”, and I could use some confidence if I ever find myself in another crazy altercation like the one with that woman. Plus, there was this other parking lot incident with a 20-something guy yelling at an elderly woman, a few weeks ago, and I felt helpless. I need to know what to do instead of just freezing up.
5:44 PM
Allan and I are both trying hard not to drink, but the cravings are killer. I can tell he’s struggling too, even if he won’t admit it. I’m trying to distract ourselves with shows like America’s Got Talent, anything to keep my mind off drinking.
I would need to exercise to make myself better, but who can exercise in this scorching heat?
6:11 PM
It worked! Watching some magic tricks and hilarious comedy clips gave me a much-needed break from the cravings. I also stepped outside and walked barefoot on the lawn, admiring the peaceful lake. Momentarily, I felt safe from the clutches of alcohol’s allure. But man, these cravings are like a relentless monster.
I’m just hoping both Allan and I can make it to 30 days. And if I do reach that milestone, I’m seriously considering quitting alcohol for good. These cravings are no joke, and I know it won’t be an easy road.
7:26 PM
I’m beat, but I stumbled upon this incredible video that caught my attention. It’s Dr. Anna Lembke talking about understanding and treating addiction.
She says that people in recovery often feel worse before they start feeling better, and it usually takes about two weeks for improvements to kick in. Two weeks? That seems like forever, but it’s good to know that there’s hope on the horizon.
Alright, time to call it a day. Hopefully, tomorrow will be another step forward on this journey to conquer my alcohol addiction.
Goodnight,
– That Anonymous Artist
Supplementary Info: 30 Days No Drinking
Congratulations on taking up the 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge! This course of sobriety can bring about many positive changes to your body and health. During these 30 alcohol-free days, you’ll give your liver and blood a much-needed break from alcohol, allowing them to recover and rejuvenate. One of the most practical benefits of abstaining from drinks like wine or booze is that it helps control your weight. Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories, so cutting them out can contribute to shedding those extra pounds.
Within the first week, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to the lack of alcohol. But don’t worry, this is a natural part of the process. During this time, make sure to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and staying hydrated. By the second week, you’ll start to notice an increase in energy levels as your body adapts to its new alcohol-free routine.
As the days go by, you’ll find that you have more control over your habits, and taking this break from alcohol can help interrupt any unhealthy patterns related to drinking. Moreover, your blood pressure may improve, which is a significant benefit for your overall health.
Most importantly, completing this 30-day alcohol-free challenge (e.g. Dry January) can be a pivotal moment in your life. It may lead to a new, alcohol-free year and perhaps even more years ahead. For women especially, this decision can have significant health impacts, reducing the risk of certain diseases linked to alcohol consumption.
If you find it challenging to stay on track during your journey, there are many online resources available to help you. Consider joining support groups or seeking practical advice from those who have successfully quit drinking. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are treatment options and delivery points available if you ever need them.
So, take a break from alcohol and enjoy the benefits of sobriety. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes both within your body and in your daily life. Use this time to build new habits and discover the strength you have within yourself to live without alcohol. Here’s to your 30-day alcohol-free trial and a healthier, happier you!