Thursday – Work Day
Second Attempt – Day 4 of My “30-Day No Alcohol Challenge”
2:49 AM
I barely slept again last night.
Allan was sprawled out all over the bed, smelling like booze, and it felt like trying to sleep with a bag of elbows. I tried to move him, but he wouldn’t budge.
Now I’m stuck deciding between working on my paintings or squeezing in a couple of hours of sleep on the couch. Going to work exhausted for the third day straight isn’t fun, but I also need to chase my dream of becoming an independent artist, and getting out of this lobster cannery.
3:57 AM
I attempted some meditation on the couch to combat the dizziness from exhaustion, but Allan woke up grumpy and ruined my peaceful moment.
Meditation time was a bust.
I wish I could be anywhere else, away from everyone, maybe even sleeping in the SUV somewhere.
4:20 AM
I gave the bed another try, planning to work on my art portfolio on the laptop while Allan is walking around cranky, around the camp. But within ten minutes, I quickly realized that plan wasn’t going to work. So, I decided to move to the living room and set up my laptop on the coffee table. A better spot to work and focus.
Speaking of crankiness, I’m not going to be too hard on Allan about his mood this morning. I get extremely grumpy every morning, about 15 minutes before heading to the lobster cannery. Poor Allan has to witness my little tantrums.
Note to self: work on that!
Anyway, I came across this video by Mel Robbins, “The Let Them Theory Will Change Your Life.” She talks about this concept of “let them,” where you don’t take things personally and just let people be.
So, I figured, why not try this with Allan? After all, I know his crankiness isn’t about me; it’s probably just the alcohol talking. So, this morning, I’m going to “let him” do what he does and not let it get to me.
But hey, why stop there?
I think I’ll experiment with the “let them” theory at work too. You know how it is sometimes—lazy coworkers, bullies making everyone’s lives miserable, and just plain annoying colleagues. Instead of letting them get under my skin, I’ll give the “let them” approach a shot. Who knows, it might actually make my workday better!
5:50 AM
Ugh, my keyboard’s spacebar is acting up, and I can’t help but stress about it. If I weren’t drowning in debt, it wouldn’t bother me so much. I’ve got to find a way to get out of this financial mess and change my circumstances!
6:20 AM
Allan’s feeding peanut butter to a squirrel, and his happiness is infectious. That squirrel transformed him from cranky to lovable. Seeing him happy eases my stress a bit.
6:36 AM
I should be getting ready for work, but a cloud of depression is weighing me down. It’s like a physical ache in my body, and my jaw feels tense. I experience this every morning before work, but at least I got up early to work on my art portfolio, making my life just a tiny bit better.
6:48 PM
I won’t lie, I failed once again, and I’m drinking.
Today took an unexpected turn. I found out that the lobster cannery is closing down, and I’ll be out of a job in a matter of days. Isn’t that just grand?
Being handed a pink slip is never easy, especially after dedicating over 9 years of my life to that cannery.
It’s been a tough journey due to the post-pandemic economy, and both the cannery and other fish plants in my community have struggled to provide enough work for their employees. We had a brief glimmer of hope about 8 weeks ago when we started working around 60 hours a week, thinking things were improving.
Unfortunately, my coworkers and I didn’t get enough hours to qualify for employment insurance, adding an extra layer of panic to the whole situation. It feels like a sprinkle of salt on the wound.
Supplementary Info: 4 Days Without Alcohol
Congratulations on completing four days without alcohol! These alcohol-free days might seem like a small achievement, but they can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. During this short period, you may have noticed several changes in your body and mind. One of the first things many people notice during their initial alcohol-free days is an increase in energy levels. Alcohol is a depressant, and without it, your brain and body can function more efficiently.
For heavy drinkers or those struggling with alcohol addiction, the first few days without alcohol can be challenging. The alcohol withdrawal symptoms may manifest, leading to anxiety and severe cravings. However, having a few sober days is an essential step towards sobriety and improved health. It’s crucial to remember that during these times, seeking support from loved ones or professionals can make the journey smoother.
Reducing or quitting alcohol means less strain on your liver. Heavy drinking can take a toll on this vital organ, but with sobriety, it can start to recover. Over the next few months, you may notice further improvements in your health, including weight loss, as alcoholic beverages are often high in empty calories. Besides, a reduction in alcohol consumption can lower the risk of various health conditions, particularly for women, as their bodies are generally more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.
Remember that a few alcohol-free days a week can also lead to better sleep and improved brain function. Alcohol can interfere with the quality of your sleep and affect your cognitive abilities. By incorporating more alcohol-free days into your routine, you’re giving your brain and nervous system a chance to heal and function optimally.
So, whether you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake, quit entirely, or just enjoy a healthier lifestyle, these four alcohol-free days are a great starting point. Be patient with yourself, as it’s normal to face challenges along the way. With determination and the right support, you can continue building on these sober days, and in the long run, enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life without alcohol. Stay committed to your journey, and you’ll reap the benefits in both the physical and mental aspects of your well-being. Here’s to your health and sobriety!