Tuesday – Work Day
First Attempt – Day 6 of My “30-Day No Alcohol Challenge”
6:08 AM
I woke up this morning feeling a bit disoriented. My boyfriend, bless his heart, woke up right before the alarm went off, jolting me from a dream that took a rather unexpected turn.
In this dream, I was with one of my ex-high school boyfriends, but surprisingly in this dream, we were still together and living under one roof. However, he snuck out of the house to hit the club, and suspicion crept in that he might be up to no good and meeting another woman.
The nerve!
I remember feeling a deep sense of hurt as I stared at a can of beer in front of me, contemplating whether or not to indulge. To my chagrin, I ended up giving in and having more than just one.
Thankfully, it was just a dream, and I was relieved to be back in reality with my current boyfriend, who, after almost eight years, has remained loyal.
My boyfriend, Allan, and I have both been through our fair share of heartbreak, and that’s why we understand the importance of faithfulness. Plus, our one relationship is plenty for us introverts who cherish our alone time.
Speaking of that dream, I must admit I’m relieved that I didn’t actually consume alcohol. In my dream state, I made a disappointing decision, and waking up to the reality that I hadn’t indulged was a relief.
Now, I’m faced with the reality of having a mere ten minutes before I need to start getting ready for work.
I suppose I’ll start my day off with a comforting sip of coffee.
7:29 AM
As I prepare to head off to work, I’ve noticed a subtle change in my trembling hands. They seem to be steadying themselves a bit more, allowing me to type on my laptop’s keyboard with greater precision.
It’s the little things, you know?
Previously, my fingers had a mind of their own. For example, sometimes my finger would type the same letter twice when I only intended to strike it once. Like an involuntary twitch.
I’m hopeful that this improvement is a sign of things getting better. Perhaps my trembling hands will continue to calm down over time, and that would be a wonderful development.
12:35 PM
I’ve been mulling over the dream I had earlier today. It’s interesting how a tragic event within the dream led me to contemplate drinking, and in the dream, I made the regrettable decision to give in to temptation.
This situation makes me apprehensive about potential future scenarios where similar triggers might tempt me to drink. It’s a reminder of just how important my commitment to not drinking truly is to me.
3:04 PM
Work has been quite the ordeal today.
The temperature in the building is sweltering, and to make matters worse, my boss, Caroline, and her bestie Natalie (who seems to have a knack for ratting on people at the lobster cannery) are stirring up unnecessary trouble.
For instance, one of my coworkers, Nate, innocently asked a few of us if we knew whether we had Saturday off, considering it’s Canada Day. That’s it.
But… somehow, Natalie saw fit to interpret Nate’s inquiry as some sort of wrongdoing and ran to Caroline to inform her about it. It seems Caroline must have been fed some lies or misconstrued information by Natalie because Caroline proceeded to yell at Nate, claiming she had no clue about our Saturday schedule.
By the way, her not knowing whether or not we have Saturday off is most likely a lie. The lobster cannery’s management is notorious for withholding information from us minions, and it’s frustrating. After nine long years of working here, I believe it all boils down to ego and power. It’s akin to working for the CIA at times, and it creates a toxic environment where you’re always on edge, unsure of how to avoid setting off Natalie (who’s just another cog in the wheel) or Caroline.
6:25 PM
Thankfully, the workday has come to an end.
There was more unnecessary yelling from the boss, and although she never directs her anger towards me, it still affects me. At times, there might be a valid reason for her outbursts, but other times, they make no sense whatsoever.
These past three hours, I’ve found myself yearning to quit this job. The toxicity here is suffocating. But living in a fishing community, the options are limited, and fish plants are pretty much the only game in town.
I often fantasize about working in the world of art, but alas, such opportunities are scarce in this neck of the woods.
6:48 PM
During my short drive home, a heavy cloud of depression loomed over me. Thoughts of drinking invaded my mind, as I sought a means to counteract the extreme monotony I experienced at work today.
In that moment, drinking seemed like the only way to inject some fun into my life. The weight of sadness bore down on me, and it felt as though gravity had doubled in intensity.
The intensity of my despair was surreal, and doubts began to creep in. “What am I doing? Can I really go without alcohol for 30 days? Where on earth did I get this idea? If I succeed in this experiment, can I truly resist the allure of alcohol for the rest of my days?”
Regrets about undertaking this 30-day challenge started to gnaw at me.
8:02 PM
I’ve reached my breaking point for the day. While I know I should take pride in another alcohol-free day, I’m simply exhausted and ready to crawl into bed.
Tomorrow is a new day, and with any luck, it’ll bring more peace and a dash of excitement.
– That Anonymous Artist
Supplementary Info: Day 6 No Alcohol
Quitting alcohol can be a significant milestone for anyone, especially for those who have struggled with alcohol addiction or have been regular drinkers. The first few days of quitting can be challenging, as your body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur, such as anxiety, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. However, as you begin your journey towards a sober lifestyle, the benefits become more apparent.
In the first week of abstaining from alcohol, you may notice physical changes in your body. One common change is improved hydration. Instead of consuming beverages containing alcohol, you might find yourself reaching for water or non-alcoholic alternatives. This increased water intake helps your body detox and rehydrate. Additionally, your sleep patterns may start to normalize as your brain adjusts to the absence of alcohol, leading to better quality sleep and feeling more refreshed when you wake up.
One of the many benefits of quitting drinking is the positive impact on your overall health. Excessive alcohol consumption can take a toll on your physical well-being, affecting vital organs like the liver and heart. By abstaining from alcohol for six days, you give your body an opportunity to recover and repair itself. Reduced alcohol intake also lowers the risk of developing long-term health problems associated with excessive drinking, such as liver disease and certain types of cancer.
Quitting alcohol for six days can also help break the habit of day drinking or engaging in binge drinking sessions. By setting a goal to abstain from alcohol, you take control of your choices and develop healthier habits. It might be hard in the beginning, but with each passing day, you become stronger and more determined to stay sober. Those who try to quit drinking often find that after the initial difficult phase, the urge to consume alcohol becomes less frequent and intense.
In the next month or two, as you continue to refrain from alcohol, you will likely experience even more positive changes. Many people notice weight loss as they cut out the empty calories typically found in alcoholic beverages. Improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of well-being are other common benefits reported by individuals who have stopped drinking. By quitting alcohol, you give yourself the opportunity to explore new activities, improve relationships, and discover the joys of life without relying on liquor.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and the timeline for experiencing these changes may vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s recommended to seek professional help and support. Quitting drinking is not easy, but with determination, support, and a focus on your health, you can achieve a sober and fulfilling life.