Wednesday – Work Day
Second Attempt – Day 3 of My “30-Day No Alcohol Challenge”
3:11 AM
Alarm time! A painfully early 3 AM start to the day with Allan, my boyfriend. We hardly got any sleep last night, thanks to his constant in-and-out-of-bed routine due to an alcohol-induced headache.
The exhaustion is gnawing at me, but we were already awake, so might as well roll with it.
You know, sometimes I wish Allan would consider quitting drinking, but I remember when I was in a similar situation. In my mid-twenties to early thirties, when I was going out with a guy named Paul, he gave me an ultimatum to quit drinking for him, and I obliged, only for him to leave me later anyway. I had been sober for more than 100 days. The night I found out he was with another woman, I started drinking again. And, I never stopped.
Lesson learned: the decision to quit has to come from within. We can’t make choices for others; we can only control our own paths.
4:35 AM
Ah, morning drama!
Allan sneakily trying to open a beer outside. It’s like he’s trying to pull a stealth mission. I couldn’t resist calling him out on it. I mean, couldn’t he wait until I’m off to work before he starts his party? But then again, maybe I’m just grumpy from the lack of sleep.
Maybe the alcohol withdrawal is contributing to my mood swings and emotional rollercoaster lately.
Hopefully, better days are ahead!
4:58 AM
Coffee, my savior, why can’t you make me feel human today? I swear, when I’m exhausted, days drag at the lobster cannery go on forever. Allan gets to take daytime naps, but I have to suffer through it all.
Life’s not fair, I tell you!
10:14 AM
At work, I found out my supervisor’s brother passed away, at the age of 55. He was a nice guy, but alcohol took its toll on him. His story hits me hard.
It’s scary how we can find ourselves on paths we never wanted to tread. It’s a reminder that we need to be mindful of our choices.
12:27 PM
Work has been stressful today. My supervisor’s absence has thrown a wrench in my work routine.
I’m a high achiever, but this temporary supervisor doesn’t know that. I wish she’d just leave me be. I don’t need someone breathing down my neck, making me feel more anxious than I already am.
3:04 PM
Still can’t get my mind off my supervisor’s brother. You’d think stories like this would make me swear off drinking, but it’s been one of those days where the temptation to drown my stress in alcohol is creeping in.
6:20 PM
Okay, the craving is getting real. I even thought about getting beer tonight and starting my third attempt at the 30-day no-alcohol challenge later. But, I channeled my inner strength and tried to focus on the things that bring me joy, like chocolate cake and some hilarious comedians on Spotify.
8:37 PM
So, here’s the twist—I managed to resist the temptation! A slice of cake and some laughter did the trick. I reminded myself to take it just one day at a time. I made it through today without a drink, and that’s something to be proud of!
Now, as I lay in bed writing this journal entry, I feel accomplished. Life is a journey, and we all face struggles, but it’s how we deal with them that defines us. The artistic dream I’m chasing might seem far off, but with determination and perseverance, I believe I can make it happen.
So here’s to a day full of battles, victories, and laughter—a day that’s taught me to be kinder to myself and to take life one step at a time.
Goodnight.
– That Anonymous Artist
Supplementary Info: No Alcohol Challenge
As we come to the end of this blog post, I want to share some additional thoughts about the “No Alcohol Challenge” and the impact it can have on your life. Taking on an alcohol-free challenge, such as “Dry January” or “Sober October,” can be quite challenging for some, especially for those who consider themselves regular drinkers. However, I must say that it’s a great initiative for anyone curious about the health benefits of abstaining from alcoholic beverages.
At the end of my own 30-day alcohol-free challenge, I was surprised by how easy it became to say no to booze, even in social situations where drinks were aplenty. The first few days of my fourth attempt* at this “alcohol-free challenge” were the most challenging as my body had grown accustomed to regular alcohol consumption. But as time passed, I noticed a positive shift in my mental clarity and overall well-being.
Many people often underestimate the amount of sugar and empty calories present in alcoholic drinks. By giving up alcohol for a month, I not only saved money on beer, spirits, and wine but also reduced my intake of sugar and improved my hydration, opting for water and non-alcoholic beverages instead.
For those worried about their social life, fear not! There’s an increasing trend of non-alcoholic alternatives and low-alcohol drinks, which can be a great addition to any gathering. Your friends might also be curious about your alcohol-free journey and may even join you in the challenge.
It’s also worth mentioning that sobriety can have long-lasting effects on your habits. After the challenge, you may find yourself reducing the frequency of drinking alcohol, as you become more aware of the impact it can have on your body and mental well-being.
In conclusion, regardless of the time of year or the reason behind your pledge, taking part in a “No Alcohol Challenge” can be a rewarding experience. Whether it’s for a month or a longer period, giving alcohol a break can help you gain valuable insights into your relationship with drinks, improve your health, and embrace a more alcohol-free lifestyle, which will benefit not only your body but also your mind and wallet. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and there are tools like alcohol tracker programs and supportive communities to help you stay on track. So, if you’re up for the challenge, why not give it a try and see what positive changes it brings to your life!
* Yes, I attempted the 30-day no alcohol challenge 5 times before I was successful! So, don’t give up!