Tuesday – Unemployed, Chasing My Dreams
Fourth Attempt – Day 0 of My “30-Day Experiment”
1:18 AM
So, tonight has been a bit of a wild ride. I gave that 30-day no alcohol challenge another shot, but it seems like I fell off the wagon again. But you know what? I’m not gonna beat myself up about it. Life is all about trying different things, and if one approach doesn’t work out, there’s always another one waiting for us.
Anyway, while I was still feeling a little tipsy, I stumbled upon something interesting. Simon Chapple (Amazon), the author of those two books I’ve been reading, mentioned a woman named Annie Grace in one of his books. Annie Grace is the bestselling author of “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life” (Amazon) and “The Alcohol Experiment: A 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Challenge To Interrupt Your Habits and Help You Take Control (Expanded Edition on Amazon)”. Curious as ever, I decided to look her up, and guess what? I found a video where she talks about “The Alcohol Experiment”. It piqued my interest, so without much hesitation, I decided to join the group she’s running. Maybe this is the fresh perspective I need to tackle this challenge.
4:29 AM
Ugh, this hangover is killing me. I need to get more sleep, but my mind is racing with thoughts about money and time running out. I feel like I should go to rehab, but that’s not an option at the moment. Only 12 weeks left before we’re out of money. Gotta figure out how to stay sober and make some cash.
9:06 AM
Today started with a pounding headache that just wouldn’t let me sleep. It’s been a struggle lately, dealing with the knowledge that I have so much talent and potential, yet I find myself battling alcoholism. I don’t want to be trapped in this cycle, but the cravings always seem to take control, making me feel like I’m missing out if I don’t drink. It’s frustrating and doesn’t make sense, and I never envisioned this for myself.
Allan, bless his heart, tried to make things better by preparing some soup for me using whatever he could find in the house. And you know what? It’s actually delicious and healthy. I appreciate his efforts, but it’s tough seeing him still drinking.
There are only four beers left in the house, and the temptation was right there. I reached for one, but then something strange happened. I put it back down. I felt like having a drink would be like putting poison into my body. That video by Andrew Huberman really changed the way I see alcohol.
I have to admit, the information in that video really struck a chord with me. I’ve been drinking for so long, but this time, I couldn’t enjoy it the way I used to. With every sip, it felt like I was drinking cancer, knowing what alcohol was doing to my body and my brain.
The past couple of days, I still gave in to the urge and had a few drinks, but something has shifted in me. It’s like I’ve gained a newfound awareness of what I’m doing to myself. Maybe there’s hope yet for me to break free from this cycle.
10:19 AM
Started watching some videos from “The Alcohol Experiment“. Annie Grace says we shouldn’t look at not drinking for 30 days as a “challenge”, but as an “experiment”.
… this isn’t a challenge. This is an experiment. What do you do in an experiment? In an experiment, you create a hypothesis and that hypothesis could be, “You know what? I think I might lose a little weight in 30 days without drinking because I’ve been drinking a lot. Or, I might feel better. I might be more productive. I might be less short-tempered. I might be nicer to my friends and family. Maybe I’m just gonna have an overall better life… And in this experiment… curiosity is your best friend. So you are going to start to just get super curious about what’s going on with you. Say you’re out to a happy hour with some colleagues and you’re not drinking ’cause you’re in that experiment. How do you feel? Do you feel good? Do you feel empowered? Do you just feel bored?.. Do you feel like everybody else around you is having more fun than you? Or do you feel like you’re actually having more fun and you feel a little bit relieved that you’re not having to worry about what you said or did. All of this stuff is important and none of it is wrong. How you actually feel during this experiment, it’s all just data points. And the point about an experiment is that we’re willing to accept any conclusion.”
Annie Grace. Pre Work: Getting Started. The Alcohol Experiment
Hypothesis: If I go alcohol-free for 30 days, my relationship with Allan will improve, I’ll be more productive in my art business, and I’ll feel proud of myself.
11:54 AM
Doubts creep in about making money as an independent artist in three months. Anxiety hits, but I’ll watch that Joe Rogan video again for motivation. It always does the trick.
6:11 PM
What a rollercoaster of a day it’s been! Things were going pretty smooth until that sneaky craving for alcohol decided to rear its head. One moment, I was cruising along, and the next, BAM! All I could think about was how a drink could help me unwind.
But you know what? I’m not giving in to that temptation. Nope, not today! Instead, I decided to take a breather and do something that’s been super helpful for me lately: head over to “The Alcohol Experiment” website. Honestly, this website has been a real lifeline for me, especially since there are no AA meetings anywhere near my place.
I queued up my second video for the day, titled “Pre Work: Why We Drink“, and let me tell you, it’s like my personal little AA meeting on my laptop! The host, Annie Grace, has this wonderfully comforting personality. It’s like listening to a supportive friend who’s been through it all. She reminds me that I’m not alone in this battle with alcoholism, and that’s a powerful feeling.
I’ve learned so much from those videos. Understanding the “why” behind our drinking habits is eye-opening. It helps me realize that there are others out there who were in the same shoes as mine and managed to break free from the clutches of alcohol. If they can do it, then so can I!
As I watched, I felt a mix of emotions: hope, determination, and a sense of community. It’s empowering to know that there are resources out there that can really make a difference in my journey towards sobriety.
I won’t lie, though; it’s not always easy. Some days, it feels like the craving is hanging over my shoulder, just waiting for the right moment to pounce. But with tools like this website and the support of people like Annie Grace, I’m gaining the strength to tackle those cravings head-on.
8:19 PM
What a day it’s been! Productive might not be the first word that comes to mind when describing a day filled with alcohol cravings, but hey, I’m proud of how I handled it. Today, I’ve been coming to terms with the fact that these cravings are just part of the journey to sobriety. It’s like a bump in the road that I need to navigate through.
So, after waking up and feeling that familiar pull towards the bottle, I decided to take charge. I’m learning to act fast whenever those cravings come knocking on my door. The more I empower myself, the more I realize that I can overcome this challenge. It’s not easy, but it’s essential for my well-being.
I stumbled upon a fantastic video by Annie Grace during my search for support. It’s about the fear of failure, and how it’s one of the biggest concerns people face when going through “The Alcohol Experiment”. This video really hit home and made me feel less like a “failure.” You know, this is actually my fourth attempt at staying sober for 30 days. That’s a lot of determination right there!
As I listened to Annie Grace’s words, I realized I’m not alone in facing this fear of failure. Many others on this journey feel the same way. It’s okay to stumble, and it’s okay to try again. What matters is that I’m making a conscious effort to better myself and my life.
So here’s to another day of growth and self-discovery. Tomorrow is a new opportunity to continue this experiment and become the best version of myself.
– That Anonymous Artist
Supplementary Info: The Alcohol Experiment
“The Alcohol Experiment” is a transformative journey that invites participants to embark on a month-long exploration of their relationship with alcohol. With the help of the carefully curated daily prompts, readers are encouraged to reflect on their thinking, emotions, and behaviors surrounding alcohol consumption.
One of the key benefits of this plan is the opportunity it gives readers to complete a daily journal. This journal acts as a personal record of their progress, triumphs, and challenges throughout the experiment. By jotting down their thoughts and experiences regularly, individuals can gain valuable insights and better comprehend the triggers that might interrupt their desire to change.
“The Alcohol Experiment” provides a supportive community for those seeking to explore a life without excessive alcohol consumption. Through shared stories and experiences, participants can find encouragement and strength in knowing they are not alone in this journey. This edition also takes into account individual differences, recognizing that everyone’s relationship with alcohol is unique.
All in all, “The Alcohol Experiment” is a powerful resource that empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption. By engaging in a series of thought-provoking experiments, participants can gain newfound clarity, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Whether one seeks to cut back on drinking or to eliminate it altogether, this month-long journey offers the tools and support needed to achieve personal growth and lasting change.