Day 91: June 30, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
Today's lesson on The Path was all about debunking the myth that alcohol is good for you in moderation. And I can tell you some part of me still believes this — that 4-7 glasses of wine a week is a reasonable risk (meaning it carries a relatively minimal risk of health damage). BUT the issue is, I have never been able to keep my drinking at that level.
Even when I tried to moderate in May, I found myself feeling those same intense cravings of yore after every single glass. I could tell that it just was going to be so much energy to moderate that it wasn't worth it. Not only that, many of the same benefits of alcohol (resveratrol / antioxidants) can be found in other juices like grape juice and pomegranate juice. So there's no need for me to obsess about any potential health benefits I'm losing out on by not drinking alcohol. There are countless other ways to get healthy that don't involve drinking.
It was quite eye-opening to learn that the number of studies proving alcohol is harmful outweigh the studies proving it is beneficial by 10:1. Knowing that does help me to let go of the idea that moderation is somehow good for you. In reality, alcohol is at least minimally damaging, and at worst it can be truly life destroying. I was somewhere along the continuum, and heading in the wrong direction. I could see there wasn't an easy way to moderate, so I decided that I'd rather spend my energy on something else!
AF Days Since May 23, 2024: 38
My Why: To have freedom from addictions, to create more space in my life, to honor my body / mind / spirit, to feel vibrant and empowered in my daily life, and to make my corner of the world a better, more peaceful, more loving & more beautiful place.
What's One Awesome Thing that Happened Yesterday because I Chose Not to Drink?
I didn't miss drinking, even while my husband had a beer at my brother-in-law's house during game night! Having my replacement beverage with me — Alcohol-Free Guinness — was all I needed to feel set for the night. Perhaps there will be challenges ahead, but right now living Alcohol-Free feels pretty good!
Daily Affirmations:
1) I choose to live Alcohol-Free.
2) I respect and honor myself.
3) I am worthy of love and care.
4) I give myself patience to heal.
5) I maintain healthy boundaries.
6) I have compassion for others.
7) I create beauty all around me.
