A Dryuary Disaster that Turned Out Okay
For the last two years, my husband, Dan, and I have been drinking about eight drinks a month. Special occasions only. Prior to that, we drank a glass or two of wine with dinner. For decades. We didn’t get sloppy or hungover, but we drank alcohol every single night.
Going from 60 drinks to eight was not difficult. But we’d never done a Dryuary. I wanted to try it. Alcohol-free for 31 days.
However, in late-December, I got Norovirus. I was in bed for five weeks, had no structure to my day, no exercise, and a circadian rhythm completely thrown off. I was terribly bored and drinking in the evening was all I looked forward to. I’d turn on Grey’s Anatomy and pour a couple drinks.
I’m now over the flu, getting morning sun, exercising, and still drinking. What happened?
I’m afraid because it feels like I have a serious habit. One that I’ve never struggled with before. It’s 3:30 now and I’m thinking about a drink. The other thing that is new and disturbing is that I’m drinking at 9 PM. Watching TV and really enjoying whiskey. Whiskey?
I know the drinking is bad for me, but I still want it. Staying mostly AF is so good for my health, and for Dan’s.
Here is some great advice from Molly Watts, a terrific alcohol minimalist coach: “Write down an optional thought: Thoughts are just sentences in your brain. Become aware of your own sneaky permission-giving sentences that might be fueling your desire to drink. You can practice ahead of time by writing them down and writing down an optional thought you’ll practice instead.”
Okay, here are optional thoughts: My liver, brain, and heart will be healthier with far less drinking. I’ll sleep better. My skin won’t be ruddy. I’ll ingest fewer calories. I’ll be a better wife for Dan in his mostly sober lifestyle. We will be around longer for our kids and grandsons.
Photo by Isabella Mendes