I gave up drinking for two years about 15 years ago. I was drinking a lot back then and I was having problems because of it. So I said **** it, and gave it up.
I promised myself I would go at least 1 year without any alcohol. After the year was up, I still didn't drink for another year.... I was having too much fun without it!
When I started drinking alcohol again, I was much more responsible about it, and to be honest, it had lost a lot of its appeal. I realized that I did not get much pleasure from being "drunk" (even though I thought I did!) and I certainly didn't miss the hangovers or the inevitable regrets. So for me it was a good thing. I learned to drink with moderation and to enjoy one or two drinks instead of one or two drinks TOO MANY....
Nowadays I have a few beers once in a while. I love a strong red wine with a steak dinner (like later tonight!) . I even have a martini now and then (good for enhancing the appetite!). It's an enhancement to a nice evening, not the main event.
Best of luck!!
Ditto.
I decided to just try not consuming alcohol as my 2012 NY resolution, not because I, or anyone else thought it was a huge problem, but because I wanted to lose weight. Drinking is a very easy way to consume large volumes of calories, and impede any desire to excercise.
Not only did I lose weight, but I also found that mental acuteness was greatly enhanced. Frankly I was a little surprised to find that without the obstacle that even a single drink represented, the mind can work much more efficiently and with amazing agility.
I went through 2012 without any alcohol until December 20, at a business dinner to celebrate a big contract with the client and his wife. Only a glass of wine, and an after dinner drink ended the perfect evening.
The most difficult occasions were when co-workers would meet to drink and socialize, and my refusal to imbibe was something of a barrier to being "one-of-the-guys." However, I learned this, like many things, is a double edged sword. While failing to be their social equals, I was treated as
THEIR SOCIAL SUPERIOUR . Instead of being ostracized, I found people, even managers outside the business/social circle approaching me for personal and business advice, and then actually acting on it!
As long as alcohol isn't the main event, its great.
Of course, coffee will always be a main event!
