I Ripped the Band-aid Off

I owe you an update on my ‘other’ relationship. It’s been great, thanks for asking, we’re getting on like a house on fire (more like a slow seepage through the cracks of a champagne fountain!)

I’ve discovered that my ability to have an AFD (Alcohol Free Day) was non-existent so I have spent the last few months drinking quite nicely – situation normal. It’s all too easy just to continue in this way – moderation takes effort followed by disappointment with myself. I do have willpower only it would appear to run a mile in the opposite direction if ever confronted.

With the new year came the resolve to change my lifestyle and I took the advice of Kristi Coulter, whose fabulous blog Off-Dry resonated with me. In her latest post Start Stopping, Kristi advises that “the way to stop is to stop. You rip the fucking band-aid off and you leave it off”. So I did.

I have already faced two social challenges; Chief and I went to the Brisbane International tennis tournament and I opted to be the designated driver in my quest to ‘appear normal’. We spent the evening in the company of a couple of well-known Queensland sporting personalities and as luck would have it their wives were not big drinkers (in fact one not at all) and it was great to pick up some tips on how to survive alcohol-fuelled events and not be the outcast.

Last night we hosted eight wonderful friends at home and I knew it was going to be a big evening. I wasn’t going to make a song and dance about laying off the booze but of course it took no time at all for someone to notice my soda and fresh lime. I could have lied and said I was drinking vodka but what if they wanted one too?  We don’t have any vodka in the house – my cover blown. Instead I fessed up and told the truth and after the initial surprise and the ‘well done you’, it was soon forgotten. The Wine Witch inside my head was off on her broomstick somewhere and I found abstaining easy; that was until the newly gifted bottle of gin was opened – I mean who can resist one of Chief’s G & T’s, they are the best. I did.

At the end of the evening I was congratulated for my abstinence and felt a sense of achievement. And today I awoke with  a renewed energy and a clear head. I feel good – it’s been six days – little steps.