option short side said:Dang that is really impressive. I have a question: When you use to drink was it hard to take days off, i.e. If i drink Friday will you continue to drink on a daily basis, or was it more on the days you decide to drink you find it very difficult to stop?RickSawyer said:
400 days today!
Looking back, I can identify problems when I began to consciously manage my 'drinking days'. At the time I felt responsible and like I was taking control but when I look back at those times with an honest lens I see the very beginnings of someone trying to regain control over his life.
That is not to say my truth is a [T]ruth and managing your days may be something that fits with you and your community. It didn't fit for me.
The challenge that I give many of my friends that ask the exact or very similar questions- try and take 30 days off. If you can't even imagine taking 30 days off then some humility and honesty around your drinking is probably in order. At the end if 30 days I have them explain to me what in their life will improve by reintroducing alcohol into the equation.
I can tell you from the depths of my soul that not one part of my life would improve from drinking alcohol ever again. It took loads of therapy to get me here and when I started the journey I did so with an open mind, considering the opportunity to drink moderately again one day. As I became more present and focused I began to realize my truths.
Of my friends who have completed a 30 day challenge (I recommend One Year No Beer for the challenge by the way, they do 30, 60, 90, 180 and 360 day challenges with online tracking and motivation plus community support) most continue alcohol free lifestyles, one says he can now drink moderately and control his behavior more and one thought he could moderate, had it all come unraveled, picked himself back up and began a 360 day challenge.
Hope that helps.
-Rick
