I just wanted to add a quick addendum to yesterday's post. I can't believe that I forgot to include one of the most pivotal events for me in 2024.
Alcohol. And the lack of it in my life now.
If you read this post, you know that I gave up alcohol for 100 days. Since then I have had some alcohol, but I have significantly cut back on the amount that I drink. One of the most important lessons that I learned from giving up alcohol for 100 days is that I don't need a drink to cope with stress. I don't need a drink to celebrate. I sleep better. I have more energy throughout the day. I feel much, much better just having an occasional drink.
This is such a huge deal for me. While I wasn't a big drinker, there were times when I'd have a glass of wine (or two) several days a week because I had a "stressful" day. I kept wondering why my sleep was shit, why I couldn't lose weight or lift heavier, and why I was having acid reflux at night. Duh. It was alcohol.
Now when I've had a stressful day, I drink water if I haven't reached my daily goal, or I have a sparkling water or zero-sugar soda. David and I may have the occasional drink on the weekend, or if we go out for a nice dinner, I'll have a glass of wine, but that's it.
Yes, I went to a winery in Missouri over Thanksgiving, but that was a treat that I hadn't enjoyed in a really long time. It used to be that the weekend entertainment for David and me was visiting the local wineries or breweries, but we just don't do that anymore. With David's health issues, we just never know when he won't feel well enough to drive home and I certainly don't feel safe driving after drinking, and so we just find other things to do, or we stay home.
I honestly don't miss drinking as much as I thought I would. And it bears repeating - I feel SO much better. And when I do have a glass of wine, I make sure to track it so that I know it's fitting in the day's calories/macros.
Apparently it's become so normal that I didn't even think to talk about it when looking back at 2024!
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