Today is day 16 of “Sober November.”

I know that people typically do their giving up of things in January – or for Lent.

But…I’m not like most people! I always like to challenge myself. And not do what everyone else is doing.

November is typically my most stressful montih because I work a retail job. You’d think that it would be the month when I’m most likely to turn to drinking to take the edge off, not give up alcohol entirely. Yet, here we are.

Why? Because something happened.

I was rushed to a local emergency room during the early hours of October 30 when my heart rate reached alarming levels. They had to inject my IV with an electrical charge to bring my heart rate down to normal levels. Thankfully, I stabilized quickly.

Bit it was something having all of those worried looking ER professionals crowding around my room! Was I in an ER episode?

They performed countless scans and tests and could not find an obvious cause. I’m taking a low dose beta blocker pill and have a follow up appointment with a cardiologist in early December.

So I decided on my own to give up booze until after this cardiologist appointment. No one has told me to cut back on drinking.

I’ve also started trying to improve my diet and have cut back on caffeine. I’ve already noticed positive changes. My clothes feel looser!

I know it should seem like a tough thing to do, but it really hasn’t been. Staying more clear headed has been kind of empowering. I’m sleeping better – and functioning better.

I don’t know whether I’ll ever drink again. Moderation has always been a challenge for me. Policing yourself can be difficult when you’re partaking in something that loosens your inhibitions. Maybe limiting drinking to weekends or just 2-3 nights a week wouldn’t be a bad idea. Or maybe I’ll stick with not drinking at all anymore. It’s up to me.

I did try a NA beer last night that actually tasted like real beer – not only taste, but “mouth feel.” I actually hate that expression, but yeah, it felt like real beer in my mouth.

We’ll see how I feel if I can make it through this month!