I recently reached the 40 day mark of consuming no alcoholic drinks!

Forty days is significant to me because it’s how many days people give things up when it’s Lent. I’m not really a religious person, but my parents attempted to raise me as one, so there is that.

If nothing else, 40 days is longer than a month 🤔

In a trivia game a while back, we missed a question about another name describing 40 days of time. That word is “quarantine .”

This is a word with negative connotations because of the COVID pandemic.

I really haven’t even craved alcohol. There was that fleeting moment that I craved a cigarette, (I quit that on a second attmpt cold turkey early in 2019). But I powered through it.

I’m still mixing drinks! Waterloo and Spindrift brand club sodas (or “sparkling water”) have been very tasty, and I’ll occasionally top those off with a little ginger ale or juice and some lime juice.

I’ve also tried zero proof beers. Those are just for “show” when I’m in public and want to “fake drink” socially! 😉 I’m not really a fan of those as much as “mocktails.” Not every bar I visit will have a dedicated zero proof cocktail menu, let alone not charge too much for them.

I’m trying to be flexible with my options when I go out to a bar. A mix of club soda and lemonade will do just fine in a pinch. I’ve also tried club soda with grenadine, which adds some flavor, looks like a cocktail and is pink! I call those “Skinny Temples.”

I haven’t decided if sobriety is going to be permanent for – or not. It may be easier to cut it out entirely than exercising moderation. I’m worried if I start drinking again, I’ll fall into old bad habits.

I’ve done this entirely on my own. No support groups, no meetings, no sponsors, no interventions. My decision.

I’ve lost some weight, I sleep better…I’ve saved some money. And I know it’s good for my health – especially my heart. I just may stick with it!

The whole idea is for me to be in control – and stay in control – of my choices – whatever they may be. 👍