Here's a missive I tapped out two years ago that got left behind in the drafts folder. Wow, this 'sabbatical' is into its third year. Best decision ever and still not tempted back.
12 days in, here's what I think:
Don't give up the booze because...
... you want to 'turn over a new leaf'. What's wrong with old one?
... alcohol is 'evil'. It isn't.
... it's the 'right thing to do'. According to whom?
... your 'partner or spouse has given it up'. Make your own mind up.
These are just short-sighted goals that you can push against as you cave in to that temptation.
But DO give up the booze (or reach out for help) if...
... it is a negative impact on you.
... it is a negative impact on your friends and relationships.
... it is making you ill.
... it is tempting you into criminal behaviour.
... It is putting people in danger.
... It is putting your livelihood in danger.
... it is badly effect personality or decision making.
If you answer 'Yes', an truly honest Yes, to any ONE of these, then you need to seriously consider your position.
But if your answer is 'No' to ALL of these (which is a good thing), it begs the question:
Is there a truly long-term positive reason for you to give up the booze?
Yes there is and it is profoundly simple: to tap into all the energy, creativity and positivity that floods BACK into your life which alcohol has been draining out of you all along.
You can't swim upriver forever.
That's why I am enjoying my sabbatical for the time being.
12 days in, here's what I think:
Don't give up the booze because...
... you want to lose weight. Although you will.
... you want to save money. Although you will.... you want to 'turn over a new leaf'. What's wrong with old one?
... alcohol is 'evil'. It isn't.
... it's the 'right thing to do'. According to whom?
... your 'partner or spouse has given it up'. Make your own mind up.
These are just short-sighted goals that you can push against as you cave in to that temptation.
But DO give up the booze (or reach out for help) if...
... it is a negative impact on you.
... it is a negative impact on your friends and relationships.
... it is making you ill.
... it is tempting you into criminal behaviour.
... It is putting people in danger.
... It is putting your livelihood in danger.
... it is badly effect personality or decision making.
If you answer 'Yes', an truly honest Yes, to any ONE of these, then you need to seriously consider your position.
But if your answer is 'No' to ALL of these (which is a good thing), it begs the question:
Is there a truly long-term positive reason for you to give up the booze?
Yes there is and it is profoundly simple: to tap into all the energy, creativity and positivity that floods BACK into your life which alcohol has been draining out of you all along.
You can't swim upriver forever.
That's why I am enjoying my sabbatical for the time being.