DRY January and Beyond: What you need to know before you go all-in
I've been looking back and reflecting on the number of lessons and blessings this past year has brought.
Today, I want to support those of you who are setting a goal to give up alcohol for the new year.
This WILL hurt for those of you who can't seem to quit, but know this...
I say all of this with IMMENSE love and a soul-filled desire to help you make the switch.
If you've ever tried to give it up, only to find your way back, I know how tough that can be.
We live in a society that makes alcohol an 'acceptable' habit for everything from a sunny day to a rough day at work.
And unfortunately, as much as we all WANT to believe we can 'give it up whenever we choose,' sadly...
Something seems to just 'happen' and we find ourselves making that excuse of...
Today was rough, I just need ONE drink to take the edge off.
Then that one day turns into Brunch with bottomless mimosas...
And that turns into regular weekends with alcohol-filled meals...
And from there...
A glass of wine at night to take the edge off.
Then two.
And, yeah...
You catch my drift.
Over the past two decades of coaching, I've noticed a trend:
People who are backed up with emotions, avoiding the inner work, and fearing the judgement of seeking help, are the ones who are the quickest to fall back into "It's been a rough week, I deserve this."
And that snowball effect is FIERCE.
Whether by way of alcohol, or binge eating, or sexual addiction, or drugs, or any combination thereof...
It's a never ending spiral as long as the internal emotions are not dealt with.
But also, the chemical imbalances.
This is why we say in holistic healing, it's not just about the food...
Or the fitness...
But the WHOLE person.
Healing comes from digging into ALL aspects of the dis-order.
These days, I've got a proven track record with helping clients give up alcohol, and other addictions, who never turned back.
So back in 2023, I started asking myself:
If I keep drinking, even socially, or ONLY on holidays, what example am I setting?
Am I REALLY even enjoying it?
Or am I just drinking because it's there and everyone else is drinking?
The answer was not to my liking.
In fact, I hated it.
So I made a big commitment and gave it up January 2024.
I gave up alcohol because my health, my sanity (by way of not numbing any of my emotions), and my impact on my clients and future generations...specifically my niece who was mimicking everything I did...mattered more than fitting in.
Since then, I had one small glass of what used to be my favorite champagne and it grossed me out.
A big win for me, my health, my sanity, and the generational health I wish to inspire with my family!
Starting tomorrow, there will be millions of people trying out Dry January in 2025. Aka NO alcohol for the month.
And sadly, most will fail.
Not because they don't WANT to succeed.
But because they don't know HOW to cope without numbing.
Giving up booze for good requires 4 things:
1. A STRONG reason why...best if this is attached to your influence of someone else
2. A plan for managing emotions when you feel too weak to face them...journaling, meditation, and even an accountability buddy would be ideal here
3. A solid nutrition protocol, involving detoxifying foods and nutrients, will help you with the transition and in managing the blood sugar crashes
4. The courage to go all-in on the journey...because it can be dark, and cold, and extremely painful when you decide to finally face all the things you've been too scared to face
I've add two very important products to my store to help those of you who are brave enough to go it on your own.
Sober Curious: a tincture containing scientifically proven ingredients that naturally reduce alcohol consumption
The Inner Work Journal: a beautiful, hardcover journal that will help you do the TOUGH inner work when coping with alcohol is no longer an option
And to get you started, now through Friday, buy any color of The Inner Work Journal and get 20% off a bottle of Sober Curious. No code needed.
You CAN do this.
I believe in you.
-Alida, The Oracle