It's day 29 of 31 and my 29th thought for Dry July is reflecting on mindfulness.
Day | Saturday 29th July |
|---|---|
Days without alcohol | 44 |
Funds raised | $4,509.23 |
Badges earned | 75% of target achieved |
I'm feeling | Mind-full |
Position on leaderboard | 3 (down 1) |
Present and Correct
Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts and feelings, is known to be a key element in fostering a healthier lifestyle in general and specifically in relationship to alcohol.
While mindfulness has become a trendy buzzword; it's genuinely a practice that encourages us to pause, observe, and acknowledge our thoughts and emotions without judgment. By bringing this level of awareness to our relationship with alcohol, we can make conscious decisions rather than succumbing to impulsive habits.
In any part of our lives, mindfulness is instrumental in us navigate through challenging moments. It allows us to identify triggers and emotional cues that may have pushed us toward bad habits. By recognising these patterns, we can choose our actions, well, mindfully rather than automatically and then regretting it later.
Revelations
Mindfulness allows us to uncover the true nature of our relationship with alcohol. For me, it revealed that I don’t really care whether a drink contains alcohol or not. As long as it is palatable and not unhealthy - e.g. full of sugary sweetness - I can enjoy a night out without either feeling I’m missing out or breaking my rule of abstaining from alcohol.
Even water is ok, even though my father used to say that water is only good for putting under boats.
I’m not sure that I experienced all of the promised benefits of reduced alcohol personally, but then I don’t drink that much anyway, so maybe I’m ok from that perspective.
What I have really enjoyed is the challenge of writing each day, and I’ve had some people say it has helped them to think about their own relationship with alcohol, even if they weren’t going dry themselves.
As the final days of Dry July approach, I’m wondering what I will do when I’m freed from the pledge and able to take a drink again. I have already been dry for much longer than a month, so I may carry on.
I’m going on vacation in a week though, so maybe that will be when I fall off the wagon.
As always you can support my fundraiser by donating here.
Thanks for reading!
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