How I did it: Before I did this, I don't think I could pinpoint a week I'd gone without a drink in...well, years. I knew it would be hard. It actually wasn't that bad at all! At first, I bought non-alcoholic wine (do not recommend--expensive grape juice in a fancy bottle!) and such, but then I after about a week I realized I was drinking stuff that reminded me of drinking. While it was non-alcoholic, it was still kind of against the idea of the promise, at least in my opinion.

I went to bars less, but still socialized fine. I didn't feel cut out or ostracized just because I didn't drink. Of course there were some comments: "When are you gonna be fun again??" etc. but largely people were supportive and didn't try to get me to drink.

I basically just reminded myself of the promise I made and that I needed to stick to it. I'm not SUPER religious, but maybe that I am even a little helped. Even so, just reminding myself I had set a goal helped. Everyday got easier until it just seemed natural. I felt better and lost weight--win!

Lessons & tips: Stay focused. The first couple weeks will be hard, but the days get shorter and before you know it, you're there! Of course taking yourself out of situations where you normally would drink helps, but you can't just turn your life into something it's not. It's entirely realistic to associate with the same people and go the same places as normal.

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May 17, 2009, 06:36PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer