When I was in the throes of my toxic relationship with alcohol, I never indeed danced with my demons. To have danced with them implies, for me anyway, that there was some partnership or camaraderie. There wasn’t.

Getting frustrated in these instances is normal, so I allowed myself about 3 seconds to go “Well, shit, that was stupid.” What I found that didn’t happen, which surprised me, was my harsh inner critic telling me what a screw-up I was.

What happens if we question accepted social beliefs in general and alcohol advertisements in particular? What happens when we ask if alcohol can truly deliver on its promises? What happens when we question the messages that are thrown at our subconscious mind hundreds of times a day?

The skydive was an enactment- a ritual- of the metaphoric drama unfolding in my life. The plane was the physical symbol of the familiar and safe existence I knew. This leap was a ritual representation of my launch into a new way of being: an unfamiliar, uncomfortable new place with no certainty of outcome.

Some drinks may be a trigger; others might not be. Mindfulness is a great tool to explore whatever arises. Run your own experiment, collect data, determine what works and what doesn't. Be your own scientist.

Using Dave Gray’s Liminal Thinking, we can get to the core of our beliefs by uncovering the structure on which they stand. This allows us to understand, heal, and let go of thoughts and beliefs that are no longer serving us.

This journey is perpetual and ever-changing. Along this path, adaptation, resilience, and consistency are vital in freeing ourselves of something as insidious as alcohol. It takes courage to dive into the darkness and understand just why this thing has so much power over us. But, we can take that power back; not only that, we are the only ones who can do it.

Getting alcohol out of my life has been the best choice I have ever made. The benefits were immediate, the lessons humbling and life-changing. I wish to share those lessons with you this week and the next. It’s kind of like sharing the map of my route thus far to give you an idea of the terrain ahead.

I have gained so much in two years not drinking. I have seen improvements in weight, sleep, self-understanding, and mental health. I offer encouragement for anyone on the fence about their alcohol consumption and looking to change.

Know this: There are no quick fixes and no easy paths to lasting change. It takes time, focus, and effort. If you desire to create a new you and make it stick, here are some helpful tactics I have found beneficial…

Despite many years of conditioning telling us alcohol is part of the Holiday season, we don’t need the crutch of booze to enjoy Christmas. Here are 5 ways to have sober fun in this joyous season!

Here is the problem with willpower, it is a finite resource and does not last.

Part 2 of tips to enjoying yourself at large gatherings if you are a bit socially anxious.

The the more introverted and socially avoidant…Part 1 of a 2 part post with 5 tips on getting your mind right before attending parties and events