I’ve never been addicted to alcohol, nor have I ever abused it. I never even had my first drink until I was 22 and in grad school.
When people learn this about me, they sound amazed... like it’s feat comparable to climbing Mount Everest, seeing the seven wonders, or making it as a professional athlete.
The truth is, I was blessed enough to be raised in a family and an environment where it did not take alcohol to have fun. In fact, looking back on my 25.5 years of life, the most amazing, fun, and awestruck memories were always sober and where alcohol was not a contributing factor in the slightest.
Rather, these memories include driving through the streets of Jacksonville at midnight with my cousins blaring Backstreet Boys, Britney, or other throwbacks. They include remembering and banking every lyric, line, and moment from one of the dozens of concerts I’ve experienced. They include me crossing the finish line with a new personal record on the track or in a tri event.
Alcohol dulls the mind. It robs you of the clarity of moments. It provides fleeting pleasure and happiness while ultimately leaving you empty the next morning.
When people learn this about me, they sound amazed... like it’s feat comparable to climbing Mount Everest, seeing the seven wonders, or making it as a professional athlete.
The truth is, I was blessed enough to be raised in a family and an environment where it did not take alcohol to have fun. In fact, looking back on my 25.5 years of life, the most amazing, fun, and awestruck memories were always sober and where alcohol was not a contributing factor in the slightest.
Rather, these memories include driving through the streets of Jacksonville at midnight with my cousins blaring Backstreet Boys, Britney, or other throwbacks. They include remembering and banking every lyric, line, and moment from one of the dozens of concerts I’ve experienced. They include me crossing the finish line with a new personal record on the track or in a tri event.
Alcohol dulls the mind. It robs you of the clarity of moments. It provides fleeting pleasure and happiness while ultimately leaving you empty the next morning.
Since graduating grad school and moving out to PHX for my first job, I’ve seen and experienced how alcohol is a cultural and social part of the nation that we live in. But during this month (which fell during lent and the Easter season), I wanted to remind myself that alcohol isn’t needed to experience joy or the fullness of life. In fact, it’s better if it’s not included at all.
Over the course of March (which included St. Patrick’s Day and my spring break), I had more fun and have banked more memories than I would have if alcohol were involved. Being alcohol-free for five weeks has also shown in my athletic performance, as I have improved tremendously on the bike and in the pool. Last weekend, I competed in Florence, AZ and posted a time competitive enough for nationals this summer.
Will I fast from alcohol forever? Probably not. But will I think twice before taking a sip? Most definitely.
If you’re reading this, I hope you will consider an alcohol fast. You’ll take away much more than you think :)
Happy fasting!
A P R I L : C U R S I N G / I N A P P R O P R I A T E L A N G U A N G E
Iz
Over the course of March (which included St. Patrick’s Day and my spring break), I had more fun and have banked more memories than I would have if alcohol were involved. Being alcohol-free for five weeks has also shown in my athletic performance, as I have improved tremendously on the bike and in the pool. Last weekend, I competed in Florence, AZ and posted a time competitive enough for nationals this summer.
Will I fast from alcohol forever? Probably not. But will I think twice before taking a sip? Most definitely.
If you’re reading this, I hope you will consider an alcohol fast. You’ll take away much more than you think :)
Happy fasting!
A P R I L : C U R S I N G / I N A P P R O P R I A T E L A N G U A N G E
Iz