DryJanuary With a Personal Twist

Don’t google “Dry January”. It’s confusing. Every publication has a piece on it, and for every positive article encouraging a month of alcohol abstinence, there is one about how Dry January is BAD and could HARM you in the long run. Whoa. Calm down. Take your finger off the CAPS lock. 

I’m not here to tell you what to do with this month. I’m only here to add yet another personal opinion, based solely on my personal experience, to the internet and hope it lands with one of you. Though I can tell you right now, that person will not be Mark Bylok.  You can look forward to his piece on THE CONSPIRACY OF RESPONSIBLE DRINKING very soon on this website.

I knew very early in December that I would probably have a dry January. And as 2015 drew to a close, I was certain I needed to hit the reset button. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that taking a month off from drinking was going to be great for me. Also, I’m sick of the look my doctor gives me when I tell her how much I drink (Hi Dr. Murphy!). And honestly, it HAS been great for me. I’ve been sleeping better. I’ve been saving money. I’m more productive in the mornings. I read more. I drink more water (snore). All good things. 

I haven’t found it difficult to stop drinking. And any craving for a glass of wine or cocktail with multiple episodes of whatever murder show I happened to be watching has passed quickly and without too much pouting.

I’m honestly trying to find some cons to my Dry January. But, I’m struggling. I’m kind of a homebody, so having a socially quiet month isn’t necessarily difficult for me. To be honest, January – with it’s potential for a shocking post-holiday credit card statement and, for some of us, mean, frigid weather – is probably the most ideal month for staying inside and sober. I confess, I probably couldn’t do Octsober (My friend Glenford gets credit for “Octsober”. I am not that clever) because, while I ADORE my family, I’m really not about family gatherings without wine.

I guess I’m just here to let you know that whether or not you’ve chosen to participate in Dry January or not, it’s really up to you. You don’t have to justify it or apologize for it either way. It’s an exceedingly personal thing. And my January means something different to me than it will to you. 

So, don’t fret about all those articles floating around the internet. Just pour yourself a drink (Tea, whisky, whatever. But if it’s whisky can you just tag me on instagram @bourbonthing so I can live vicariously through you thanks) and enjoy however you decided to start 2016. It’s gonna be a great year for you, I just know it.

I will see you all at the bar in February.