Chapter 1: A Year Without Alcohol

Just recently, I celebrated my one-year milestone of living without alcohol—the longest I’ve ever been sober since I began drinking in my late teens. Instead of rehashing my previous insights from the six-month alcohol-free challenge I shared back in July, I want to focus on reflecting on the past year and how this journey has dramatically altered my life.

During my twenties, alcohol was a staple in my weekly activities. I’d indulge in drinks throughout the week—whether it was after-work outings with colleagues or weekend plans centered around socializing with friends and family. For me, alcohol was a way to unwind and tap into my social side. However, the consequences were often dire, as many of us who drink can relate. I would simply push myself to work out the next day, convinced that sweating out the alcohol would negate the negative effects. I had a skewed notion that I was still leading a "healthy" lifestyle, despite the significant harm I was inflicting on my body. I often wondered, “Is drinking really that detrimental?” After all, everyone I knew was drinking, so how harmful could it be?

As I aged, however, the hangovers became more intense, and I began to witness the genuine adverse effects of alcohol on my mood, energy levels, and overall mental health. While I maintained my workout routine, I saw little change in my physique, leaving me feeling stagnant and frustrated. My workouts often felt obligatory rather than enjoyable. The pivotal moment for me came in early 2019 when I began to explore longer periods of sobriety, moving beyond just a month of abstinence in January.

In early 2019, after a long-term relationship ended, I fell into the post-breakup mindset of "just having fun," which included a lot of dating and drinking. Looking back, I realize I was a bit of a mess during those months. I made some questionable choices and entered a toxic relationship far too quickly. Although drinking provided a temporary distraction, it only deepened my anxiety and emotional pain.

By late spring, I decided to quit drinking indefinitely. I signed up for a 100-mile race in September, which motivated me to maintain a clear and sober mind while training for this daunting challenge. Previously, I had attempted short-term sobriety challenges, often at the start of the year. While the first few weeks were manageable, the last two were particularly tough, filled with feelings of deprivation and self-discipline. I genuinely believed I was missing out and that alcohol was essential for enjoyment. However, I soon realized that alcohol was not beneficial in any aspect of my life. It affected my physical health, finances, relationships, and mental well-being. Ultimately, I understood that by not drinking, I was not missing out—I was enriching my life.

The societal norms surrounding drinking in North America and many parts of Europe can be overwhelming. Abstaining from alcohol often makes one feel like an outsider; the stigma is palpable. Those who choose not to drink frequently face judgment unless they openly declare themselves as alcoholics. This societal pressure can lead many to drink when they would prefer not to, simply to avoid uncomfortable questions about their sobriety.

For me, the most challenging aspect of quitting alcohol was the social component. I often felt anxious at gatherings and parties without a drink in hand. I would mentally prepare a response for anyone who questioned my sobriety, which now seems utterly ridiculous. Some friends stopped inviting me to events, assuming I wouldn’t have a good time without alcohol. During my sobriety, I was labeled as “boring” and “no fun.” In response, I would remind them that what’s truly dull is lying in bed all day feeling terrible. What’s enjoyable is the clarity of mind, the authentic conversations, and the refreshing mornings that come with sobriety.

My year of sobriety has been the most transformative period of my life, and I’ve remained completely sober throughout. The beginning of the year was tumultuous, marked by a breakup and a move back to my parents’ home in Ontario. The lockdowns due to COVID-19 left me with ample time to confront my emotions and reflect on my life. I made a conscious decision to embrace my feelings rather than numb them with alcohol, understanding that while this path was more challenging, it would ultimately benefit my mental health.

I allowed myself to feel discomfort, cry, and process my emotions fully. I engaged in physical activities, connected with supportive friends, drank herbal tea, journaled, took long walks, and read extensively. I even enrolled in a creative productivity course and began writing consistently. Gradually, I began to heal; my sadness and anxiety became manageable rather than overwhelming. A conversation with a friend led me to Vancouver, where I unexpectedly decided to stay longer than planned.

Through the summer and into fall, I met a wonderful group of friends with whom I connected deeply. I felt no pressure to drink around them; their support made my sobriety easier to maintain. The longer I stayed sober, the less I craved alcohol. I discovered activities I genuinely enjoyed, untainted by alcohol culture.

The benefits of my year of sobriety have been profound:

1. I have become more self-assured and confident, learning to set boundaries with work and people who don’t contribute positively to my life.
2. I have sustained motivation and energy to pursue skills I value, such as writing and public speaking.
3. I now experience stable energy levels, free from the emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows associated with drinking.

Final Thoughts

I began with a commitment to six months of sobriety, which I have now extended to a full year, with no plans of returning to alcohol. I no longer feel drawn to it; while I occasionally miss the buzz of a drink, the negative consequences far outweigh any fleeting enjoyment. Quitting drinking has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For anyone curious about sobriety, I highly recommend reading "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace, a transformative book that reshaped my views on alcohol.

The first video, "The 10 Big Benefits of ONE YEAR OF SOBRIETY - No Alcohol for 1 Year!! (Episode 127)," explores the myriad positive changes experienced after a year without alcohol, covering aspects like mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

The second video, "One Year Sober: The Hardest and Best Year of My Life," shares personal insights and experiences from a year of sobriety, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that come with this transformative journey.

My new book, "Find Your Stride: A Personalized Path to Sustainable Nutrition and Training," is now available everywhere books are sold. If you appreciate my Medium articles, you might enjoy it. Follow me on Medium for more recent writings or connect with me on Instagram.