Whether it is scotch, chardonnay, even coconut liqueur, or my favorite red zinfandel, I’m going off all of it in September. About 30 years ago after too many celebrations in December leading up to the new year, my husband and I decided to take an alcohol fast in January. And believe me that wasn’t easy. We had both been used to a glass or two or wine every evening, so not reaching our for that fine crystal stem and pouring in a beautiful red liquid alcoholic substance into its bowl took a conscious effort. But after a few days we both liked the results – more clear headedness, less sleepiness during the day, better sleep at night, a nice cleansing feeling inside, and of course a great feeling of accomplishment when the month was over. After a few years of fasting in January I decided on a two times a year fast – every January and July, which often led me to ask myself if I would let go of alcohol all together. Though I never took that big step, I’ve kept up the alcohols fasts … [Read more...]
Is an alcohol free January right for you?
I've never forgotten the first time I decided to stop drinking alcohol during the month of January. It was the morning after a particularly boozy month of December and yet another boozy New Year's Eve party with friends in Santa Barbara. I felt so terrible that I declared to my husband that I needed a break. He felt the same way, and together we decided we'd abstain from all alcohol wine, beer, hard booze for the entire month. And it felt so good after that first fast, we actually added another month July. We decided to take an alcohol break every six months. We continued that tradition together for the next several years, and then he dropped out. But I was not dissuaded. Today, January 24, I'm twenty-four days into my 2015 fast. I'm pleased to say I've been alcohol free in January (and July) for the last twenty years at least. Now you must think that I'm quite a boozer otherwise. Actually I'm not. I drink a glass of wine or two most nights, but that's it. I never drink … [Read more...]
