Not done and not done
![](https://ikpas.nl/app/uploads/2022/01/Goede-foto-Leen.jpg)
Sooooo…..I am quite relieved to write my first Dry January blog of this year. Relieved, because the first week is almost over. How intense that sounds I notice… it's only alcohol, it only lasts 1 month. But quite confronting to notice that every day I had moments where I caught myself 'now I would have had a nice drink'. And I really don't mean that juice!
On January 1, I already tried to manipulate myself. I had a breakup that day with a date…difficult conversation. I thought I really deserved a glass of wine. Not done! Later that day a good friend came to visit us. With him it is really conditioned that we go for a drink. Not done! The next morning we got up early. Proud of my discipline. Bring on the rest of the month.
Due to working irregularly, I don't really have a week/weekend rhythm or a fixed daily rhythm. That means that I can also have a drink day during the week. By not drinking that beer in the evening (and therefore not taking the second one) I feel more like going to bed early…and therefore getting up early.
From previous years I know that the first week is often a bit of a hard time. Alcohol use is a habit. A glass of wine while cooking, a beer when the kids are in bed.
A helping factor is that I had 3 night shifts this week. That makes a difference.
With the start of my alcohol-free month I also started exercising again (spinning). I wanted to take the bull by the horns right away. Even though I know that too many New Year's resolutions increase the chance of dropping out…it feels like a great combination. Both intentions reinforce each other.
Fortunately, I can just keep eating chocolate….;) So losing weight will unfortunately not really be an option for me.
Borrow in short
My name is Leen. A vital 46-year-old woman with Flemish roots and mother of 2 kids. Flemish state is synonymous with good food…and drink. And I don't mean the juices and soft drinks!
As a Belgian from a small village, alcohol consumption has really been introduced to me (figuratively then). I have now lived in the Netherlands for 24 years and I am becoming more and more aware of what 'normal' alcohol consumption actually is.
During the 'Lifestyle Coach' training a few years ago, a fellow student challenged me not to drink alcohol for a month. I took it…of course I could!? And it worked.
Since 3 years I have made it a habit not to drink alcohol in March. For me, spring stands for fresh, new and clean…that gives extra motivation.
Last year I noticed that my alcohol consumption increased. The little voice in my head 'Borrow…it's high time to reset', got louder and louder.
March was still quite far away. So when I saw the call for bloggers and vloggers for IkPas on Instagram, the decision was quickly made.
This is the time! This is my big stick, my extra motivation.
I know from previous years that the first week is tough. A lot of 'habitual behaviour' that I encounter. But I can also remember that after a month of alcohol-free I still have the feeling that I can continue. That gives you courage. I want that. I give that to my body.
An additional argument is that my father is developing dementia at too young an age….that makes me think. I want to do everything I can to grow old with vitality. A healthy mind in a healthy body.
I expect a mental boost if I can continue for a month alcohol-free. That decisiveness and discipline strengthens me. After January I want to drink alcohol more consciously. Less obvious.