Headache, it won't…?

As I write this it is day 3 of IkPas. Right after I woke up, I got a severe headache. At least not from the night before, that's for sure. Because it was not too bad for me to stay away from white wine this weekend. Withdrawal symptoms? Headache is one of them, I read in today's IkPas email. Maybe that's even worse than a headache from the night before...You know what: I'm going to get up early and our puppy Jules bouncing all over the place very early and sinking his teeth everywhere. That feels better than thinking it's withdrawal symptoms.

This is my fourth time participating. Once I gave up pretty quickly. The other two times I passed with flying colors (and badges). I find that it really helps to participate in this. November was a good month for me to do it myself. Not drinking is already in the name of the month, no birthdays or other special occasions. But it all fell apart on its own.

I am Mike, 53 and Rotterdammer. In total my girlfriend and I have 5 children between the ages of 19 and 27. Coincidentally in a nice birth order: '94, '96, '98, '00 and '02. And no, we don't sing together on the stairs of our 'schloss'. Blended families don't always work well, but we are proud to say that we are a close-knit family. Even now that 4 are out of the house. And so since 2 weeks a puppy of now 10 weeks.

I like to cook and enjoy dinner (preferably with a large family or for friends), I exercise about 4 times a week to keep the balance, I like going into town with my girlfriend to stroll around the market or have a drink in one of our regular pubs.

2022 will be an exciting year. I have decided to finally pursue my real passion: helping young people (especially for those who get stuck) with coaching and training and building a nice company around it. Quite different, because until now I mainly worked in public order and safety with governments. As a consultant, policy advisor and manager. That's where the seed has been sown. Much hassle later can be avoided if young people get a little more attention and learn earlier how to take ownership of their own lives.

But also exciting, because I have agreed with myself that if I can't muster a little more 'drinking discipline' on June 1th, I will stop completely..

I am not an alcoholic. I still have all my teeth and I don't have sunken cheeks. Also, I didn't hide a bottle of vodka in the cistern. So really not…..I think like many people who participate, I like to drink a glass of wine or a gin and tonic. And I don't think there's much wrong with that. But that I also (and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that) a little more often than I want to, drink more than I intended. And then just a little less fresh the next morning. And sometimes even two days in a row. Recognizable?

And that while I really do know that it's not good for me. That I sleep better, feel fresher and sharper when I don't. That I have more energy and get more done. And that more wine does not necessarily mean more quality in the evening. So pretty stupid. But why? I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog to investigate this further. So more on that next time.

Mike in brief

I'm Mike Koning, I'm 53 and I live in the center of Rotterdam. I live with Karin. Together we have 5 children between the ages of 19 and 27. My daughter (the youngest of the couple lives with us). I do a lot of sports, like to travel and good cooking, eating and going out.

I am participating for the fourth time. The first time was no problem, the second time it didn't work and the third time last year went fine too.

I'm in for the reset. While cooking, eating and going out, I like to have a drink. Unfortunately, I often fail to keep it to an acceptable number. I gave myself half a year for 2022 to finally get it under control. If it doesn't work, I'll stop drinking altogether.

As long as the lockdown is in effect, I don't really mind. When the bars open it becomes difficult not to drink there. For me, pub visits and alcohol are linked.

In short, quite a few challenges when it comes to alcohol consumption.