6 months ago today, I turned 50.  Many people in Australia do dry July to give up alcohol for the month.  Well... Mine was wet.  More like a monsoon!

Everyone that arrived, came with champagne.  Let us celebrate!  I usually have 3-4 days alcohol free in a week but not in July.  On top of that, I was eating out, having dinner parties with different groups of friends and it was, to say indulgent.

By the time I got to the end of 24th July which was my birthday, my system felt clogged.  I felt tired and drowsy as if needing some rehab.

I decided that my month of alcohol and coffee I do one month a year (usually not the same month or consecutive months) would be good to do till 24th August.  We had planned a trip to Europe with our family of 4 in September and there was no way I would be going without wine in Italy or Spain.

End of August came and went and I still did not feel like drinking.  We got to Europe and I still did not feel like drinking.  Today it is 6 months and here are my top 5 lessons

1. Are you addicted? Needing alcohol or coffee even in small amounts is addictive behaviour.  I was good with alcohol, but if I didn't get my coffee by 10 am at the latest, I was a little cranky and upset.  See if you 'need' it.  If you do, take a month off.  I had headaches for 2 days, drank a lot of water and knew it was temporary but worth it

2. Comments.  There is always judgement from some family and friends that you are not drinking.  Some say it out loud and others it feels like they are communicating with their body language 'is this a 50 phase?' or 'how long is this going to last?' or 'is this another one of the things you are going to do and BLOG about?'. Yes is the answer

3. Surfaces.  I interviewed an expert for my podcast who helps women not get to the 5 pm mark with work and children.  She explained that women were waiting to get to the end of the day to pop the champagne or open the wine bottle as a reward for getting through the day.  When she said they beat that addiction, others surface.  Sugar and alcohol.  I can see that my body is wanting to fill the 'void' and there is more work on the other parts of me

4. Clarity.  Every business owner I have ever worked with wants to get more clarity in their business and their life.  By not drinking, I have so much more clarity.  By not having coffee 'hits' when my mind and body are tired, I am not needing the external stimulants to keep me going each day to get things done.  The other major benefit for me has been to not 'react' as much in family circumstances.  This has been a mindset change

5. Longevity.  I know that by killing less brain cells by drinking less and not relying on stimulants, I have a chance to live longer.  To see my kids and grandkids thrive.  That is my main why of doing this.  Yes I want to improve things I am doing in my life but I want to be around to have my grandkids in the holidays

Would love to hear your experience on if you have given up alcohol or coffee for period and what that was like for you?

I am also running a masterclass on Purpose Passions Goals for 2023 on Friday the 3rd Feb 11:30 am - 1 pm Brisbane time or 12:30 pm to 2 pm AEST. Have a look at workshops tab on the home page to register.

Love 

Shivani x