Sober October: 31 Days to Reset and Start Over

The Introduction: What’s My Motivation?

It started at the age of 6.

I was in the beginning stages of an abusive relationship with who would end up being the first of many stepfathers after my dad’s suicide.

He had no inhibitions but had a thirst for violence and liquid courage.

That first experience set the path I would be dragged through for at least 9 years.

Fast forward because no one’s ready for that full story quite yet.

By the time I was 21, I had experienced blackouts and drunken foolishness that would make Amy Winehouse seem like a church girl.

But when I got pregnant with my first child, my constant partying screeched to a full stop.

In that moment, I realized 2 things:

1. There was someone else to think about besides myself.
2. My habits needed to change.

I quit the heavy drinking and poured into the 4 kids I would end up being blessed with. They taught me to grab a hold of my lifestyle and practice moderation.

But now that the kids are grown or close to it, I have entered back into the social scene. And with all the extra time on my hands, my boredom has led me to start dipping into the bottle more and more.

So, I’ve decided to nip things in the bud before they get out of hand, starting with a 31-day sober October challenge.

My kids deserve to have a healthy mom and I have come too far to fall back into alcoholism, dammit!

The Challenge

For the month of October, I have a number of goals:

1. No alcohol.
2. Journal about it daily.
3. Write related articles every week and post them to Medium and my website.
4. Track the ways it affects my physical health.

My Selfish Motives

My motivations for adjusting my relationship with alcohol should probably come from a humble place in my heart. However, I’m admittedly selfish and proud.

All things considered, it’s a means to an end.

The Kids

I have a deep longing for my children to be proud of me. Since they were small I’ve managed to convince them at some point or another, that I was somehow inspirational. I couldn’t bear to have them think any differently of me.

So, I have to make sure I stay of sound mind in order to keep my delusion of being that superhero single mom, intact.

My Health

I also have an obsession with health and fitness. I have lost a ton of weight from quitting alcohol and lowering my sugar intake.

This has made me kind of vain.

So, I must refuse to go back to obesity and have to make sure I take care of myself for the second half of this life.

I’m being a bit facetious, but the important thing is to be present in mind, body, and soul for the kids and myself.

My journey starts October 1st. Follow and stay tuned for updates.