For Day 1 of the May 2020 Alcohol Free Challenge, I have so much stuff that I want to share but I feel like small snippets would be better and we can build off everything over the next coming days and weeks.
Day 1 Alcohol-Free Challenge
Today I’d like to talk about the little decisions that we make build into larger habits we create.
At the beginning of the year, I created a vision board for 2020 – HA!
On the Vision Board I included a quote:
“Our decisions not our dreams determine our destination”
I know it sounds like a simple concept.
Maybe we have dreams to feel better or do better or look better – but then we make decisions in the moment that don’t actually support where we are trying to go.
In the case of being sober, we make goals to not drink alcohol but then find ourselves saying, “Screw it, I’ll have a glass of wine” or “Just give me a beer I’ll start tomorrow.”
So Day 1 is simply challenging you to stay in the moment.
And when you are faced with those decisions when you want to drink, just make a different choice. Of course, this only applies to those who feel like alcohol isn’t helping you reach those goals you have for yourself. So how can you do this?
Make a decision to drink something else – anything else – as long as it’s not alcohol
Find a replacement (soda water, alcohol free drinks, tea, energy drink, diet soda…whatever it is…just not alcohol). It will get easier if you keep on doing it and making those tiny decisions. Your brain can actually rewire your thinking and get used to these different choices but you have to stop doing what you’ve always done to get into a new habit.
Make a list of things that happen when you do decide to drink – This will remind you that drinking isn’t getting you where you want to go.
I asked some people in the group: What is the thing you can count on that happens to you every time you drink?
Just remember: The decisions that you make at the moment to drink leads to a destination that isn’t working for you now. Just look at the responses to the question above.
Finally, it’s not just about the decision to not drink but to make decisions that honor your body. A few examples include:
Morning routine – I’m talking basic routine here. Not hour-long meditations by candlelight and a five-mile run. Just make a commitment in your mind to not drink alcohol and make new decisions before your feet even hit the floor in the morning.
Write down your daily goals (your 42% more likely to achieve them if you write them down, according to Marie Forleo)
Eat a good breakfast or drink a big glass of water when you wake up
Read a short devotional – I love Jesus Calling!
Journal your feelings
Move your body
Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts
Reach out to someone to tell you how you’re feeling
What are the little decisions that you can make that will make a difference to get you to stay on the right path?
Today just think about those little tiny decisions that build up, the things that really honor your body, whether it’s prayer, journaling, getting outside….
Action Steps:
I promise I will show up for you and share with you things that help me. Happy Day 1.
