(Originally Feb11th 2025/FI)

The counter started on New Year’s Day and I’ve now managed to do more than 40 days without alcohol. I’m wondering which expectations have been met here and what has surprised me. The answer for both is everything! I haven’t used the word drynuary to my friends, because this is much more than that for me. I can compare this enthusiasm to a new hobby that I have long dreamed of trying. It’s great and it’s easier every week. Even though my back hurts and it hurts to move in the morning.

At the beginning of the year, I sought support from therapy sessions related to my overall mental health, using several channels. The goals were and still are to understand how all new and old events and networks in my life link up and affect me, as well as alcohol. I had no idea whether it would be difficult for me to give up on going out for a beer, bar environments or any situations related to them. Well-deserved after-sports or stress-relieving beers. Where can I get my “head full of substitutes”, so that I can make a change?

So far, my experiences have been confident, calm and completely unchanged over the past few weeks. I have no need to escape any person, situation or environment that is related to my old world. The will for change comes internally so strongly that I am not bothered by seeing others drinking or treating me with certain old expectations. My decision was and is to continue this way at least until April, but now I am also seriously considering why or by what rules I would even want to create a new relationship with alcohol.

Not once have I wondered if this is useless or if the “experiment” should be stopped. It has been truly wonderful to see so many friends and acquaintances fully support my determined change, respecting, appreciating and taking it seriously. Thank you very much!

Children’s school and job search matters, observing politics and the world situation, reading newspapers, a blog project, new hobby friends and sports, Xamk Pulse open university courses, planning for the future and taking care of things, interest in other people. These are all examples of things where my activity and energy have increased. I feel like I’m still behind, but suddenly capable of anything.

So, thanks to the change, I have a huge increase in energy and concentration, great! Well, now it probably shows in my work, relationships and even my friends as openness and activity? I have to admit that not at all, but quite the opposite! In this first wave, it has happened to me that my slight “intoxication” with getting my own life in order has restored my faith in pursuing happiness.

The result has been two things. I have struggled with my work motivation a bit. When the locked doors that have been shut for years have opened up in my mind, I feel like I am capable of making good choices and I am eagerly awaiting my free time! Work is suddenly not as critical escape route as before.

Another phenomenon has been that I have taken on so many free time activities at the same time and there are never enough hours in a day. I have experienced the same thing before when my work and exercise motivation has increased. Then I took on more work, and despite my good drive, everyday life became tougher! I trust that these problems will level out and my mind will be more patient to wait for all the new pleasures of free time.

The next thing for me is to realize that abstinence or other kind of activeness must not lead to me maximizing multitasking and trying to fix too many things at once. That is not sustainable. Things need to be rethought gradually and with moderation, and there needs to be room in the day for a little pause. I am returning to balance and the fact that learning to let go of the urges is hard work. Results do not come solely from good choices, lifestyle improvements, and therapy. I have to learn that skill separately.