75 Hard
"Alcohol is the only drug where if you don't do it, people assume you have a problem." Chris Williamson. Chris is right. When I started the 75 Challenge, I made sure to tell people that I was not only abstaining from alcohol, the challenge included; eating clean, exercising twice a day, one of the workouts is to be outside, and reading 10 pages a day. Why? It most certainly was not to brag or to place myself upon a pedestal. I included everything to reiterate that I did not have a problem. That I was not an alcoholic. Whenever you tell someone you quit drinking, they always assume you have a drinking problem. That's just how alcohol is viewed in the western culture. Alcohol is a tolerated/accepted drug. Much like caffeine.
I started this challenge when my friend Carrie, co-founder of The Crucible, posted about the challenge on Facebook. After reading up on it, I told myself, “the only change in my life would be; cutting out my weekly pizza and whiskey” As I aged, I grew out of drinking on a regular basis. I didn't like the hangovers. I didn't like the way it made me feel while drinking. I dread the bar scene these days. The more I focused on my mental and physical health, the more I realized how bad alcohol is for your mind, body and spirit.
The main reason I decided to participate in this challenge is, I want to know if I will drink again. Prior to the challenge, I was barely drinking. Maybe a couple of drinks around the campfire. At the time, I was debating on flat out quitting alcohol for good. A podcast with Dr. Andrew Huberman brought to my attention how detrimental alcohol was to my mental and physical goals. As I write this, I have officially completed the challenge. 75 days of no booze, no pizza, and everything previously mentioned. Today is the day I can have whiskey and pizza. I must say, I am looking forward to having a drink and enjoying some pizza. Or at least I was.
Last night, I had a drink to “celebrate” during my gig since I had just earned another residency at another venue. It had been a long time since I had a drink and played guitar, and I missed the “freedom” I had while playing. The mental walls and barriers that inhibit my playing tend to be knocked down when I have a drink. At least I used to think that. As the challenge came to an end, I began to get a little nervous, anxious on how I would feel about drinking. I am happy to say, I woke up this morning, expecting to purchase a pint of whiskey to go along with my long awaited pizza. Now, I do not want to drink. I am just going to enjoy my pizza and Reese's peanut butter eggs.
I used to “need” alcohol to function at social events or to loosen up for a gig. I don't feel like I am at that point in my life. I don't feel like I need alcohol to function in social events. I certainly don't need alcohol to relax at the end of a day or at the end of the week. However, I do miss sitting around the campfire with a drink. I do miss picking up the guitar and having a drink. I do not miss hangovers. I do not miss waking up the next day and replaying the evening in my head, attempting to remember if I said anything regretful. Alcohol most certainly removes the filter most people have.
Like I said before, I did not have to change much in my life to participate in this challenge. I am grateful to know that I do not need alcohol in my life. I feel as though a good whiskey or glass of wine can be consumed in moderation to enjoy some of life's simple pleasures. Life is too short to deal with hangovers. It is also too short to deny ourselves the simple pleasures of a nice smokey bourbon, a nice slice of pizza, or that delicious peanut butter filled piece of candy. Everything in moderation.
As for the results of the challenge. I didn't lose any weight, which is good. I am trying to pack on lean muscle these days. My sleep did not improve. The stress and wandering mind of my uncertain professional and financial future has been troubling me as of late. My skin is far healthier. Aside from learning that I no longer require alcohol to function in social events or at gigs, the most valuable aspect of the challenge was, I quit smoking. I read Allen Carr's “Easy Way To Stop Smoking.” Funny, I posted a picture of my countdown to me having a drink and pizza and I received criticism for my eagerness to enjoy a drink, yet, no praise on quitting. Everyones a critic and apparently a member of the Dark Triad.
Challenges are important for us. Self imposed challenges help us deal with more difficult, trying challenges. David Goggins calls it “calusing the mind.” Joe Rogan would say, “building a mountain one layer of paint at a time.” Or as Marcus Aerelious would say in his books on stoicism, “fret the small things.” These small challenges make you a better person. These small challenges prepare you for greater challenges, or harder times. One step at a time. One rep at a time. Baby steps. On to the next challenge, the Goggins 4x4x48.
I have noticed that I have been more productive. I have been more active. With that said, I will say. I am glad I participated in this challenge. I like a good challenge, self imposed or not. They give me a goal, something to work towards. Something to focus my ever wandering mind on. If you find yourself struggling with alcohol, or any addiction, please, feel free to reach out to me. I am always here. If you're close, I will attend an AA meeting with you. I will go for a walk. I will take you to the gym and make you hate me. I am here for you. I will leave you with the parting words of Talib Kweli. These words hit particularly hard this morning during my workout. They resonated with me and I hope they resonate with you.
“This morning, I woke up, feeling brand new, I jumped up, feeling my highs and my lows in my soul and my goals, Just to stop smokin', and stop drinkin', and I've been thinkin, I've got my reasons, just to get by.”
