My Alcohol Experiment: Day 1

Whoa! I didn't realize I would have homework every day of The Alcohol Experiment!But that's ok. I'm actually very intrigued by this process. Having written a daily Connect post during Dry January, I'm excited to let Annie Grace help guide my thought process this time around. I read her book This Naked Mind during Dry January, so the material she covers here is familiar to me, and I'm looking forward to taking my exploration to the next level with this interactive "experiment.""Excited." "Looking forward." These are good signs, right? I remember how nervous, sad, and scared I was to start Dry January. Now I am voluntarily embarking on another month without booze and I am excited for it. I am excited to give this gift to myself. THAT is progress, even if the last six weeks of attempted moderation have not been my best, I HAVE made progress. Phew.So. Day 1 homework. Write two lists: why you drink, and why you are choosing to do The Alcohol Experiment. Behold how they conflict! Eureka!Here are my lists:Why I Drink

• Drinking makes me feel giddy and happy and relaxed (at first).
• Wine helps me cope with my kids are the end of the day, giving me an energy boost and helping me relax during the witching hour.
• Drinking is something I can do for ME, not for my kids or anyone else. It's ME TIME.
• I drink to relieve stress.
• Drinking helps me unwind.
• Drinking helps me feel more confident and outgoing.
• Alcohol makes me funnier.
• I like the taste of some wines and mixed drinks.

What's My Why (i.e. why am I doing The Alcohol Experiment)

• I will not reach my weight loss goal if I continue to drink the way I am drinking.
• I will not exercise as often if I continue my drinking habits.
• I want to be thinner and more fit.
• I want to have more energy.
• I want to be more patient with my kids, especially in the evenings.
• I don't want to wake up feeling puffy, dehydrated and disgusting.
• I want to start the day feeling AHEAD, not BEHIND.
• I want my sin to look more clear.
• I want to get rid of my "wine belly."
• I want to be able to be socially confident WITHOUT relying on alcohol.
• I want to be free.

Today's video is a "3D belief deconstruction" (basically a PowerPoint) on the concept of drinking alcohol for the taste, which is a popular reason why people drink. I certainly grew up seeing all the adults in my life seeming to enjoy alcohol. My first drink was a rum and Coke, heavy on the Coke to cover up the taste of rum. I remember not particularly liking it, but feeling like I should. I definitely did not like wine or beer when I first started drinking. So yes, I agree that alcohol is quite literally an acquired taste.But do I like it? I still believe on some level that I do. I love margaritas. I like the taste of wine, some grapes more than others. I love pumpkin beer. Or do I?Do I? Hmm. [The Alcohol Experiment is a free, interactive 30-day program designed by Annie Grace, author of This Naked Mind. For more information, click here.]