A Journey Through a Dry June: How I Overcame Temptations
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Chapter 1: The Start of a Challenge
“Hey Nielson, we’ve got some cold brews waiting in the cooler! Come grab a few and join us!”
My friends called me over to the last lawn chair beneath the expansive patio umbrella, ready for a long day of drinking. They had stocked my Molsons on ice, just daring me to abandon my commitment to a dry June just a few days in.
As we lounged in the refreshing shade on that perfect summer day, sharing stories from the past and enjoying each other's company, I felt the urge to indulge in a cold beer with the gang. Yet, I resisted the temptation and managed to dodge the barrage of beers being offered.
I can hardly believe I chose June, of all months, to go alcohol-free. This month was packed with deck parties, family barbecues, graduation celebrations, outdoor weddings, and yard work that just seems incomplete without a drink in hand. But I made it through. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Chapter 1.1: The Decision to Go Dry
The journey began in March when I scheduled my yearly physical for July 1st. My goals were to shed some pounds, reduce my blood pressure, and impress my doctor, who had been pushing me about my beer belly. I figured a month of sobriety in June would provide the extra motivation I needed. It looked feasible on my calendar; in reality, it turned out to be a challenging decision.
Going without alcohol for an entire month was foreign to me, especially during June—perhaps the only time since I was 14 that I had gone without. Decades later, I found myself curiously exploring sobriety.
On June 1st, I begrudgingly relocated my beers from the upstairs fridge to the downstairs one, ensuring they were tucked away out of sight. I even disposed of the wine boxes. Other alcoholic beverages in the house didn’t tempt me, so I left them untouched.
With clear intentions and high hopes, I kicked off June with a workout. “Take it easy,” I joked to myself. I wasn’t fully committed to this new healthy lifestyle just yet, but I was enjoying the process. I subscribed to a sober-curious app called Sunnyside, shared some posts to connect with others, and set my daily drinking goals to an impressive zero. The zeros felt easy; however, tracking my honesty in July might prove more challenging.
The first few days of June were manageable, but then the weekend arrived, ushering in three weeks of self-imposed hardship ahead.
Chapter 1.2: Confronting Social Events
“I’ve got tickets to see The Cure!”
My wife adores them, while I’m more indifferent. “Can I sit this one out?” I asked, employing our usual tactic of letting each other pass on events without fuss. But this concert was non-negotiable.
“I love The Cure. My friends and their husbands are going. I want you there this weekend,” she insisted.
“Alright, I’ll go,” I texted back. “Great! My friends are bringing gummies. You can have those instead of beers.”
Things took an interesting turn. Her friends often traveled to legal states and returned to Minnesota with potent goodies. I managed to survive this dry concert and even enjoyed it, thanks to a 10mg gummy from Oregon. The thought of drinking didn’t cross my mind at all.
I stuck to my plan, danced to the music, and relished the exhilarating Sativa-enhanced experience.
Chapter 1.4: Surviving the 80th Birthday Bash
The third week of June brought my father-in-law’s 80th birthday celebration, which was filled with free-flowing chardonnay and crisp Canadian beers. He’s thoughtful; he always has my favorites stocked. But I remained steadfast, opting for my creative selection of non-alcoholic drinks and a bag of Ruffles Flamin' Hot Chips.
Interestingly, I discovered that spicy snacks could serve as a useful distraction from alcohol cravings, triggering endorphin releases similar to those caused by alcohol.
Bonus: I also had to focus on avoiding the embarrassing hiccups that come with spicy food, which kept me dry during this significant event.
Chapter 2: The Last Stretch of June
My wife’s birthday landed on the 24th, and that’s when things got tricky.
“I’m always here for you, honey, but please don’t quit drinking during my birthday month next time,” she candidly expressed.
She had a point. While people might be fine with your sobriety, sometimes it needs to align with their celebrations. (This can be a sensitive topic, especially with loved ones who equate no alcohol with no fun.)
As I marinated filet mignons in mushrooms soaked in our favorite Merlot, I found myself staring at the open bottle, momentarily tempted to indulge. But I resisted the urge.
I “urge-surfed,” as experts recommend, for a couple of minutes, and it worked. I relished inputting zero drinks into my app that night.
Chapter 2.1: The Final Day of Temptation
The last day of June arrived, and I panicked when my wife asked, “Honey, can you grab the dessert from the downstairs fridge?” NOOOOO!
Frozen in place, I summoned my courage to approach that fridge, where my stash of Molsons awaited—around 12 of them, chilling and calling my name.
It was a breathtaking sight—bright red and white cans glistening in the light, almost begging me to grab one. I playfully caressed one, knowing that a reunion was inevitable. But today wasn’t that day.
I recited my emergency motto for immediate redirection: “NAO!” — “Not An Option!”
I tossed the can back into the fridge, retrieved the dessert, and dashed up the stairs like a crazed demon of alcohol was chasing me.
Chapter 2.2: Reflection on the Journey
Finally, July 1st arrived. I stepped on the scale and found I had lost 18 pounds. My blood pressure and resting heart rate also improved, returning to healthy ranges. I admired my slightly more defined jawline in the mirror. My blood work came back clear after my physical, much to my doctor’s satisfaction, though he reminded me that there was still work to be done.
Anyone can stick to a challenge for 30 days, which seems to be my sweet spot for tolerance. I explored my curiosity about sobriety by navigating through dry June, overcoming significant hurdles, and gaining insights into mindful drinking.
Was I ready to cut back for good or go fully dry? Not yet. I excel at short-term challenges—30-day alcohol abstinence, 30-day yoga sessions, 30-day diets, and more. However, maintaining a balanced lifestyle long-term remains an area of exploration for me.
But for now, it’s July 1st—Canada Day! It’s not just a reason to enjoy Canadian beers with friends on a sunny lake; it’s a celebration of duty.
See what I mean? There’s still room for growth ahead.
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