Last year, I successfully completed ‘Dry January’, raising £600 in sponsorship for Cancer Research UK and giving up my trusty Friday night wine for a month. I felt like I’d accomplished something worthwhile so it was a no-brainer that I would do the same again in 2016. I didn’t even ask for sponsorship this time as surely I wouldn’t need the motivation.
Let’s see how I got on with extracts from my Dry January diary.
2nd Jan: Going great! Feeling refreshed and clear-headed. I can do this! February isn’t that far off (and I think I can still taste the New Year’s Eve champagne anyway).
8th Jan: Paul’s birthday curry. By sheer accident I order a white wine with soda. It would be rude to send it back so I politely finish it.
12th Jan: Wigan Borough Business Club and we’re delivering a marketing presentation to 50 local businesspeople. Nip to the pub afterwards for a debrief. Very thirsty so order a refreshing white wine with soda. Promise myself this mistake won’t happen again.
15th Jan: This week has been very busy! I notice that there’s one glass left in a bottle of my favourite Toro Loco (£3.79 in Aldi – recommended!). The kitchen looks untidy with it hanging around so I finish what’s left and put the bottle in the recycling. Much better, and I was just cleaning really so doesn’t count.
22nd Jan: Another busy week and Paul decides we should go to the pub after work for a little wind-down. I am all for harmony in the workplace so agree. Order a DRY white wine and soda so no problem there! I’ve got the hang of this Dry January thing.
25th Jan: Burns’ Night! Treating the family to a traditional supper. As any true Scot knows (4 generations ago my extended family was from Scotland), it’s necessary to toast ‘Rabbie’ with a ‘wee dram’ so I have a touch of Laphroaig. This also helps with the dental treatment I had earlier in the day.
29th Jan: Nearly the end of the month! It’s flown by and I’ve barely noticed not drinking. Between Sundays and Thursdays…mostly. Celebrate with half a bottle of red which Mr G opened last week but failed to finish.
Obviously, things didn’t go so well in 2016. However, people with more willpower than me have done a great job, including friend of CRE8 Adam Vause. Support Adam’s Dry January and donate to Think Ahead here: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/adamvause1
Thanks!
VG