In September of 2022, I decided to embark on a challenge to spend the last 100 days of the year alcohol free. Growing up, holiday celebrations focused on drinking, and the morning after focused on regret. I spent my childhood and early adulthood thinking drunkenness was an intrinsic part of being an adult. 

Clearly, I am not the only one raised in this reality; big Alcohol has done a phenomenal job at convincing the masses that alcohol is essential: in celebrations, in grief, in romance, in friendship. I decided I wanted something different in my life and simply stopped drinking. 100 days turned into committing to Dry January, turned into, "I don't really miss drinking" and before I knew it, I'd spend three years, enjoying beautiful hang-over-free Saturday mornings, enjoying the most memorable Friday nights, and soaking up every bit of boozeless-holiday magic. I've never looked back and never regretted a minute, and I can't say the same about the part of my life that included alcohol.

The best part of my NA journey is friends talking to me about wanting to experiment in sober curiosity. I love that people have felt safe to trust me with their stories, and I absolutely love introducing them to all of my favorite NA bevies.

The hardest part of being alcohol free is also the hardest part of adult life: You cannot change what other people think of you and what actions other people take. It's like the famous Jim Gaffigan joke, when you tell someone you don't use mayonnaise they don't say, "You don't use mayonnaise? Why? Are you addicted to mayonnaise? Is it okay if I use mayonnaise?" but people will certainly ask you why you don't drink and formulate feelings and opinions beyond your control.

Instagram: @BigDealBevvies, @hikesoverhangovers
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Due to a recent MCAS diagnosis, my drink of choice is sparkling water (with a splash of lime if I'm feeling spunky), but I do have solid recommendations for people without dietary restrictions:
Bollygood Basil Lime Cumin - Served over ice with sliced jalapeños
Any can of beer Untitled Art, particularly the S'mores Dark Brew - served best chilled while you sit next to a campfire

Try it.
Try it for a night, a weekend, a month, a year. Just try it.