I’m a seasoned professional woman who thoroughly enjoys my alcohol free life! I was a single Mum when I embarked on a bluechip IT career which spanned 25 years. I certainly had some embarrassing drunken exploits in that alcohol fuelled, work hard, play hard environment. But I ploughed on, saying “It’s not why they remember you that matters, as long as they remember you.” On the outside things seemed fine. I juggled lots of balls and, although some were concerned about my drinking exploits, it was not out the ordinary and I had no compelling reason to moderate. I was a funny drunk, still got the jobs done and was successful in my career. I was often exhausted; the boost of alcohol was part of how I took care of my family and kept fit, even taking part in a few half marathons.

Drinking gave a little time out. Wine was a way to face a social occasion, lift my energy or to wind down. Over time, as alcohol became a prop, I lost the ability to feel my emotions. I had so much going for me, yet life became a cycle of shorter ups and longer downs with frequent crippling anxiety. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down alcohol over 20 years left me demoralized. Depression was pretty normal for me over a few years. I knew that my late father’s struggles with alcohol, medication and eventually dementia meant I should take extra care.

In 2023 my work world was turned upside by a takeover; my “redundant” IT position was eliminated. This was the jolt I needed to step away from the daily punishment of alcohol. I really wanted to find a better way, fearing that my health was at risk and that I could waste the rest of my years.

“We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.”

DH Lawrence.

I started a year long This Naked Mind program, where there was no pressure. The first few weeks were a time of observation, to “stop trying to stop” and to raise awareness of what alcohol is doing to body and mind. The TNM coaches gave space to investigate the thoughts underlying drinking. To my surprise, I unravelled the confusion and shame surrounding my binge drinking and over time alcohol did become small and irrelevant.

No more waking up on the sofa with TV blasting and bottle on floor at 3am!

As time passed I lost my anxiety. I gained better sleep. I rediscovered my creative side and hilariously hand made all my Christmas presents. I now consider what I truly want in life. My loved ones drink a lot less; it feels a good change to see my success ripple out to others.

My belief that I wouldn’t be able to do all the things if I stopped drinking held me back for years, but I can do all the things. You will too. In fact, you will find time opens up, giving more than you can imagine!