My alcohol-free life feels like a honeymoon that might last forever, and I want to share this perspective.

Several months ago, I wrote how I’m largely done with alcohol. I was in the never-say-never phase of my relationship with alcohol.

And now it’s a farewell. I feel confident about the ‘never’ thing. Alcohol is gone from my identity, period.

When I started running three years ago, I lost much weight. When I pass the mirror today, I still feel the joy of being lean and fit — every time. It’s like there is perpetual physical and spiritual lightness in me that makes me always like myself.

I feel it will be a similar experience to giving up alcohol. The clarity of mind and the cleanness of my body will fuel my existence with extra joy forever.

But I don’t want to focus too much on this trivial perspective of feeling better. There are numerous stories detailing the benefits of going alcohol-free.

Also, I don’t want to demonize alcohol. There is absolutely no doubt that many of my life’s best moments had alcohol in them. And they were truly great moments, filled with innocent fun — when I was partying with my friends in my younger days, for example, and even the numerous cherished moments with my wife, whom I’ve been together with for twenty years.

For two decades, I enjoyed a few drinks every evening and didn’t have a problem. There was a habit but not an addiction. And if it was a mild addiction, I had control…