You Absolutely Should Try Dry January

I haven’t touched alcohol in 14 months, and I’m very happy about my abstinence. No, this isn’t going to be a story shaming those who enjoy a drink — for many years, I liked having two or three drinks in the evening, and I have no regrets about that. Nor am I going to claim I’ve acquired superpowers since I gave up alcohol, because I haven’t. Life is pretty much the same.

It’s been more of a quiet kind of enjoyment. As a runner, I’ve been in good shape for years, and I haven’t noticed any significant improvements in my physical condition since giving up drinking. But mentally, there have been benefits. They’re subtle. My mind is always clear. Always.

I often think about how much of a miracle our consciousness is — knowing that we are, that we exist, that we have a place in this universe. The human mind, consciousness, self-awareness — whatever you call it. Experiencing the miracle of consciousness is, I think, the very purpose of living. Now that I’ve gone many months without anything clouding my mind’s clarity, I want to keep going forever.

Actually, I should correct myself — my mind isn’t always clear. Life comes with its share of stress, and I still wrestle with other habits and addictions. It’s challenging enough to maintain a steady head without introducing substances that alter your perception of yourself and the world. With alcohol, you’re adding turbulence to an already bumpy ride.

I don’t want that. My abstinence from alcohol has revealed a stability and clarity…