Dry January

​2023 is off to a hot start. New jobs, new challenges. Reasonable weather, fun adventures. Time with loved ones, a reminder why we moved back to the Midwest.


As the new year begins and with the previous one behind us, many of us had thought about, and hopefully continue to think about, our New Year’s Resolutions. Now, I know resolutions are a hot topic. Some people make them every year and have great success. Others, such as Equinox gym, demand that they’re silly and only fail.


I believe in resolutions. To give yourself something to work toward. A goal. A pivotal change. This is common in human behavior. Change comes at distinct times in our lives. Sometimes due to trauma or necessity. Other times because if just feels like the right time. I believe it is always the right time, especially if its something good for you and those around you.
I’ll never get down on resolutions as long as their healthy and reasonable. In fact, I kind of like them at the New Year too. Why not try to make change when the majority of others are too? Why not use the group mentality. Know that others are also motivated and interested in bettering themselves. We all better ourselves together and lift each other up. I’ll never keep anyone from that shared experience.


This year I did not make any New Year Resolutions. I made some back in September and November, but I wouldn’t call them a New Year’s Resolution.


I have however, joined some loved ones in another popularized New Year “challenge”.


That is Dry January.

Dry January takes on many different forms. Some use it to completely abstain from alcohol. Others will only consume it on the weekends. Some will give themselves 3 “passes”. However you do it the goal remains the same- drink less.


The motivation to do it varies too. Shed some weight gained during the holidays. Increase mental clarity, Decrease reliance. Everyone’s reason for doing it is personal and highly important.


For myself, I’m doing it for a three reasons.
1. to return to a diet that makes my body more comfortable.
2. to support others who are taking part and may be having a difficult time.
3. to remind myself how powerful substances can be and how I know that I need to be careful.


My first reason for taking place in Dry January is to feel again how my body feels better when I fuel myself with good foods. Now, I eat well normally, but during the holidays I have a few more drinks and cookies than I normally would. It creeps up on me and before I know it I notice that my hip hurts more, I appear more “puffy”, and my energy is lower. By abstaining from alcohol, I tend to make better food choices and feel much better physically.


The second reason is to support others who are taking place in Dry January. For me, it isn’t too difficult. Yes, I would like to go to the wine class down the road, but it’s easy enough for me to put it off until next month. Some people don’t have it that easy though. Alcohol can be a powerful thing. I am doing Dry January to support those who are not having an easy time. Let me know if you’re having a tough time!


Lastly, the third reason ties back to the second. Addiction is nasty. It’s powerful. It ruins lives. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too close to home for me and many others. Making a purposeful effort to not drink for one month is a good practice and reminder to me that I am in control. I never want to lose that.


On a lighter note, I’ve done the same thing with coffee. I wrote about HERE. I took a very systematic approach to decreasing the amount of beautiful, delicious, scared caffeine in my life. Coffee was much more difficult to kick. For whatever it’s worth, I still have my one espresso every morning.


I believe in New Year’s Resolutions. I think they’re useful, if they’re realistic. If they’re reasonable and well defined, why wouldn’t you tackle them now while so many others are also trying to accomplish their goals. Use your community to your advantage.

In fact, the narrative of resolutions should be changed from what do YOU want to do for YOURSELF, to what can WE can do for OURSELVES?


I think Dry January does this well. It brings people together. We share our struggles and successes. We aren’t so different. It’s a great reminder of humanity.


Accountability is huge when it comes to reaching your goals. If you’re practicing Dry January this year, let me know! How can I help? Let’s use the resources of our community.


If you’re not doing Dry January, but are struggling with another goal, let me help with that! It’s never easy to do these thing alone.