No AF Days Are Wasted

In 2019 Rob and I took a long break from alcohol. We went AF (alcohol free) for 70 days leading up to his Ironman, Chattanooga that June, and as a result we felt amazing. Rob says it was the best he’s ever felt in his life.

Ironman Chattanooga, June 2019

 Last fall, I took 2 weeks off. Doesn’t sound like much but we live on the west Florida coast, surrounded by sunshine and breweries. Living right on the Pinellas Trail we have cycling access to miles of options to beer hop your way through a weekend. And let’s be honest, that’s fun. And we had missed that living in Tennessee for 14 years and giving up half the year to winter.

In April I was taking a writing class and wanted to be all in on my homework. Now that I’m working somewhat full-time, I knew I’d need to give up alcohol to make sure both things got my attention, and I didn’t feel too overwhelmed. (Overwhelm…one of those surprising things that almost completely disappeared when I went AF). So, in late March, to the beginning of May I went AF for 38 days straight.

Last week (I’m on day 9 as I write this), after I realized how my body was responding to alcohol being back in my system, Rob and I decided to really jump in and commit to 100 days. This will be our longest run at AF living yet.

Truthfully, knowing what I know about how this is affecting my health, I know this needs to be permanent for me. But I like to set short, achievable goals. I plan to do that the whole way. Another way to keep that wretched overwhelm at bay.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because perfection is a trap.

You don’t have to wait for the right moment. There will always be reasons to wait.

You don’t have to beat yourself up if you miss the mark. It’s like falling off your bike; pick it back up and ride on.

You don’t have to decide today that this is forever. Set a goal for a week, month, 30 days, 100 days…each attempt will make you stronger. No days AF are wasted.

That’s worth saying again - No days AF are wasted.

(Pun intended, but also true.)

Here’s the first steps:

1.     Commit. Choose a period of time, and go all in.

2.     Tell someone. People always say to tell someone to be accountable when the truth is you are the only person who can hold you accountable. But, telling someone makes it real and it helps the people around you support you.

3.     Track your progress. I wanted to commit big-time, so I printed my 100AF progress calendar and it’s hanging right in my kitchen for everyone to see. No hiding.

4.     Share your wins with me! I’d love to hear how you’re doing.

I do hope all of this helps someone but to be honest, right now, this is my way of keeping myself on track.

So, it seems silly that I’m doing all of this to seemingly no one – but it’s helping me and really that’s all that matters at this point. Hope it helps you too!

Do what helps you.

💛 Jen