Oh man, this post is overdue!  I completed this challenge almost a year ago.  I am just going to tell you upfront: It was one of the best things I have ever done.

Beyond the physical benefits I described in my previous post, including better sleep, better skin, better belly,  feeling better, etc., I finally did something for myself that I never found the courage to do before- I enrolled in and completed a Yoga Teacher Training Program.  Since then, I have taught well over a hundred yoga classes and LOVE it!  It’s truly a dream come true.  I think that’s the biggest difference doing this no alcohol challenge made for me- instead of just dreaming, I started doing.  I also had the energy needed to keep going the whole time.

What’s the answer to the burning question- did I keep going with the challenge after the six months?  I did not.  A few weeks after the challenge ended, I had a cocktail at my parents’ anniversary party.  I also drink wine weekly. I am a lot more mindful now about drinking it these days. I am aware that when I have it- even one glass- I am not at my best the next day.  So, why have it then?  Well, it’s something I enjoy, not unlike a lovely dessert.  While I know that a good chocolate chip is not the healthiest choice either, I don’t want to abstain from them for the rest of my life.  As long as I don’t overindulge in wine (or cookies) then I am comfortable with enjoying them responsibly.

I have to admit though, I am curious what it might be like to do a No Alcohol Challenge for a whole year.  So, there may be a post about that in the future.