I want to share with you that today, is Day One of an eating and exercise plan that my husband and I have committed to for at least the next 30 days – but hopefully beyond that as well.
While most of you know I have been sober for many years, I continue to have MANY Day 1 experiences.
In fact, I think I’m an expert at them! Wait…is that a good thing?
YES! Of course, it is ❤️
Because every time we try, we gain new awareness and even more clarity. With each Day One – we move closer to achieving our goals.
Here’s a real-life example:
My husband and I have done Whole 30 at least a dozen times.
Not sure what Whole 30 is – Click here
The first time was SO, SO hard! Especially the first couple of weeks. From day 1 until about day 20, I was focused entirely on all the things I couldn’t have and the things I was missing out on (sound familiar?). I honestly couldn’t wait to be done so I could go back to eating normally.
BUT by about day 21 something strange happened. I was feeling so good that I was beginning to dread being done. I was enjoying the amazing benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet…
✅ I was sleeping better.
✅ Lost the last of the baby weight I carried after our 3rd son.
✅ Had so much energy.
✅ The forgetfulness I always blamed on my “mommy brain” improved greatly.
✅ The stomach pains I had so often had completely disappeared!
And the list went on. By day 30 I felt so strong and like I could do it forever!
Then a few days later, the twins had a basketball game, and after the game, we treated ourselves to Krispy Cream donuts.
I told myself I would have this donut as a reward for my sacrifices and get back to good eating.
I was delighted as I bit into the pillowy fried goodness of that donut – but…
After 30 days of no sugar and a sparse amount of minimally processed foods – I quickly realized that was a terrible idea.
Actually, it was minutes after I FINISHED the cream-filled iced donut that I regretted my decision.
Before we even got home, I had a pounding headache, and my stomach hurt. To rid myself of the self-induced migraine, I had to take medicine and lay down in a dark room where I slept it off for a couple of hours.
I felt terrible for DAYS!
I wish I could tell you I never touch another donut again. Or that I eat super healthy all the time – BUT I did say we have done Whole 30 several times.
Here’s the thing. After every Whole 30, I have learned more about what foods my body likes and does not do well with. I get curious about my triggers, my urges, and how certain foods make me feel.
I also learned that you do not break a 30-day fast from flour, sugar, and fried foods (among other things) with a fried, flour-sugar pillow bomb!
Sometimes I choose to have food that I know I will enjoy, but I also know I might feel miserable afterward. So, I have to weigh the consequences.
One of the best things has been that I no longer focus on what I am giving up because in my mind, I remember what it felt like to feel AMAZING, and it gets me to the finish line.
After completing Whole 30, I always eat a little better than before I started. I have gained more awareness, tools, and resources that have helped me understand food better and avoid going back to where I was before I did Whole 30 for the first time.
➡️ This is not a promotion to do Whole 30 because it’s not for everyone, but my husband and I like to use it as a reset so we can continue with our health goals.
If my example sounds a lot like your journey to drink less or not at all – that’s because the habits and reasons for misuse can be very similar. The important thing to remember is, you’re not failing, you’re learning!
So, if you are like me and you’ve had many a Day 1 – know that God wastes NOTHING, and if you allow Him, He will use your experience and the awareness you gain to help move you further along the path to freedom.
Want to have more peace and confidence around alcohol? Schedule a call with me, and after hearing about your unique story, we’ll find out if you are ready for coaching.
If you are, I’ll explain how working with me for 12 weeks will help you meet your goals faster – and if you’re not, I promise you’ll leave with a plan on what to do next. Grab a spot on my calendar and let’s chat!
I’m praying for you! If you have a specific prayer intention, reply to this email and be assured of my prayers.
