This January, I quietly embarked on my first-ever dry month. No fanfare, no public declarations – just a simple choice to explore what my body and mind might reveal when I stepped away from alcohol for a while.

January, for me, has always been my time for a gentle reset after the indulgence of the holiday season. I focus on making the month about mindful choices that help me recenter and refocus on my wellbeing instead of restrictive dieting. This year, I felt called to try something that went a little further.

Two things sparked this experiment. First, I'd been grappling with persistent brain fog and sleep issues. Second, as a breast cancer survivor working closely with my naturopathic oncologist to lower my inflammatory markers, I've become increasingly aware of alcohol's connection to breast cancer, particularly the type I had.

The first two weeks? Honestly, not much changed. But then something shifted. (Which now makes sense from what I’ve learned about the time it takes our livers to reset.) The brain fog that had been my constant companion is gone and while I still wake up every night at 2 AM (ugh!), the tossing and turning has subsided, and I do wake up feeling clear and energized. My focus has also gotten way better – a welcome gift thanks to menopause taking a toll on maintaining concentration due to the estrogen changes.

Here's what fascinated me most though: the social dynamics. When I'd quietly order my sparkling water, I noticed how quickly people would react with discomfort or negativity, even though I never announced my choice. It made me reflect on how, post-pandemic, our relationship with alcohol as a society has shifted, and perhaps it's time for a gentle reset of our collective expectations around drinking.

Let me be clear – this isn't about judgment or shame. It's about creating space for choices that serve our highest good. As women, we know the power of listening to our bodies and trusting our intuition, even when it leads us down unexpected paths.

Moving forward, I'm choosing a new relationship with alcohol. While I still adore a beautiful glass of wine (and yes, I'll absolutely raise a glass in celebration sometimes!), I've discovered something even more delicious: feeling vibrant and healthy. This experiment showed me that celebration doesn't require alcohol – it requires presence, joy, and connection, all things we create ourselves.

So while it absolutely doesn’t have to be related to alcohol, I invite you to consider this… What small shifts might lead you to feel more vibrant this year?

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever taken a break from alcohol? What discoveries did you have?