2018 in Briefest Review.

2018 was, in the main, a year of personal growth for me.
2018 also contained elements of heartache, which I respect and acknowledge with sadness.

On January 1st, 2018, I began a journey, having at the time, no idea how it would progress, or what outcomes would transpire. I took courage in both hands, and ... jumped!! I signed up for, and completed Dry January. What an epic achievement for someone like me, who had come to rely so heavily on daily, heavy drinking.

The prospect of not drinking each evening was unfathomable before last January, yet here I am now, one whole year sober, with no intention of ever going back to 'Day One' of quitting again, and, perhaps obviously, no intention of returning to drinking alcohol.
This journey, unfolded throughout the year, with various highlights studding it's general splendour:
At Easter, I treated myself to a special teacup, bearing my initial, commemorating ninety days sober.

In April, to celebrate one hundred days, I sat up until midnight, online with a friend I made in the Dry January and Beyond community group, seeing in the '100'! A few days later, I got a tattoo of a lotus flower done, to symbolise my new life. I was given a congratulations card and flowers by one of my daughters too.

In May and July, I enjoyed two fantastic mini breaks in Devon with my husband and our dog. Both times I was not remotely tempted to drink, and delighted in the freedom it gave me to enjoy our holiday more. We walked, visited gardens, and one time watched thousands and thousands of butterflies dancing just above a field we sat at the edge of.

Marwood Hill Garden, near Ilfracombe.

Looking down over Ilfracombe.

In June I took up running, and began training towards a half marathon. This would be the first time I'd done anything like it. I also signed up for ParkRun, and took part in a few local runs, as well as becoming a member of the running club: 'Vegan Runners'.
At the end of July, I was fortunate enough to be part of something very special indeed! A group of us from the Dry January and Beyond Facebook group, arranged to meet up in London at the Club Soda Mindful Drinking Festival. What an incredible day! I looked forward to it for weeks, and the day exceeded by far any expectations I'd held. The people I met there, will remain my friends for life.

On The Way to the Mindful Drinking Festival.

In August, our youngest daughter and her fiance moved into the first home of their own.
In September, we had another lovely holiday, this time in Portugal, again a short one, but it was great to have these to look forward to throughout the year. I carried on my running training whilst there too!
Right on the last day of September, I completed the Robin Hood Half Marathon, after having travelled to the city the previous day. What an experience!
In October, I realised that there was such a lot to remember, and be thankful for, that I began writing a memoir of the year. This is a work in progress, but it IS progressing!
At the end of November, I attended an introduction event to an apprenticeship scheme I'd applied for at work. Almost a month later, the day after Boxing Day, I recieved the information that I had been given a place on the scheme!
Christmas was an occasion focused on people, rather than stuff. We had a brilliant family dinner on Christmas Day, with far less emphasis on gifts, and more on sharing time together.
New Year was spent with my beautiful family. <3
New Year's Day saw me back at work, after two days off, with a whole year of sobriety accomplished!

A card to treasure, from a very special friend.