It’s Halloween and I’m not scared.
I’m not secretly scared that I’m slipping under the seductive spell of alcohol. I was a bit frightened, prior to #ocsober, but I’ve faced that demon down.
Said BOO! to a bad habit, because that’s what it was.
I read this post (full of some really interesting research) this week about addiction being overcome by mindfulness. Not saying I had anything more than a predilection for a wine (or too many) at the end of frustrating day at work or a frazzled few hours with the kids, but I can see how mindfulness takes us out of the place we seek to escape to (or from) through our addictions and bad habits, be they too much social media, too much shopping or even substance abuse.
The post, by Chris Willitts of Mindful Muscle, refers to a term coined by Marc Gafni for ‘everyday’ addictions ‘A-VOID-DANCE’ – basically the things we habitually do to dance around the VOID we feel in our lives because we can’t answer the BIG questions of who we are, why we’re here and are we good enough. I SO get that. I have been dancing around a VOID rather than face it, even as I’ve been trying to stare into it, looking out into the external emptiness even as I’ve been finding the peace in yoga (and myself) to try to fill the void with purpose.
And now #Ocsober is over, but I’ll be staying sober more often than not. I’ve worked out that to bring things back to balance you sometimes have to go all out (or in this case, not all out at all) to find an equilibrium. When you prove to yourself that you can do something you can then go easier on yourself, safe in the knowledge that the hard can be handled.
I don’t think it’s any accident, but a synchronicity that has me completing #ocsober (I still need to raise more money to reach my target – so come on, please help if you can) as I complete my yoga teacher training (or the first certification that will be the start of my journey to learning more and more about yoga, because there is sooo much to learn). The fact that it’s Halloween is another happy coincidence because I really do feel I’m getting rid of the ghosts of the past.
Tomorrow I graduate from my course and I’ll toast with a glass of champagne.
But meantime, I’ve discovered mocktails (a drink in the hand, even a non-alcoholic one, is better than two in the bush – or at the bar – when you just have to get through that temptation hour, ie not happy hour, between about 5 – 6.30pm).
So I say, CHEERS! (and don’t forget to make a donation, however small, to help the Life Education cause). Here’s some mocktails for you to enjoy.
This one’s called ‘Gay Wedding Ginger Splash’ – not sure why it’s suitable for a gay wedding, but next time I go to one (which would be a FIRST) I’ll enjoy the refreshing lemon, mint and ginger zing!
Watermelon and kiwi fruit – fully of healthy self-compassion – what’s (or who’s) not to love! Serve as a midday mocktail #parentingpeace
Made from DiviniTEA – a beautiful organic tea brewed by my yogi friend Serena (Green Dog Tea), with coconut juice, a splash of soda and a squeeze of lime – the perfect iced tea mocktail!
A witches brew for Halloween – go the kiwi fruit!
Or try out some swamp juice (featured image).
Whatever you do, don’t be scared to try something new, challenge yourself, break a bad habit. The only thing stopping you is FEAR (false evidence appearing real).
Happy Halloween! Tell me what’s your favourite mocktail (or do you only like cocktails)? What are you most scared of? Linking up with the lovely Grace for FYBF and with the Bron, Kelly, Sonia and Sonia for a Weekend Rewind.
Kathy X
21 Comments on “Here’s cheers”
That witches brew looks good (and if you added vodka…oh, wait!). I think I work the other way – I don’t have a void – my heads crammed with too many ideas and needs to fill….(probably same end result though…)
Yep I get that Lydia – I get ideas, inspiration, just not so many answers.
I did dry July a few times, it’s refreshing!
Thanks Amy – I’ve thought of doing Dry July but it is a busy birthday month for our family, so a bit harder. Maybe next year.
Good on you Amy – it is good to break the year up with some refreshingly dry times.
Well done on getting through Ocsober – I hope you reach your target !
Have the best weekend and enjoy Halloween.
Thanks Linda – Happy Halloween too – celebrating life heh!
Awesome Kathy, good on you! I love that line, “the hard can be handled”, good advice x
Thanks Lisa. I think it is good to remind ourselves what we can get through.
I made some fabulous mock mojitos for my daughter’s 17th birthday. I served them in those little milk bottles with stripy straws and it looked great. Well done getting through ocsober and big congratulations on your graduation!
Thanks Fairlie – I’m sure the mocktails were a party hit.
Well done on a good #ocsober! I drink, but irregularly. Maybe a couple of glasses once a week and then more from time to time. It’s never bothered me what and how much I’m drinking, so I guess that means no issues for me. I reckon I’ll need a few glasses tonight to get through Halloween. I rather loathe it and have no idea why my kids are involved… x
Thanks Bron. Hope you got through Halloween OK.
Great post Kathy. Just what I needed to read this week. Congrats on completing your course. I’m half way through my wellness course. Can’t wait to finish xxx
Thanks Neets – and good on you for your wellness course. Good luck with finishing it.
Those mocktails look amazing!
Some stuff happened in my life that made me realise that alcohol is not something I need to drink habitually just to fit into the drinking culture. Now I just drink for the flavours and if I actually feel like it. I don’t just do it because it’s the ‘done’ thing anymore. Listening to my body and my mind has been a big factor in this and I feel so much better for it!
Thanks Kez – great attitude you have to alcohol and socialising and life!
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Well done lovely on getting through OctSober. I have actually enjoyed a couple of mocktails myself lately so It could possibly become my new thing… ok maybe not, but every once in a while 😉 xx
I am not a very big drinker – I prefer chocolate – its my one weakness. And one that I have over come….I am now grain free and sugar free for health reasons.
Feeling a lot better for it
I love the sound of Mocktails – at least they are healthier for the kidneys!
Congrats on being sober free for October
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