Cheers! I just completed thirty mind-numbing days of not consuming even so much as one drop of alcohol.  If you know me, you know this chore took a village.  It all started with a challenge from Matt, who is my personal trainer. He had noticed a spike in my drinking habits over the past couple months and told me that September would be alcohol-free.

Piece of cake, I thought. Or cake vodka, whichever.

Every once and awhile I need to take a break from imbibing.  I usually do it once or twice a year.  It’s one part detox, one part mental challenge and one part amazing self-restraint.  Last year I managed to go three months, over the holidays — without a frosty adult beverage.  It was, indeed, an Xmas miracle.

I’ll be the first to admit, I enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine from time to time.  Who doesn’t? Most folks particularly like the social aspect of drinking, getting together at a wingding or happy hour with friends and partaking in some spirits.  Nary a day goes by in my world that there isn’t some sort of get together and/or social event where alcohol is involved.

This past month was particularly brutal.  Let’s do some math.  I attended 22 different events.  I drank 119 club sodas with limes in ‘em.  I counted.  My friend Allison did some quick math and deduced I saved about 18,000 calories — give or take — in that allotted time.

Trainer Matt politely suggested I continue on into Sober October … 1) because I’m on a roll and 2) because it rhymed.  I politely declined.  I made my way to my favorite watering hole this evening and downed a couple Blueberry Cilantro Margaritas.  They were just as magically refreshing as I remembered.

Given that Sober September was practically preceded by Alcoholic August, I realize that moderation is paramount in my world.  Trust me when I say I will not be experiencing “Off The Rails” or “Out of My Ever-Lovin’ Mind” October.

If you haven’t tried not drinking for a month, give it a shot. It’s a friendly wake-up call to remind you that temperance is key.  Plus, your liver will thank you.  As I start drinking again, I reminded of that old saying … “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” So if you see me out, order whatever you want, the first (and only) round is on me.