Aside from my recent endo diagnosis, I’m celebrating two years alcohol free! I stopped drinking alcohol for no other reason than I didn’t like how it made me feel. I knew that it made me feel worse, a drained & inauthentic version of me. My health is already enough for me to manage, why add another element that could make it tougher for me to deal with? It wasn’t adding to my life, especially my health & I quit. It ended up being one of the best choices I’ve made to date. In the past two years I have learned how alcohol is so tremendously embedded into our social culture. To the point where people question what you’re drinking...like it’s their business anyway. And it’s not, the only persons business it is, is my own. I’ve participated in all of the social events I’ve wanted to, with a club soda & lime or gingerale in hand. As long as it wasn’t water, people typically left me alone. Interesting. And so, as I embark on my third year alcohol free, I’m here to listen and to chat with anyone thinking about it! And so, here is a poem about it, and my body, but mostly about the lessons I’ve learned the past two years. Dear body. Thank you, for showing me signs it was time to slow down. For letting me ignore the symptoms & still forgiving me. For making me conscious of what helps and hurts. For the patience you have had with me. For pushing me to new levels physically & mentally. For experiencing things clear minded & substance free. For helping me find time to finally rest. Xo, Me.