100 Days Without Alcohol: What I Learned, What I Healed, and Why I Might Keep Going

I never thought I'd be the girl talking about sobriety on a blog. But here we are. April 30th marks 100 days since I decided to take a break from alcohol—not because I had a problem with it, but because I wanted clarity, focus, and a challenge to test my discipline.

I wanted to build my business with a clear mind, not clouded by weekend wine or social spritzes. I wanted to feel everything, good and bad, instead of numbing it or pushing it down. And wow—what I learned surprised me.

Growing Up Around Addiction

Addiction runs through my family like an inherited curse. Alcohol and drugs weren’t just present—they were part of the environment. When you grow up around that, it becomes normalized. You learn to tiptoe, laugh it off, or just survive it.

It wasn’t until I was older that I realized just how much I internalized. And even though I never went down that same path, I still carried the effects—especially in how I used alcohol to self-soothe, celebrate, or fit in.

Our Culture's Love Affair With Alcohol

Let’s talk about how drinking has become the main character in most of our social lives. Happy hour? Drinks. First date? Drinks. Celebrating something? You better toast it. Having a bad day? Pour it up.

And if you say you’re not drinking? People act like you just gave up birthdays and pizza forever—total confusion. Or worse… they try to talk you into it. Not because they need you to drink, but because it makes them feel better about choosing to feel like crap tomorrow. People don’t like to drink alone, and your "no thanks" can make them feel a little too seen.

Why I Took the Break

I wanted to prove something to myself. Could I be fully present without reaching for a glass to take the edge off? Could I sit with discomfort and not mask it? Could I still have fun?

I couldn’t keep wasting hours in the gym just to undo it with alcohol. It drained my energy, left me sluggish, and slowed my metabolism—btw, alcohol can slow your metabolism for up to 3 days. THREE. While I was trying to build muscle and stay sharp, my body was busy detoxing wine instead.

I wanted to feel strong. I wanted to feel me. And I wanted to know what it felt like to have full access to my thoughts, my creativity, my body, and my spirit.

What I Noticed (Spoiler: A Lot)

Social settings felt weird at first. Like, what do I even do with my hands if I’m not holding a glass of wine? But I quickly realized how much we use alcohol as a social crutch. Once I got past that awkward phase, I started to connect with people in a more meaningful way.

I brought mocktails to events and honestly? Most people didn’t notice—or they respected it. Some even admired it. Turns out, confidence in your choices is contagious.

Physically, I had more energy. My skin looked better. My sleep was deeper. My brain was clearer. I wasn’t retaining water like I used to, and I could feel the difference during my workouts. Mentally? I just felt more me.

Inspired By Recovery

And that brings me to my little brother.

Three years ago, he committed to recovery. He’s battled drug addiction for most of his life. He grew up in the system—foster care, no guidance, no real role models. Just a bunch of bored kids trying to survive.

That followed him into adulthood. He was homeless. He almost died several times. He lost so much. But at 29, from a jail cell, he made a decision: I can’t do this anymore. And he didn’t just say it—he meant it.

Almost three years in, he’s building a life I am so proud of. He inspires me every single day. In fact, he inspired me to take this break.

And I can’t leave out another friend—the one responsible for about 98% of the ink on my body. I started my 100-day journey on his 100th day of sobriety. We didn’t plan it, but the alignment felt like a little wink from the universe.

What’s Next?

So… am I going to keep going?

Honestly? I’m not sure. I don’t feel called to drink right now, but I’m also not putting a label on it. I still enjoy a glass of wine on date night or a spritz on a sunny Sunday. But what’s changed is how often and why.

The brain fog, the fatigue, the inflammation? It’s just not worth it. I don’t need alcohol to celebrate, connect, or relax. I can do all that—and more—on my own terms now.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t about becoming someone new. It was about remembering who I am underneath the habits. And the clarity I gained in these 100 days? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

If you’re thinking about taking a break, just know—you don’t need a rock bottom moment to start. Curiosity is enough.

Here’s to being present, to choosing yourself, and to breaking cycles—one clear day at a time.