Reflecting on Dry January: My Journey and What I’ve Gained
Dry January 2025 marks my fourth year of participating, and my second time successfully. I still vividly remember first encountering the words “Dry January” on social media back in December of 2020. At the time, I was an avid craft beer enthusiast, and home brewer, just that December, I gave my friends and family an oak aged raspberry stout.
That year, when the world came to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic, everything shifted. Social distancing became the norm, celebrities were awkwardly trying to make us smile through cringey videos, and people started picking up new hobbies, like baking sourdough. For me, I threw myself into homebrewing beer. I had just won a bronze medal for my “Pecan Porter” and was determined to hone my brewing skills. I increased my brewing capacity, and before long, I was making beer on a regular basis.
Then, as December 2021 rolled around, I decided to give Dry January a try. I bought some non-alcoholic beer, motivated and determined. But by day 3, I found myself justifying my decision to give in.
"Who cares about ‘Dry January’? I don’t have a problem with drinking. I’m just taking the edge off."
But deep down, there was a flicker of fear. I knew something wasn’t right, but I continued to justify it, creating rules and tests to “prove” I didn’t have a problem. If you’ve ever struggled with addiction—whether it’s alcohol, food, or any other vice. You understand this inner conflict.
The thing that you’re convinced is "taking the edge off" is actually the source of that very "edge." You start getting anxious and scared about not having it… you start to make the realization. It’s the reason you are unsettled in the first place. You know the thing you’re so afraid of losing is the thing that’s hurting you.
That first Dry January didn’t work for me. I lasted all of three days.
Fast forward to January 3, 2025. As I sit here, watching the sunrise and reflecting on my relationship with alcohol. I wanted to share a bit of my reflections on my experiences with alcohol from the edges of alcoholism. I never had the stereotypical “rock bottom”. So I could and did continuously justify my drinking.
I never was drinking in necessary excess, I had the place of mind to be aware. I never drank during work, I would relish in going for beers with friends. But I realized I was depending on it, I couldn’t make it through a social gathering without it. So when I was depending on it, I was solely focused on what I was “giving up,” when I tried Dry January in 2021, all I focused on was what I was "giving up." Fear gripped me, and it clouded my perspective.
But today, I see Dry January differently. Here are six things that have blossomed in my life since I decided to give up drinking:
1. Spiritual Healing and Self-Awareness
Healing is often touted as a buzzword these days, but the reality is, if you’re constantly numbing yourself—whether through alcohol or anything else—you’re shoving all of your pain, regrets, and unresolved emotions into the closet. And guess what? They don’t disappear. They stay there, locked away, only to pop up when least expected.
Giving up alcohol felt like finally opening the closet doors. The “stuff” that had been pushed aside for years bubbled up, and while it was challenging, the process was transformative. I started dealing with life’s wrinkles, the fears about the future, the regrets about the past—and it was worth every uncomfortable moment.
2. Physical Benefits
Aside from the spiritual and emotional benefits, I noticed physical changes. I stopped consuming empty calories and junk food associated with drinking, and I became consistent in my health and wellness goals. I now have a much more mindful and conscious understanding of all things I take into my body. Alcohol, as we now know, has no safe level of consumption, and cutting it out allowed me to focus on real nutrition and physical well-being.
3. A Deep Sense of Meaning
With newfound clarity, my life began to feel incredibly meaningful. I started appreciating the little things that once seemed mundane:
Waking up to a fresh pot of coffee and feeling grateful for my health.
Watching the sunrise over snow-capped mountains, bathed in golden hues.
Hearing my daughter’s sweet voice as she colors a homemade kite at the kitchen table while softly singing “Defying Gravity.”
The smell of sage and pine as I hike through the slickrock canyons of Southern Utah.
Spending time with loved ones and truly appreciating the connection.
4. A New, Powerful Positivity
I began to notice how alcohol had distorted my relationships and experiences. The common cycle of after-work drinks leading into a night of overindulgence and regret became glaringly clear. Friday’s “casual” drinks turned into Saturday’s hangover, Sunday anxiety, and Monday's embarrassment. It felt like I was just waiting for the next weekend to unwind, caught in a cycle of negative habits.
Now, I wake up every day with a sense of purpose, seeing each day as an opportunity for growth, connection, and productivity. I don’t need the "weekend escape" anymore. I’m no longer focused on surviving the week just to get to the next drink.
5. The Power of Facing My Vices
There is something profound in looking your vices in the eye and asking if they serve you. Whether it’s alcohol, social media, sugar, or any other addictive behavior, confronting it head-on is a deeply personal journey. I know now that, for me, Dry January isn’t just about giving up something—it’s about what I’m gaining in return. It’s about seeing how much more I’m capable of when I’m not weighed down by unhealthy attachments.
6. Channel that energy into something more
Quitting drinking wasn’t just about stopping a habit—it was about reclaiming my energy and rediscovering my potential. As I moved forward on my journey, I realized how much more I was capable of when I wasn't weighed down by alcohol. It was during this period of transformation that I found the inspiration to create something that feels like it came from my soul, and something I truly believe can help others—Bodhi Bubbles.
Born from a desire to offer a healthier, alcohol-free alternative, Bodhi Bubbles is more than just a drink; it's a reflection of the balance and peace I found in my own life. With its blend of calming and uplifting adaptogens, nootropics, and fruit juice. It's a refreshing way to stay focused, relaxed, and mood boosted—without the downsides of alcohol. I’m proud to share Bodhi Bubbles with others on their journey, offering them a taste of bliss, clarity, and the empowerment that comes from making choices that serve your highest self.
So, to anyone considering Dry January, or any form of self-reflection, don’t think of it as an effort to give up. Think of it as an opportunity to see what unfolds for you. There’s an entire world of possibilities waiting on the other side, and it’s yours to discover. Whether it’s alcohol or something else, I encourage you to take a moment, ask yourself, "Is this serving me?" and see where it takes you.