Retired on 12/31, so I’m at 79 days. Over the 25 years I was in active drinking service, I probably averaged 3+ beers about 3 times a week. So, it wasn’t totally debilitating but certainly I did some regretful things and generally wasted a ton of time.
A few years ago I noticed I would get drunker quicker than expected, so I had to start monitoring a little more. This eventually just became the moderation game we hear about - 1 beer wasn’t satisfying but eventually even 2 beers were enough to fuck up my sleep.
I just finally figured I’m done feeling like crap. Well, I still feel like crap but at least I’m not making it 10 times harder on myself by drinking.
Each day I think about it a little less. Really hoping I get to the other sober thing I hear about - feeling genuine joy again! I do find myself thinking and exploring hobbies I dropped in high school when booze took over. It’s fun to get to know myself again. IWNDWYT ❤️