10 Years Alcohol-Free
Wow, 10 years.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to this milestone.
People have told me they’re inspired by my journey, so here it is.
Firstly, I didn’t get here alone. Jack Osbourne’s Adrenaline Junkie showed me alcohol wasn’t essential to have fun. Christian Guzman made fitness visible & attractive. Photographers like Jimmy Chin pushed me to explore outdoors.
And then there’s my best mate, Tom, who inspired me to step outside my comfort zone, and travel. That’s when everything changed.
In 2015, I went travelling and took on a one-year no-alcohol challenge. Not because I had to, because I wanted to. I’d been sober shamed on a night out and told I wouldn’t have fun in Australia if I didn’t drink. I wanted to prove you could.
My decision to stop drinking came from unwanted hangovers, and alcohol wasn’t compatible with fitness, or looking after myself.
Growing up, I was exposed to the mainstream MTV culture of “just drink” and don’t question it. But when I picked up a camera, I could see an alternative.
I also discovered bodybuilding, which made me want to cut back, and in the process, I realised that incremental progress was more rewarding than a quick fix.
Do I still struggle with healthier habits today? Yes. But not drinking has given me drive and self belief I didn’t have before. It helped fast track my confidence.
Could I drink now and moderate? Yes. But it’s about discipline, and the reminder I’m capable of staying committed to long term goals.
But there’s one challenge I still face today.
Stigma.
A decade in, and I still get asked ‘why’. I’ve faced criticism, overheard condescending comments like “here’s Mr I Don’t Drink,”. But I’ve always said it’s not about being better than anyone else ~ it’s about being a better version of me.
While it was rough first, I’ve learned to embrace stigma, because saying no is giving permission to others. Jack Osbourne was the social proof I needed, and I’m trying to do the same for others.
Looking back at my life when I drank, I felt unfulfilled. Most weekends were filled with hangxiety. It felt like a loop.
I wanted to change that, and I did.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Since quitting, I’ve set up my own creative business, founded Arclett, travelled, lived overseas, bought a house, and started a family.
In those 10 years, I’ve not spent over £50K on alcohol, avoided over 750 days of hangovers (over 2 years), and gained time. Time being present.
My life is 10-20% better than it was when I drank, because I have 10-20% more time, energy, motivation, and money.
Consistency is important. It’s why we try to go to the gym, consistently. It’s why I try to create a stable and consistent environment for my family.
Our daughter is growing up, fast, and I’m grateful I’m more present for her. Am I 100% present all the time? No. But I’m more present, and that makes a difference.
Being alcohol-free is a choice I’m proud of. And 10 years in, I continue to stand by it.
By sharing this, I hope to inspire others who face stigma, and feel stuck, like the younger me did.
