Day 54: The Dragon Boats

We agreed today that this vacation has seemed longer thanall the week-long ones we’ve taken in the past. Probably because we can remember all of it.

That’s funny, but real true.

We headed to a beach on a lake today only to make a quick reversal after it was packed with Dragon Boat racers.  Yes, that’s a real thing.  It was okay though, we had a lovely day at the pool.

While this vacation has been amazing on many levels, it has also proven to be my biggest non-drinking challenge yet.  I have come up against some pretty deep-seeded emotional triggers that have forced me to take a good long look at my boundaries, or lack thereof.

I think it’s enough to say that so that I am reminded when I come back to read this and that I still stay respectful to the people love.  Sorry to be cryptic.

We all have things that trigger emotions that seem insurmountable; I am no exception.  And while I have dealt with these things many, many times before, and not very well, I think I have come to a point where I must set some boundaries around my values and the things I believe in.

I was meant to come up against those dragon boats today.

Time to slay.

The hardest part of my first alcohol-free holidays wasn’t always the party. It was all the thinking about the party. Here’s what helped me navigate holiday traditions, awkward questions, social events and celebrations without drinking.

The holidays are magical, but they can also be a lot—family stress, packed schedules, and endless pressure to “just have one.” If you’re sober curious, this season might feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to.

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