How One Simple Experiment Changed My Life!

Why I Stopped Drinking Alcohol (Even Though I Didn’t Plan To)

Five years ago, I didn’t set out to quit drinking alcohol forever—I just wanted to take a break for Lent without realizing how much I would appreciate the benefits of quitting alcohol. I heard a speaker, Annie Grace, at a photography convention talk about The Alcohol Experiment, a free 30-day challenge that helps people rethink their relationship with alcohol. She is a well-known author and speaker about alcohol.

She shared something that stuck with me:

• When people quit smoking, they’re praised for making a healthy choice.
• When people quit drinking, they’re often questioned or even criticized.

I am Catholic and had already planned on giving up alcohol for Lent, so I decided to incorporate her experiment along with it so I could learn more about the effects. My plan was to pick right back up as a social drinker after Lent was over. But after learning the facts she shared daily through her research, I never went back. The benefits of quitting alcohol for my health, longevity, clarity and spirituality far outweighed a temporary buzz for me.

The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol – 5 Years Alcohol-Free

At first, I thought I’d miss it. Instead, I gained so much more than I ever expected.

💡 More Energy & Mental Clarity

Not drinking has given me the energy to achieve everything I do today:

• Running The Studio at Cedar Hill (my photography business) https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-galleries-2
• Growing Cedar Hill Flower Farm https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-the-farm-flowers
• Leading the Sparks of Kindness worldwide movement https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-kindness-page
• Leading Sparking Georgia, a local kindness initiative
• Empowering tweens through photo experiences and workshops https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-tweens-events
• Developing courses to help other photographers empower young girls https://cedarhillstudios.com/sales-landing-page
• Hosting Restore to Soar women’s workshops https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-ladies-events

✨ Clearer Skin & Brighter Eyes

No more puffy eyes or swollen face. I look and feel so much healthier.

🚫 Reduced Cancer Risk

My mom battled three different types of cancer before the last one took her life. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, and cutting it out lowers the risk.

🔥 Less Inflammation & Pain

I have a connective tissue disorder, and alcohol increases inflammation. Without it, my body feels so much better.

🧠 No More Brain Fog

I think clearer, focus better, and feel sharper than ever.

The Social Struggle: When Not Drinking Makes You the “Weird One”

One of the hardest parts about giving up alcohol isn’t the act of quitting—it’s how others react:

• “Did you have a problem?” (No, I just wanted to feel better.)
• “Just have one drink!” (Why does it bother you that I don’t?)
• “You’re no fun anymore.” (I promise, I’m still fun!)

There are so many reasons people choose not to drink, and all of them are valid. I’ve been chastised, questioned, and pressured, but I’m standing strong. Today, I choose not to drink—and I am proud of it.

Want to Try It? No Pressure, Just an Experiment

If you’ve ever wondered what life would feel like without alcohol, I highly recommend trying The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace. It’s free, it’s just 30 days, and it gives you the facts so you can decide what’s best for you—whether that means cutting back, quitting, or going back to your normal routine.

No rules. No pressure. Just an experiment.

So here’s to 5 years alcohol-free—cheers! 🥂 (With sparkling water, of course!)

Of course, this is just my opinion and I am not being sponsored by her as it is a free program. You can reach out to me with questions or get more information here: https://thisnakedmind.com/blog-the-alcohol-experiment/

📸 Photos by Laurel Danley of Pixel Studios and Crystal Marsh Photography