Happy Easter, Meghann Thorp reflects upon her time without alcohol.
Day 42 – Nearly there
This is scary. In less than a week I’ll be able to drink again. After six and a half weeks without a single drop, I’m going to feel like a whole bottle has been consumed bottle rather than a glass. The term lightweight comes to mind. Maybe I should take my next drunken night out a bit slower than I originally anticipated.
Day 43 – London trip
With my Kath Kidson bag packed ready for a weekend trip to London, I couldn’t help but think at the end of this short holiday, the alcohol cupboard at my dad’s house would be raided once more. It would be great to take advantage of good quality drink again. We’ll have more of the Smirnoff next week and less of the Bargain Booze vodka bottles.
Day 44 – Busy bee in the Capital
Living in the heart of Cheshire for the past 16 years, there have been limited opportunities to take a trip to the capital. Shopping in the most amazing Topshop, exploring Camden town, sight seeing and a boat trip down the river Thames is more than enough to keep my mind on track for accomplishing 45 days and nights without alcohol. Even refusing a glass of wine at a Chinese restaurant seemed like a breeze in the park.
Day 45 – Does it end today?
Sat for a family meal at Zizi’s in St Albans there was only one question on my mind. Does lent officially end today or tomorrow? For somebody who has spent the past six weeks sober you’d think I’d have a clear understanding where the finish line was. Well you’re wrong.
“Go on have a glass of wine,” my mum said from across the table.
There was no way I was going to come this far and have the slight possibility that this could all be a waste of time. We all knew I had mastered the art of determination.
So without a thought I replied: “No thanks,” with a rather large smug look plastered across my face. Only one more night. That’s not long at all.
Easter Sunday – The happy ending
“I’ll have a glass of rose please.” This was a big moment, over six weeks of being sober has just passed and I just bought my first drop of alcohol. London was pricy – nearly £4 for a small glass. On the bright side the barman didn’t ask for ID and it tasted absolutely delicious.
At long last, the official lent was over. All those weeks of determination have come to an end. No longer will I be the girl who orders a diet coke on a night out, or the student who spends most of her evenings at the cinema with a pick and mix. Yes there are so many benefits to the t total lifestyle, a prosperous bank balance, normal sleeping patterns and more importantly a healthy body. But I’ve learnt how to be responsible along the way. A few glasses of vodka and coke isn’t going to hurt anyone. It’s when the whole bottle has vanished that there is a problem.
If giving up alcohol for lent has meant I won’t ever have to resort to calling alcoholics anonymous then that’s most definitely a triumph.
Indeed alcohol is not the key to happiness. But on my journey this year, I’ve realised it sure does help to have a little.
Meghann Thorp
Yay! Well done Meghann! Looking forward to our refresher cocktails in CoCo Tang! Megan xx