One “small thing”, at a time

Deciding to make changes in our drinking behaviour is no easy feat. It requires self-reflection, the courage to confront our habits and beliefs, and a deep understanding of the power that lies within that decision. Tracey's personal story provides a captivating glimpse into the transformative nature of this journey and the profound impact it can have on one’s life. 

As we venture down the path of change, we find comfort in the realisation that we are not alone. Tracey's story invites us into the inner workings of their mind, revealing that our thoughts and struggles are shared by others. It serves as a reminder that our individual experiences are part of a collective journey towards personal growth and transformation, connecting us in our quest for a more fulfilling life. 

With newfound clarity from being alcohol free and unwavering determination, Tracey fearlessly takes on more life adventures, demonstrating the power of taking on one "small thing" at a time. 

Two years ago, I had my "A-Ha" moment. It wasn't the first time, or even the second, but somehow, this decision was the one that stuck. I've been alcohol-free ever since, and my life has improved in every imaginable way. 

From an outsider's perspective, it may have seemed like I had it all together—I was married, had two incredible teenage children, owned a successful business, and lived in a charming Brisbane suburb. 

But the reality was far from ideal. I was unhappy, overweight, unfit, and struggling to get a good night's sleep. Each day, I battled with stress and burnout, and the highlight of my evenings became that drink in the late afternoon. 

My dependent relationship with alcohol had developed after the birth of my children, around sixteen years ago. What used to be a source of fun during nights out gradually turned into a daily self-gift for relaxation. Eventually, I found myself drinking every single day, and my world became incredibly narrow. 

Throughout my journey, I've learned invaluable lessons, and I'm eager to share them with you. 

Start with small things  

It isn’t possible to solve all of your problems at the same time. Break your problems down to a series of “small things”. Start with one of those small things. For me, the first thing I addressed was my alcohol intake. I didn’t worry about my poor diet, lack of fitness, or my unhappiness at work. I immersed myself in Quit Lit books, Podcasts and Social Media groups about sobriety. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that you are not alone. I was astonished at how many middle-aged mothers are fighting the same issues.  

When I was in the early stages of alcohol abstinence, I didn’t judge myself about other poor habits. I rewarded myself in other ways, including eating lots of sugary treats.  

Fitness makes you feel just as good as drinking alcohol!  

Once I had a few months of sobriety under my belt, I decided to address the next small thing in my life – my poor diet and lack of fitness. I decided to try an app called C25K (Couch to 5K). This app on your smartphone coaches you from walking to eventually running five kilometers without stopping. No matter what your situation in life, anyone can follow this program and start running. You can take as long as you need and repeat weeks when necessary. 

It felt amazing when I finished that program and was able to run this distance without stopping. It was challenging at the beginning, and I didn't enjoy any part of it other than the feeling I had at the end, when I was back at home and the activity was finished. 

It was an incredible feeling when I realized, after a few months of running, that exercise made me feel just as good, if not better than a few drinks each evening. Running has helped me with clarity of mind, feeling calm, provided energy throughout the day, and assisted me with continuous sleep at night  

Then the next small thing  

I had been very unhappy for a long time running my own business, but in the past, I wasn’t able to make a decision about how to change things. Amazingly after I became alcohol free and made fitness a priority, the decision to close my business seemed suddenly clear after years of indecision. I was able to work with a business partner to find my employees a new employer and clients a new service provider. I was also able to find a new career by approaching a related business I had worked with closely in the past.  

There will be more small things to deal with ...  

About a year after becoming alcohol free, I learned that I had breast cancer. Within just a few weeks, I had a breast mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I remember that time being one of gratefulness as I had a clear head to deal with the news and the subsequent treatment and surgeries. I was so lucky that I was able to fight cancer with a healthy body and mind. I can’t imagine dealing with that diagnosis if I was still drinking to deal with stress.  

Life is so much better now!  

My world has become so much brighter since I made the decision to go alcohol-free. Last weekend, I participated in a 25-kilometer running event in Noosa, and I didn't finish last! I'm currently training for a 30-kilometer ultra event in a few months. I've joined a running group and have made lovely new friends. 

I took an extended break between closing my business and starting my new career. I was lucky enough to leave my family for a nine-week vacation, and a large portion of that time away was spent living in France with a host family and attending a French immersion school. This had been a dream of mine for a long time, and I loved every minute of the experience. 

I wake up happy every day. I'm looking forward to the next phase of my life that focuses on my family, exercise, and sharing my experiences with others. 

It is never too late to reconsider your relationship with alcohol. My advice is to ask yourself, 'Is alcohol taking more than it is giving?' If the answer is yes, you know what you need to do. Give yourself this gift. You deserve it.