I joined OYNB on the 28th August 2020 after a visit to see my son who was already a member. I have a sister-in-law in Australia who is also a member and I could see that they were both thriving and I wasn't.
Time for a change
There were a few reasons why alcohol was a part of my life, some big, some small and at age 57 it was time to make a change. Time to stop wasting my life with a drink in my hand and time to start actually living.
I hoped to get better sleep and maybe improvements in a joint issue I had. I loved the daily emails, the amazing support of the Facebook group and soon got into devouring QuitLit to educate myself and this shiny new lifestyle that is so full of possibilities, and I just kept going.
My experience going alcohol-free
I unfortunately haven’t experienced any weight loss yet, but my sleep has improved (I highly recommend reading Sleep by Nick Littlehales!), cured my anxiety, I seem to listen and enjoy music more now and my attitude is far more positive and optimistic.
I’ve also started training to be a coach now that my knowledge around wellbeing has developed so much, I want to do what I can to help others. I loved the energy of OYNB, the positivity and diversity of its members and yet we are all one. Working towards a better life the best way we can.
What's next?
I can't lie I do have the odd mental wobble and its always around just having one, in the sunshine, with friends or on date night, but then I play it forward. There’s no just one. I don't want to put a toxic substance in my body anymore. I value what I have now more.
An entrepreneur and former senior oil broker, Ruari gave up drinking after excessive consumption almost cost him his marriage, and worse, his life. Going alcohol-free improved his relationships, career and energy levels, leading to him founding OYNB to provide a support network for others.
