I was never a during the week drinker – but soon as Friday came, I would get this feeling that I have completed the week and it was time to reward myself.
It was my time to wind down and relax as I was giving so much of myself to my clients, kids and work. Friday was the day I would let loose. I had a feeling I had to be somewhere, doing something, with anyone. The same Friday texts were sent saying “hi mate what are you up to what’s your plans tonight”, to multiple people, then I would choose the best option. Basically, just using people to get drunk with.
Before OYNB
I tended to binge, drinking to get drunk. This would give me horrible hangovers and leave me in bed for days, often sleeping the weekend away. I was missing out on time with my kids, leaving my wife to take them out on her own.
I had stopped drinking once before, for 8 months as I was training for a fight – so I know I can do it. But I snapped my knee ligaments which lead me back into drinking, and a lot more this time as I felt depressed from not being able to train.
Starting my OYNB journey
I was determined to stick to it this time. I was not expecting anything miraculous from joining the OYNB Alcohol-Free Challenge, but I was intrigued by all of the incredible success stories I had seen online so I signed myself up to motivate me to stay on track.
What I have learned over the course of my challenge was the ability to be comfortable at home on a Friday and not having to be anywhere else. I can be content, just sat on the sofa with my girls watching a movie or having pizza.
I have also lost over 20lbs in weight, train every day and don’t have the usual 3 day lull of getting over the weekend hangover. My memory and mental clarity have improved, and my focus is amazing. I have got things done that I have been talking about for years like building a games room and starting the extension for the house. I now football coach on a weekend too which is a responsibility I love.
OYNB really helped me to reach this place
I looked forward to the daily emails, to see what day I was on and what inspiring content they held. Whenever I felt myself wavering, I would read the success stories from other people on the page.
I now have a bar at home fully stocked which my friends are welcome to drink from and it doesn’t affect me one bit. I don’t even think about drinking anymore and I have set my sights on achieving the 365-day challenge milestone. I feel as though if I chose to drink again, I could do so in moderation, but for now, I have no interest in drinking again.
I have learnt so much from this process, and compared to before I started this is night and day. I don’t want to go back there so I will do everything I can to stay on this path.
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.
