by Michael Joseph

People either think I'm mad or that there's something seriously wrong with me when I tell them (reluctantly) that I choose to no longer drink alcohol, permanently and forever. No matter what!

It's amazing how defensive people get when all I'm simply saying is 'I' don't drink. It’s not a judgement on them.

Like many people, I thought I really enjoyed the odd glass of wine in the evenings. then it became every evening, then it became two instead of the 'just one' then it effected my health and moods.

Then I'd stop for a while, to have a break, only to return to a more troublesome habit. I would toast to a life that wasn't that great after all.

I decided that I would really look at the reasons why I drank in the first place. I became a 'conscious' drinker in that I would drink alone and focus on every sip, the taste and smell, and 'check in' to see how I actually felt when I did.

To my surprise and horror I discovered that drinking didn't actually 'relax' me at all! It actually made me feel more stimulated so I'd want to drink more! It didn't 'lubricate' or improve any social situation either, I was just more nervous and fuzzy but was too tipsy to see it. I thought I was more fun to be around...not according to my friends.

I felt like I'd been lied to - I'd been conning myself. So the decision to quit permanently was a no brainer and very easy to do. It wasn't a process but an event. There was no one-day-at-a-time just a big decision to never drink again.

What helped me was yoga. It was a nice distraction from the harmless little niggles and urges I would get, but this time I was in full control. Pranayama (breathing exercises) and gentle restorative yoga did the trick.

Not everyone needs to quit permanently but I believe it's just as valid an alternative as moderating. After all, we all know we can moderate but after one drink, who wants to?

It's been over six years now and I feel the best I've ever felt in my life.

I wish everyone could feel the same.

Michael Joseph is a Yoga Teacher, Massage Therapist and Chopra Trained Ayurvedic Teacher. He's been in town for ages and would love to help you feel lighter, more in control and excited by LIFE!