Its Ash Wednesday

My Drinking Habit

So some time last week I said to myself I was going to give up alcohol for a while. The reason behind this was many. As I've begun to TRY and look after my body and health in terms of my diet, Alcohol seemed to be the only thing I struggled to reduce in terms of intake. I was never the type to drink excessively however over the last month or so it seemed as though alcohol was becoming more visible in my life. Even to the point where the majority of my pictures that I post on Instgram showed be holding a drink or even hash tagging the fact that I was hanging from the night before.

Not to say there is anything wrong with having a drink or two, but for me to be drinking as much as I'm drinking now is a small cause for concern as I once depended on alcohol at a point in time. I was not an alcoholic but there was a particular time in my life where by I was extremely depressed (story for another day), I'm talking rock bottom and alcohol seemed to be the only way I could numb the pain. It wasn't until my trip to Nigeria over a year ago, where someone who knew nothing about me or my life, advised me to stay away from alcohol. It was the biggest wake up call, and upon returning back to the UK I stayed away from alcohol for a couple months and I became more spiritually at peace with myself and towards the people around me. I was able to go out and not drink at all. Then gradually I started to drink again (but in moderation).

The Girls Night Out

Back to today, as I said this weekend gone I should not have drank alcohol, but I won't lie I was weak and I just wanted to relax (LOL). I went on a girls night out in the city, at a bar located at the Hilton Hotel and as much as I left the house saying I won't drink I found myself doing so. I mean it was very hard, the drinks were free and I was surrounded with great company ;-). The funny thing is I did not even insist that I won't be drinking that night. I was poured a glass and I took it with NO hesitation (SMH). I hadn't even seriously told my friends that I was actually going to stop drinking, maybe because I myself was not ready to be serious.

The Morning After The Night Before

After yet another fun night out with my girls, reality started to sink in the morning after. Its a Sunday and I usually pay my Aunt and Uncle a visit, which I did. My Uncle is somewhat like a second Dad, the type to give me advise on every occasion I see him. And of course as predicted I'm getting the usual talk of 'I hope you've been applying for jobs, and so who is your male companion' etc. But the one conversation which stuck with me the most was 'Becky you need to start going to church'. 

The whole discussion truly touched my spirit. As I said, last week I wanted stop alcohol, not just as part of a healthier diet, but truth be told it was more of a spiritual journey which I wanted to embark on. I feel as though I need a spiritual cleanse and get rid of all things deemed negative which surround me in order for positive things to come my way. My Uncle will be the second person to tell me that there could be a spiritual reason behind me not getting the things I desire most especially within my career progression. Not saying that there is some kind of hex over me (God forbid) but that as a child of God, I should have a deeper and stronger relationship with him in order for every aspect of my life to be better. And it was at that moment that I could not have agreed with him more. 

I'm so grateful and thankful for the life in which God has blessed me with and its only right that I thank him daily as well as go to church and give him all the praise and gain more understanding of the Bible through preaching/sermons. I was born and raised as a Christian, and its the only faith I know and depend on, so there should be no reason why I should not continue to be doing so. I'm not saying I'm now holier than thou, I'm just trying to regain my relationship with God. With God is where I find peace and understanding in certain things and I only want to better my life, so why not start with my faith.

Ash Wednesday

And so today is Ash Wednesday. The first day of lent. What better way to start things off by giving up alcohol for lent. That's 40 days and 40 nights, I may even do this for even longer who knows.

Its true, I said it. From today I shall not take a single drop of alcohol, not even chocolate liqueurs  (LOL). I believe I'll take this very serious as its a spiritual journey I wish to start which will improve many areas of my life, and although I may struggle during some nights out with friends, I just need to remember why I'm doing this and I'm sure my friends will help and support me. With this journey I will also be attending church regularly, praying more than I already had been and reading the bible in order to get a better understanding of my faith.

Its just amazing how things work out, or who God can use to minister in ones life. There I was reflecting deep on my life and how I plan to make it better for myself, all in a few days before lent. Its just the perfect time and

reason for me to give up at least just one of the things that may be having an effect on my spiritual well being. Again I'm not knocking anyone that drinks, Its just for a person like me its something I feel I need to draw away from for as long as possible. I'm not sure how long for, but all I do know is its something in my heart I wish to do in order to get my mind, body and soul right. While some are giving up smoking, sweets or sex, I'm giving up alcohol :-) and I can't wait to see the results of what it will do not just for my body but my well being. To anyone else giving up something for lent I wish you luck ;-)

Please Note: Even though I won't be drinking alcohol does not mean i won't be going out and socializing. You can still invite me out I'll just be carrying a bottle of water everywhere I go *wink*  *woop woop*