Just as busy as ever. The demands of daily life are many. What is different is the renewed energy I have to meet those demands. I read more in January than I usually do. I finished two books when often it's been difficult finishing one. All joking about illiteracy making it hard to read aside, my attention and ability to concentrate was sharper. I was more on point and, you know what, I like that feeling.
I was also very surprised and happy by the feedback I got from people who were following me on this journey. People I had never laid eyes on not only read but commented on my blog. That was probably the most gratifying part, that a wider audience was interested in what I had to say and were kind enough to share their experiences with me.
It is difficult to summarize exactly what I have learned into a nice, neat blog. Many lessons in life are not learned immediately and take time to develop, like a fine wine, perhaps. Sorry, couldn't resist the comparison. At the very least, I took myself out of the familiar and set out to find some possible insight. Good friends supported me on this journey. Of everyone who started this with me, Anna and Julia were the most consistent. I had many conversations with Anna about our improved sense of well-being and our greater sense of self.
Now as February begins to fade into March, I have reduced the frequency with which I imbibe. I want to continue the positive effects not drinking brought. And when I do choose to have a a glass of wine, I have a better sense of balance. A couple of parting thoughts, the first an oft-quoted doctrine attributed to Aristotle, among others: Seek moderation in all things.
The second comes from the less often-quoted American poet Ogden Nash: "Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker".
