I can’t actually believe how little I miss alcohol in my life – Kay Lawrence

Everything in my life is so much better without alcohol

“Everything in my life is so much better without it and it’s such a joy to remember everything.”

Work hard, play hard: my Navy years

As a young woman in the Royal Navy in my late teens and early 20s, my philosophy was simple: work hard, play hard.

Time at sea could mean weeks or months away, so any time off became the perfect excuse to let loose. Drinking was central to that culture. I could go drink for drink with my male colleagues and was celebrated for it. Heavy drinking felt normal, expected, even admired.

Twenty years later: alcohol everywhere

Fast forward 20 years.

Drinking was still largely how I chose to spend my free time:

• Champagne brunches

• Boozy shopping trips

• Walks or runs that “just happened” to end at the pub

And at home it became even more ingrained:

• A glass or two of wine in the evening to unwind or while cooking

• A bottle or more on Friday because it’s Friday

• Beer and cider watching football on Saturday

• Gin with friends on Saturday night

• Sunday pub lunch to round it all off

My life wasn’t a disaster. But it also wasn’t really good. I felt like I was just treading water.

• I moved from one unhappy relationship to another

• I was in a job I didn’t enjoy

• I was struggling to make ends meet

• I had no real sense of purpose or motivation

Changing everything… except alcohol

In January 2020, something shifted.

I landed the job I’d always wanted and decided I was not going into another year the same way. I made big changes:

• I stopped eating meat

• I ended a pointless relationship

• I downsized my house

• I really upped my fitness

But even after all that, I still couldn’t shake the feeling of discontent.

Evenings still felt sad. I was lethargic and unmotivated. Deep down I knew there was one thing left I hadn’t touched yet: alcohol.

It was the thing I’d been toying with for ages — the almost unthinkable change.

Someone at work had told me about OYNB, so I knew I could sign up for a short period as a trial. Just 28 days… to see what would happen.

Starting the OYNB challenge

I signed up for the 28–day challenge, half curious and half terrified.

And then something unexpected happened:

• My mood improved quickly

• I started sleeping well

• A nagging pain in my lower back simply disappeared

• I began to find genuine happiness in things that had nothing to do with a bottle

So I kept going.

I’m now on day 135 of the 365–day challenge, and I’m not sure I can even put into words how different I feel compared to just five months ago.

135 days alcohol-free: how my life feels now

Today, I am:

• Happy

• Healthy

• Positive

• Clear headed

I’ve created new goals and a real sense of purpose, and I’m genuinely excited for the future.

People keep telling me how well I look:

• My skin is brighter

• My eyes are greener

• I’m comfortable going out without make-up

• I can take photos without a filter

• I’ve lost weight

• I have more energy than I’ve had in years

Most surprising of all? I can’t believe how little I miss alcohol.

I still do all the things I enjoy — brunches, socialising, days out — but:

• No dehydration

• No hangovers

• No missing pieces of the night

My friends can see that I’m still the life and soul of the party — I just don’t fall asleep or fall over anymore.

Finding my tribe

The OYNB Facebook group has been a constant source of support and inspiration.

• I’ve found my tribe in this community

• I look forward every morning to my daily email

• Those emails give me practical tools to keep making positive changes

The combination of guidance, accountability and genuine connection has been powerful.

I don’t see alcohol in my future

It was never my intention to stop drinking forever. At the start, it was just an experiment — a break.

But now? I genuinely believe I will never drink again.

Alcohol has been responsible for:

• Some very poor decisions

• More than a few bruises

• Years of feeling flat, tired and disconnected

Everything in my life is so much better without it. And it is such a joy to remember everything.

If you’re even vaguely curious about changing your relationship with alcohol, I’d absolutely recommend giving a challenge like this a try. You might be amazed at what’s waiting for you on the other side.