“I have experienced so many things AF” – Christi Cox

Tackling this alcohol-free challenge was a natural next step

It was part of my journey toward self-acceptance and self-care.Before going AF, life felt joyless. My days began in a fog and ended with the bottom of a wine bottle. My younger children didn’t know how much I drank — but they did know “Mommy loves her wine.” It became a family joke. It wasn’t funny anymore.

It was a culmination of events that led to my decision to go AF

I never thought of myself as a heavy drinker, but I loved being the life of the party. I hosted big, glamorous events centred on food and alcohol.Everything changed four years ago:

• A marriage-shaking argument with my husband — emotionally and physically unacceptable for us both.

• Months later, my best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Both of these events broke something open in me.

I felt like my world was collapsing

Losing her — my best friend and mother figure — shattered me.I cried every day.She passed 14 months after her diagnosis.

Soon after, my doubles partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer too.We lost her seven months later.

The grief, the stress, the fear — it all piled up.I ended up on antidepressants, medication for my colon, and ulcer treatments… and I still had children at home who needed me present.

With my husband’s full support, I went to therapy.

That decision may very well have saved my life

Over the following years, therapy helped me uncover and name the reasons behind my anxiety, insecurity and drinking patterns.

And then the deepest realisation surfaced:I had been carrying the shame of childhood sexual abuse — ignored, dismissed and covered up by my family for decades.

That shame was never mine to hold.

Letting go of it changed everything.

I am now 49 years old. I am a new person

I feel alive.I have hope. Faith, therapy, real friendships, and the unwavering support of my husband and children gently led me toward the decision to attempt an AF challenge when I saw OYNB appear on my Facebook feed.

I downloaded the book immediately and looked for a physical challenge — but my biggest challenge turned out to be emotional.

I learned to set boundaries with my parents.I found my voice.I spoke the truth:I did not own that shame. I was a child. I deserved protection.

I have experienced so many things AF

• My first group birthday party without drinking — normally I’d match my husband drink for drink.

• A going-away party where I brought wine but didn’t touch a drop. I even got to be the designated driver!

• My first AF Spring Break with my kids in years.

• A sense of freedom I didn’t know was possible.

I am truly living my best life now, and I intend to continue.

To date, I have lost 10lbs

My eyes and skin have never looked clearer.I have energy again.I’m baking thousands of cookies and cupcakes for my 11-year-old’s fundraiser — and I’m happy doing it.

I no longer use alcohol to smother my emotions.And antidepressants work so much better without wine in the mix.

I am content and alive

I’m committed to making amends where needed and maintaining strong, healthy boundaries moving forward.

I have a whole lifetime ahead — and I intend to make the absolute best of it.

Thank you for the encouragement, the OYNB book, and that one ad that stopped me in my tracks. My life is better because of it.

If you’re even considering an AF challenge, I hope my story nudges you forward. I’ve already shared this journey with so many — and I will continue to be an advocate for the alcohol-free life.