I quit drinking and had a glimpse of paradise

Last Friday marked 90 days — and I started it with a 05:45 cycle.

OYNB Hero Story

Last Friday was day 90. I kicked it off with a 5:45 a.m. ride — an hour on the bike with a mate — then made it back in time for breakfast with my kids before heading to work with a spring in my step. This is my new routine a few times each week, and it still feels surreal. Before this challenge, I’d never even considered early morning cycles or weekday breakfasts with the family.

It sounds great — and it is great.The changes I’ve experienced over these 90 days are obvious, subtle, unexpected, predictable… all of it.

My wife has been unwavering in her support, and because I’m not drinking, she’s naturally drinking less too. Friends barely mention it anymore — sobriety has become my norm, exactly as it should be.

Was Your First 90 Days Difficult?

If I’m honest — and honesty is the default within the OYNB community — the 90 days weren’t as hard as I expected. I was determined, and I’d managed a 5–7 week break a few years ago.

When I commit to a challenge, I follow through.

The daily OYNB emails helped massively — practical mindset shifts, ways to break old cues (“I’ve had a terrible day, I deserve a beer…”), and strategies for rewiring habits.

My goal was simple: Complete 90 days and reset my relationship with alcohol.Meaning: be able to enjoy one or two beers socially, stop without struggle, and walk away feeling in control.

I wanted to find an off switch — something that had eluded me for 25 years.

Why Did You Take the OYNB Challenge?

Throughout the 90 days, my wife and I had honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about my drinking past — nights ruined, arguments sparked, people alienated because they knew exactly how I’d end up.

I wasn’t destructive in extreme ways — mostly very drunk, occasionally argumentative, a bit of an a**hole — but it’s exhausting for the people around you.

The hardest realization?I didn’t care enough at the time to stop repeating the pattern.

Facing that was necessary — a cleansing of sorts. Clearing old mental clutter and making room for better patterns.

Have You Seen Changes in Your Life?

The changes?Massive.

Last week I cycled 5 out of 7 days — something I’ve never come close to before. Suddenly I have the want, the drive, the energy. I’m preparing for a post-90-day challenge: a 160+ km ride in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

If I’m spending 6 hours in the saddle, I’m crossing the finish line — no question.

Sobriety has put me in a place I didn’t think I’d reach.

Will You Let Booze Back Into Your Life?

Soon we’re heading to Europe to visit friends — including my drinking partner of 25 years. I’ve thought about having a beer with him — one or two, no more.

Part of me believes I’m strong enough now.Another part says, “Don’t do it — look how far you’ve come.”

I’m not stressed about the decision. I’m aware of the pressure, but it’s positive pressure. The benefits have been huge. The transformation undeniable.

Whether I continue for another 90 days or allow myself a beer or two — I’ll make the choice from a place of clarity, not habit.

What a challenge — and what a reward

The last 90 days have been nothing short of life-changing.The momentum is real.The results are huge.And the community? Incredible.

Whether it’s 30 days, 90 days, 365 days, or a lifetime — if you’re thinking about it:

Just do it.

Massive thanks to the OYNB team and to everyone in this community who shows up every single day with courage and commitment.

Keep going — and good luck.