My entire mindset has shifted – Julie Dawson

OYNB is the best: how 80 alcohol-free days changed my life

I joined OYNB two years ago after one of those Sunday afternoons out with friends that went way too far.

The build-up was as intoxicating as the day itself — I was out with girlfriends, having an amazing time, convinced I was making new friends and being the fun, charismatic centre of attention.

The morning after reality check

The next day told a very different story.

I didn’t remember most of the afternoon or evening.I hadn’t made new friends at all — I’d forced myself onto people who’d simply wanted a quiet Sunday drink.

Instead of confidence, I was left with:

• embarrassment

• anxiety about what I’d said or done

• dread while checking my phone for silly texts

• and a brutal hangover

Around this time, a friend had mentioned OYNB, and I’d seen adverts showing how people had transformed their lives just by taking a break from alcohol.

I started to wonder: could I do this too?

My early attempts to go alcohol-free

I signed up for the 28-Day Challenge.

I wasn’t a daily drinker. I was a weekend drinker — except my weekends started on Thursday night and didn’t end until Sunday afternoon.

After 28 days AF:

• I felt great

• I loved the experience

…but I went straight back to my old patterns.

Over time I did several more AF stretches — 70 days, 90 days, and other stints — but every time I “finished,” I slid back into drinking the way I always had.

Something was missing.

This time, something is different

Now I’m on Day 80, and it feels completely different.

I’ve had a real mindset shift:

I don’t want to drink.

What changed?

• I read every single email from the OYNB team

• I got actively involved in the OYNB Facebook group

• I took on board the advice and support from other members

• I read all the quit lit recommended in the community

• I booked a challenge (a 3-hour paddleboard lesson) — and loved it so much I bought my own paddleboard with the money I’ve saved from not drinking

This time, I’m not just “doing a challenge”.I’m building a different life.

What the last 80 days have given me

In just 80 days alcohol-free, I have:

• got up early to watch the sunrise

• done a charity run at the crack of dawn

• learned how to paddleboard (and made it part of my life)

• spent more present, meaningful time with my children and husband

• got far more out of my exercise

• slept better and deeper

• seen my skin improve

• lost half a stone

• made new friends through OYNB

• felt my confidence grow

Just as important are the things I haven’t experienced in these 80 days:

• no 3am wake-ups with a pounding heart

• no blackouts

• no being sick from too much alcohol

• no shame or embarrassment about my behaviour

• no panic attacks

• no phoning in sick because of a hangover

• no fallouts caused by my drunk, obnoxious attitude

Looking ahead: 365 days and beyond

I’m committed to continuing this journey to 365 days alcohol-free.

I’m excited about:

• holidays without hangovers

• enjoying trips and events fully present

• not watching my anxiety creep back in

• staying off the “slippery booze-filled slope” for good

I’ve seen enough to know this is the path I want to stay on.

Final thoughts

OYNB is the best. I would not hesitate to recommend OYNB to anyone and everyone.

I know that if I struggle, there’s always someone there:

• the OYNB team via email

• or the Facebook group, ready with support, advice and encouragement

I’m 80 days in, and my only regret is not starting sooner.