When I started this challenge I was asked why 90 days rather than Dry January. The answer - science!. Its proven that you need more than 30 days to completely break a strong habit (and boy was mine strong - honed over 36 years of committed alcohol consumption).  Like muscle memory, habit memory means you can go back to back to old ways without much effort.

Committing to a charity and sponsorship meant I had to stick at this for 90 days. Science told me it would be enough to do something tangible to the wiring in my brain, something I could take with me once it was over, and that made it more than just a masochistic exercise in self-denial.

Science told me what to expect and it hasn't failed me:

- My drinking buddies didn't abandon me, instead I've spent just as many fun filled days with you and I still remember them

-No Hangovers, being teetotal has been worth it just for that

-I don't feel hopeless anymore. That used to happen even on non-hangover days. Stopping drinking hasn't changed my life but its made it more vibrant, the colours are brighter, I feel more motivated and have much more positive attitude (despite Brexit!!). I sleep better, I've lost weight - hello dark recesses of a long abandoned wardrobe.

So thank you again for being part of my journey. Its been a helluva ride and once I'm so very glad I embarked on. What's next?! An even bigger challenge - MODERATION. That's for another blog :)

Special thanks go to Kim Perry - thank you for inspiring me and helping me to see the light.

Lisa xx