July 13, 2026
Reader,
Today is my birthday - or like I enjoy saying - I'm now on level 58!
As I was thinking about another trip around the sun, I realized something, this is my seventh birthday celebrated alcohol-free.
Seven birthdays where I woke up feeling grateful instead of groggy.
Seven birthdays where I was fully present.
Seven birthdays where I didn't need a glass of wine to make the day feel special.
And honestly?
I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Birthdays used to feel like one of those occasions where drinking was just expected—a celebration, a reward, a tradition. Looking back now, I can see how alcohol had woven itself into so many moments where I believed it belonged.
But over these past seven years, I've learned that the joy was never in the wine.The joy was always in the life God had given me.
As I reflected on these seven alcohol-free birthdays, I also thought about something else.
Not only was I emotionally healing... my body was too.
God designed our bodies with an incredible ability to heal when we stop poisoning them. Healing doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.
Here's what these years have looked like for me.
Year One: Learning to Celebrate Differently
My first birthday without alcohol felt awkward and honestly, a scary and awkward.
I was learning that celebration didn't have to come from a bottle. It could come from gratitude, family, laughter, good food, and simply being present.
It wasn't easy. I was trying all the things but still felt a little lost at times.
At the same time, my body had already begun healing.
Within weeks of quitting, the sleep I was getting became deeper (sleep took time for me). My resting heart rate improved. My blood pressure stabilized. My liver immediately began repairing itself. My brain started creating new neural pathways through neuroplasticity, helping me learn healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions.
I didn't realize it then, but healing starts quickly.
Year Two: Trusting the Process
By my second alcohol-free birthday, life felt lighter, although there were still moments that felt awkward.
The constant mental tug-of-war about drinking had quieted. I was sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and beginning to trust that I really could live this way.
I was still worried at times about what other people thought.
What if they assumed I had a drinking problem?
Ironically, I discovered that most people weren't thinking about me nearly as much as I imagined.
Physically, my body continued to recover. My immune system felt stronger. My energy improved. My hormones became more balanced. My workouts became more productive because my body was finally recovering instead of constantly repairing alcohol-related inflammation.
I wasn't just surviving.
I was beginning to thrive.
And this was the year I started helping others find freedom too.
Year Three: Discovering Real Freedom
Somewhere along the way, something shifted.
I stopped feeling like I was giving something up and started realizing everything I had gained.
Peace.
Clarity.
Confidence.
Connection with God.
I had truly stepped into being a non-drinker.
By now, my brain had rewired many of the old habit loops that once convinced me alcohol was the answer. Cravings became fewer and farther between. My memory was sharper. My concentration continued to improve. I felt emotionally steadier than I had in years.
Year Four: Healing Beyond the Habit
I realized quitting alcohol was never just about alcohol.
It was about allowing God to heal the places I had been trying to numb.
Instead of escaping uncomfortable emotions, I had learned to truly bring them to Him.
That changed everything. You see this is a process! Not 30 or 60 days and your fixed.
My body continued healing in ways I couldn't see. My risk for alcohol-related diseases continued to decline. My bones, muscles, heart, liver, and brain all benefited from every alcohol-free day. Chronic inflammation continued to decrease, giving my body the opportunity to repair itself instead of constantly fighting a toxin.
Year Five: Living With Purpose
By now, God had turned my greatest struggle into part of my calling.
What once brought shame became the very story He now uses to encourage others.
Watching clients experience freedom has become one of the greatest privileges of my life.
I also noticed something else.
I wasn't just healthier.
I looked healthier.
My eyes were brighter.
My skin looked better.
I had more energy.
I laughed more.
I genuinely enjoyed life without wondering when I could have my next drink.
Year Six: Walking in Gratitude
This past year reminded me that freedom isn't something I achieved.
It's a gift I've been entrusted with.
Every alcohol-free morning...
Every clear conversation...
Every peaceful evening...
Every genuine celebration...
They are all gifts.
My body continues to thank me every single day. Every year alcohol-free lowers my risk for several cancers, including breast cancer, improves my long-term brain health, protects my bones as I age, and gives me the opportunity to enjoy the years God has given me with greater strength and vitality.
Year Seven: Acceptance
Today, I celebrate another birthday alcohol free.
I celebrate not having a perfect life. Every day isn't easy.
But because I know, without a doubt, that alcohol was and now is not an answer for me and I DON'T feel deprived without it!
I've learned that God meets me in both the celebrations and the struggles.
I've learned that my brain is capable of healing. Through neuroplasticity, every healthy choice strengthens new pathways while old drinking habits continue to fade. God truly designed our brains with an incredible capacity to renew.
I've learned that peace isn't found in a glass.
It's found in His presence.
As I celebrate another birthday, I won't be wishing for a different life.
I'll simply be thanking God for this one and for seven birthdays fully present.
Seven birthdays remembered.
Seven birthdays filled with genuine joy.
If you're reading this and wondering if your body or your life could heal too, I want to encourage you.
It can and will be.
And you have to remember one day becomes one week.
One week becomes one month.
One month becomes one year.
And before you know it, you'll look back and realize God has been healing far more than your relationship with alcohol.
He's been healing you.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." — John 8:36
Happy birthday to me and thank You, Lord, for seven beautiful birthdays
Peace & Joy,
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For more tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram @joyontheothersideofalcohol.
