With today being Ash Wednesday, I’ve been thinking about Lent and the idea of sacrifice. This year, I decided to give up alcohol. At first, I didn’t think it would feel like a real sacrifice. I don’t drink every day and I’m not reckless. But as the weeks go on, I’ve realized it touches every part of my life. Happy hours at work, brunch with friends, family celebrations, even casual nights at home. Alcohol shows up everywhere, and giving it up forces me to look at how it’s woven into my routines and habits.

This choice isn’t just about observing Lent. It’s about stepping back and examining my relationship with alcohol. Over the years, I’ve relied on it a little too much as a crutch in social situations or a way to unwind after a long day. I don’t feel shame for that, but I know it’s time for a change. And I’ve been avoiding that realization for a while.

Even though I wasn’t sure what this would feel like at first, I’m already noticing shifts. Not drinking for 40 days is not just about skipping a drink. It is about creating space for clarity, focus, and intentionality. It is about seeing my life without the haze of alcohol and noticing patterns I might have ignored before. There are obvious benefits too. Better sleep, clearer skin, more energy, improved focus, and I’m aware that alcoholism runs in my family, so this choice feels even more intentional.

I know it will not be effortless. There will be moments at work happy hours, weekends with friends, or a quiet night at home where I crave that familiar ritual of a drink. But that tension is part of the point. Sacrifice is not easy, and real growth does not come from comfort.

So here is to 40 days of paying attention, showing up fully, and seeing what life feels like on the other side of alcohol. Maybe in 40 days this will be the start of a new chapter. Maybe the end of Lent will be the last time I drink for good. How wild would that feel?

And if you are on a similar path, whether it is cutting back, going alcohol-free, or just trying something new, know that I am rooting for you. This season is about reflection, discipline, and growth, and we are all figuring it out together.