Two Years Alcohol-Free: Why Quitting Was the Ultimate Gift to My 46-Year-Old Self

Two Years Alcohol-Free: Why Quitting Was the Ultimate Gift to My 46-Year-Old Self

Finished a 5k run on Playa Aveallnas, Costa Rica.

Exactly two years ago today, I sat in this same tropical paradise. The Costa Rican sun was dipping below the horizon, marking the final evening of our 2024 family spring break. But instead of the usual bittersweet end-of-vacation blues, I felt a heavy, physical exhaustion that had nothing to do with the sun or the sand.

After 12 days of vacation cocktails, wine with dinner, and "holiday cheers," I felt sluggish, bloated, and clouded by a persistent headache. On the evening of March 24, 2024, I looked at the drink menu and realized I didn't want to feel this way anymore. I didn't want to "earn" a hangover.

I asked for a Coke Zero instead of a cocktail. That was the night I quit alcohol for good, and I haven't looked back since.

The Turning Point at 40

To be clear: I never had what many would call a "difficult" relationship with alcohol. I wasn't someone who hit a "rock bottom." I was the woman who loved a crisp glass of wine to unwind after a long day or a whiskey diet while socializing with friends. I enjoyed it, and I didn't abuse it.

But then, 40 happened.

Suddenly, my body stopped playing along. The "bad baggage" of alcohol started arriving in heavy suitcases:

  • Persistent migraines that stole my mornings.

  • Brain fog that made running a business feel like wading through sludge.

  • Low energy that made keeping up with two hockey boys impossible.

I spent six months thinking about quitting, but I was terrified. Would I be the "boring" friend? Would people think I was anti-social? How would I survive the "Safety Meetings" with the other hockey parents?

I tried "Dry January" and "Sober February" in 2024. I made it two months, but as soon as we landed in Costa Rica for vacation, I told myself, "I'm on break. I deserve this." But after nearly two weeks of drinking again, I realized the "break" was actually breaking me.

Life at 46: Energized, Clear, and Present

Fast forward to today. I am 46 years old, a small business owner, and a busy hockey mom. The difference between the woman I was two years ago and the woman I am today is night and day.

The physical vitality is back. No more headaches or migraines; I wake up feeling energized and ready to get going. My brain feels sharp—that "fog" has lifted, allowing me to be more present for my family and more creative in my business.

Turning Passion into Purpose: Kota Botanics

My journey didn't just change my health; it changed my career. Realizing how hard it was to find sophisticated, delicious non-alcoholic options, I became devoted to building Kota Botanics into the #1 NA bottle shop in the FMWF area.

We now provide more delicious NA drinks for our customers than any other liquor store or grocery store. We even launched our own THC drink infuser line, ELEVĒ, for those looking for a different way to unwind without the hangover.

Navigating the "Drinking Crew": How to Stay Firm

The biggest hurdle for most people—including myself two years ago—is the social pressure. We worry about not "fitting in." Here is what I’ve learned from two years of navigating "Safety Meetings" and parties without touching a single ounce of alcohol:

  • Be Confident and Direct: You don’t need a long-winded excuse. A simple, "I'm not drinking tonight, I feel so much better without it," is usually enough. You’d be surprised how much people actually respect you when you stay firm and polite.

  • Don't Be Scared: Your presence is what people value, not the liquid in your glass. Most people are too worried about their own drink to care about yours.

  • Know Your True Friends: If someone is truly forcing you to drink or making you feel guilty for choosing your health, they aren't true friends anyway. It’s okay to just walk away from that energy. Real friends support your growth.

  • Bring Your Own "Magic": I always have a delicious NA option or an ELEVĒ infuser ready. When you have something great to sip on, you never feel like you're missing out.

If I Can Do It, You Can Too

As I watch the Costa Rican sunset one last time before heading home, I don’t feel like I’m leaving something behind—I feel like I’m taking everything with me. I’m taking my health, my clarity, and my pride.

Two years ago, I was afraid that quitting alcohol meant the end of the "fun version" of myself. Today, I know it was actually the beginning of the best version of myself. I didn't lose my social life; I gained a life I actually want to be present for.

If you are sitting where I was two years ago—feeling sluggish, tired of the hangovers, and wondering if there’s a better way—trust me: there is. It’s never too late to trade a temporary "buzz" for a permanent glow. If I can do it, you can do it as well.

Come visit us at Kota Botanics and let us help you find your new favorite pour. Whether it’s a craft NA beer, a sophisticated NA wine, or our ELEVĒ infusers, your future self is waiting to thank you.

Cheers to clarity, to health, and to the best decision I ever made.

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