I don’t drink as much as I used to. Not because of some grand decision or a health scare, but because over time, I realized something: Less feels better. Really.
Now, when I do pour a drink, it feels like a treat, not a habit. And honestly? I think I’m better off for it. I know my doctors think so.
That’s why this Dry January movement fascinates me. It’s not just about giving up alcohol—it’s about rethinking the role it plays in our lives. This year, 22% of adults are going dry for the month, and most are going all-in, not planning on pour a pint soon. It’s not punishment. It’s perspective.
Drinking used to be the default in social settings. A bar, a toast, a happy hour and I’ve had plenty — too much at times — and that was expected. Now, not as much. The culture is shifting. At least in my world.
Non-alcoholic options are everywhere now, and the stigma of saying “no thanks” is melting away. It’s not about abstinence for everyone; it’s about balance, about letting a drink feel special again.
Still, I wonder: Will February undo the progress of January? Is it like those gyms we rush to in around New Years and ghost by March?
For me, drinking less has meant feeling more—more present, more awake, more in control. All things I think I benefit from.
What about you? Do you feel better with less? Is Dry January just a trend, or a sign that we’re redefining our relationship with alcohol? And how would you describe your relationship with booze.
Let me know your thoughts and support my work at jamesbrowntv.substack.com. On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.
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