I like the taste of bourbon. I like the taste of beer. I like the social aspects of both. Over the last many years, I think I’ve acquired a taste for better bourbons, and have enjoyed them neat. The nose is appealing, as is the color, and the tingle on my tongue while sipping. My wife started enjoying whiskey with me, as something we would do together.
But the reality is that I’m getting older, and want to see my grandchildren grow up. I’m not in poor health, but I want to do everything I can to stay healthy. Drinking alcohol is optional, and About 3 months ago I decided to stop drinking alcohol, skip a solid breakfast, and exercise more — especially cardio.
I do feel better. Though I’ve not been particularly prone to being overweight, I had started getting a belly, which has reduced slightly of late. I feel like I can hike trails with more stamina. My body feels stronger. I sleep better.
While I think small amounts of alcohol are OK, I’ve decided to go all in with improving my health. I’m 56, and hopefully small lifestyle changes can let me live a more rich life, and a longer, more fruitful life. Will I ever drink again? I don’t know. But for now it’s a small sacrifice. My body is a temple of the Holy Ghost. I want to keep it both physically and spiritually clean.
4 Comments
Stay strong my Brother in Christ. I too gave up alcohol on April 29, 2026 because of a misinterpreted CT scan of my liver that concluded I had cirrhosis of the liver. I decided at that moment, that alcohol is not worth it for health concerns. Another test of my liver by a competent GI doctor revealed there was nothing wrong with my liver, no cirrhosis, no fibrosis, and no scarring; I decided since I’ve been sober this long, I’ll just continue. I’m thinking it was God’s wake up call for me to be able to watch my one and only Grandson grow up. Who knows?
So stay strong and may God Bless you and yours for your decision!
Shan, I am seven weeks off alcohol for the same reasons. I, too, really enjoy a great bourbon and, like you, my tastes have improved over the years. I am going to take one year off. From July 4, 2026, until July 4, 2027. I will reevaluate at that time. I think it is a great exercise in self-discipline, and I will look at my health markers again then. Once again, excellent blog post, and I also loved your post about Paul. We are currently studying Paul’s journey in our own church. Much love and respect.
Rich, thanks for sharing your experience! I agree with your point about self-discipline — I need more of it!
Clarence, thanks for sharing! I think that a scary diagnosis that turns out to be wrong is probably the strongest wake up call the Lord can provide. Not every blessing from the Lord is in the form of riches; it can also be things that we don’t like. I’m so thankful your second doctor revealed that you’re in good health, so now is a great opportunity to build on that, and (as you state) watch your grandson grow up, get married, and have kids of his own! Blessings!