In 2014, during my military contract, I learned about Sober October, a 31-day challenge that originated in Australia in 2010 as "OcSober".

I didn't think that I had a problem with alcohol, I could stop using it anytime I like and decided to join the challenge... Honestly, it was harder than I thought it would be. Drinking is so heavily ingrained in our culture — it is everywhere! Mimosas at brunch, wine with dinner, beer in the evening, etc.

There's a book called "Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol" by Holly Whitaker (which in all honesty I have only skimmed but if you're interested you can read an excerpt here) which goes through the myths about drinking and shows how harmful it is on various levels.

Now, I've tried to include people in this challenge with me before, and usually, it has a low participation rate because the name "Sober October" scares the folks who don't want to give up alcohol, or at least not during a month with Oktober Fest AND Halloween! I see the "Are you crazy?!" glances 👀 But...

The reality is that sobriety goes beyond refraining from the use of alcohol or drugs.

The Addiction Group defines sobriety as referring to "people who have achieved and maintained a positive level of mental health." They also have a definition for emotional sobriety, as when someone is able to process and express their feelings in a healthy (or "positive") manner.

So let's back up... What I'm trying to say here is that alcohol isn't the problem, addiction is, and we can be addicted to anything. I actually really like the Wikipedia definition of addiction as "a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in certain behaviors, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences." I like this definition because it includes behaviors, which of course includes our habits.

My take on addiction is that it is a mental state of depletion, a distraction that has taken over and become compulsive... and it can totally be addressed with care, love, and attention so the individual can find relief and healing.

So, I invite you to Witch's Lent: You choose what you want to give up, cause it's my opinion that most people struggle with an addiction to something. The question is to what?

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Shopping
• Gambling
• Television
• Social Media
• Drama / toxic cycles
• Complaining
• Gossip
• Violence

Do you see what I'm saying? My desire is NOT to shame anyone or condemn any particular habit or substance, it's to encourage reflection on whether we are choosing them or if they are controlling us.

How Witch's Lent works:

1. Pick your poison (habit or substance) to give up for the month of October.
2. Sign up here to receive daily prompts & encouragement via email
3. Enjoy

Are you up for the challenge?

Join Witch's Lent!

Whatever your decision, I wish you many blessings on your path,
🧹 Julie

💜 Let's stay in touch!

IG - @seek.the.mountains
Learn more about working with me in a free introductory consultation.

Did you know? Nov 1st is the Olde Celtic New Year so it’s also an opportunity to start the New Year with a fresh slate. Not to mention that the change of season is a great time for resetting habits 😇