Hey everyone! I’m Mara, Content & Community Manager here at Raising the Bar. Last year, I wrote a personal blog for RTB about why I love Dry January as someone who didn’t completely eliminate alcohol from my life. I wrote about what it does for me, why it works, what it’s taught me, and the aspects I like to carry into the rest of the year. You can read it here.
This year, I’m approaching Dry January not as someone who moderates, but as someone who has stopped drinking alcohol entirely. December 31st will mark nine months exactly, which in itself means so much to me. I had chosen the start date at random, simply because at that moment I felt ready to explore sobriety. Curiosity drove me to poorly moderate, but a genuine desire to see what life could feel like without alcohol drove me to being entirely alc-free. With nine months behind me, the timing of December 31 - literally the day before a new year begins feels really nice.
As I reflect on the last nine months and the year that led me here, I keep thinking about how relevant and instrumental the four pillars of “why” were and how much they still guide me as I continue to define what a better life looks like for me.
There were many reasons I considered no longer accepting alcohol in my life. While I didn’t drink every day, I noticed I was leaning on it during moments of struggle, often influenced by seeing people I love aggressively do that very same thing. Recognizing how unhealthy that cycle was, I decided I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.
When I first removed alcohol, I told myself it was just day to day. I’m just doing it today, who knows? I reminded myself. I’ll want a glass of wine on a terrace this summer. I’ll want mulled wine at the cottage. Day to day turned into months, and months turned into no longer craving those things. I realized that I valued how good I felt over these imaginary, fleeting moments. The only hesitation I had before fully committing was the fear of missing spontaneous moments. But not only have I maintained spontaneity, I’ve done it while honoring those very same pillars I wrote about last year. Taking it day by day now comes with confidence, and I feel increasingly distant from the reasons I once missed alcohol so much.
After the second or third month, I wrote two lists: what I like about life without alcohol, and what I like about life with it. So much of what came up connected back to the original reasons I shared last year.
So, let’s revisit them.
Financial reset remains a strong motivator. Not drinking and not spending money on blurry nights allowed me to be honest about my financial goals and build a plan that felt achievable. It also gave me space to step back and truly enjoy the money I work so hard for.
Personal growth has been profound. Knowing alcohol isn’t part of my plan allowed me to listen to my body more and stop compromising on what feels good in the moment. As time passed, I researched more about alcohol and its effects, which strengthened my resolve and made me less inclined to have it take up space in my life that I work so hard for. Recovery days are now for life itself, not for hangovers. My social life feels more meaningful, and my relationships feel grounded, supported, and safe.
Wellness and mental clarity were huge. I started prioritizing moving my body over late nights, cooking and nourishing myself at home, and dedicating time to personal projects. I fell in love with simple routines. I have found so much comfort in what I once thought was boring. Fully feeling every thought and emotion is difficult but incredibly informative, and I can’t compromise that anymore.
Redefining celebration is my final pillar. I still celebrate, but it looks different now, and I love it. I feel incredibly lucky to have friends who are open to exploring what celebration without alcohol can look like together. Many of them still moderate or drink, and we respect each other’s boundaries. At the end of the day, we just want to spend time together, regardless of what is in our glass. Thank you to my friends. I love you so much.
I sometimes host zero-proof nights at home, and both my drinking and non-drinking friends enjoy them equally. The discovery, creation, and joy of chatting over a glass of something is celebrated by everyone, and opening my Raising the Bar box feels celebratory, easy, and fun.
Why I’m excited for Dry January this year
Because others join in on the fun, too! People around me are trying it out, getting curious, and exploring what feels good for them. Dry January can be a natural reset, and I’m welcoming my circle into that space with open arms. I’m excited to introduce them to all the incredible products and possibilities in this space.
If you’re not sure where to start, our Jam Session box is a great option. It includes a full bottle of the main non-alcoholic spirit, the Fluère Botanical Blend, giving you even more opportunities to experiment beyond the box. You can read more about the ingredients inside the box here.
And just a quick thought. I truly understand and respect that everyone’s relationship with themselves, their needs, and what feels good is different. I’m simply sharing the things that have felt most meaningful to me. Dry January can be a powerful moment to explore that, and I hope you start (or continue!) to notice what works and what doesn’t for you, whether you drink or not. Regardless of how you start 2026, I hope it feels gentle, grounding, and kind.