Hello 2024

So the calendar that most Americans (like me) go by says it's a new year. Generally that also means folx make resolutions that they don't keep or changes that are superficial to themselves just to say "I did it". Welp, this post isn't that but I'd be lying if I didn't say it's in the same family 😉. This month I am reducing my alcohol intake. I don't really want to call it a "dry January" per se but more a decision to not consume alcohol. Several years ago after a very traumatic event,  I stopped drinking. I didn't tell anyone except VERY close friends why I wasn't drinking and I sometimes think about how I approached that. Instead of dealing with the event and how it affected me, I latched on to a superficial cause. In my mind, what happened to me, happened because of alcohol. Which wasn't the case. Was alcohol involved? Yes. Was it the sole reason this thing happened to me? ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT. So with that in mind, not drinking has been somewhat entangled with how I've dealt with those scars. Now to be clear, I don't consume a ton now. Mostly for financial reasons if I'm being transparent and honest. However,  when I do go out, I do have 2 or 3 drinks. I'd like to see a world were not drinking for me is a choice I make WITHOUT the trauma response. So, no drinking for a bit. I'm also not limiting it to just January.  I feel as though if I put a timer on it, I'll be more focused on that aspect instead of just not drinking. Other things I am making a choice to stop doing is posting to social media. I still want to keep up with those I can via it but I've also noticed that many of those people do not regularly engage with SM so it makes it a bit lopsided. I also face the challenge of my annual Valentines cards. In the past I'd make several posts about sending them out.  This year I think I am going to forego that and reach out individually (via DMs or texts) to anyone I'd like to send a card who's contact information may be dated. Several friends have used Postable (an online address book) as a way to keep folx updated and I am considering making that move as well. Cut me some slack though, I finally digitalized my list last year so I am admittedly a little behind the ball. Finally, I am pushing myself to have uncomfortable conversations more this year. There have been a few things that have become a part of an unhealthy (mentally, emotionally & physically) routine for me that if I plan to excute "Moe's Maintenance Plan" I'll need to address. So with all that written out and accountability as a factor,  I hope that when I look back at this post I'll be proud and happy with the results. Also shout out to my 2 (possibly 3) readers out there. It still tickles me that there are folx out there who read this word vomit. Love you 😍.  Until next post........laters