from 4/2016
Three years ago today, I retired my professional drinking jersey. I’d been drinking alcohol for many, many years and had gotten to the point that I was drinking a lot more than was healthy. I drank for many reasons: loneliness, emptiness, boredom, habit. I could give you reasons ’til the cows come home, but the bottom line is I just drank too damn much.

On April 27, 2013, I was walking down 5th Avenue in New York City. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and I swear the Universe tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Cut it out, Kristi. Stop drinking.”

And I listened.

I am a determined – or stubborn – person and was finished with booze in that moment. I wasn’t sure if it would be a temporary or permanent thing. I wasn’t sure if I was an alcoholic or not. I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage it at all. But I did know I wanted to see how I felt without it.

Three years later, here’s what I know: I feel fan-fucking-tastic. I weigh less. I’m healthier. I like knowing when I’ve said something stupid or danced on tables. I enjoy being fully present with the people I love. Today I don’t drink. And I’m pretty sure I’m not gonna drink tomorrow, but tomorrow’s not here yet. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m lucky because for me, it was just a decision to quit and not an addiction. I celebrate that decision every day. I’m so glad the Universe spoke.

And I listened.