Tara took her last drink February 4, 2019.  This is her story. On today’s episode Paul talks about the top 10 reasons for quitting drinking.  Number one; your authentic self will begin to emerge.  Number two; you don’t have a headache due to lack of aspirin in your system.  Number three; you’ll begin to find out who you aren’t.  Number four; you’re open to signs from the universe.  Number five; you can start to see the insanity of the mind.  Number six; your brain will start to produce regular amounts of melatonin.  Number seven; welcome back oxytocin.  Number eight; you’re part of something much bigger.  Number nine; you stop hoping.  Number ten; you have a chance to start working on the one big lesson you’ve signed up for in this lifetime.    [19:15] Paul introduces Tara.    Tara is 46 years old and lives in Seattle, WA.    She is a preschool teacher, founded her own preschool 25 years ago.  She is married to her high school sweetheart and has 2 adult children.  For fun Tara loves to dance.       [22:30] Give us a background on your drinking.   Tara says there were 3 scary moments that caused her to pause and think that alcohol could be a problem.  The first was when she was 15 years old and she was at a wedding and the bar was opened up to her.  This was a formal wedding and Tara jumped into the pool.  She was the only one in the pool.    Tara’s second scary moment was also in high school.  She was at a party drinking hard alcohol and decided to get into the hot tub.  Tara says she got so sick that she threw up blood.    Tara’s third scary moment came when she was in her forties and was on an annual girl’s trip to Palm Springs.  She drank like she normally did, with no off switch, and she fell and hit her head.  All Tara could think about when that happened is that that was how her dad died.     [38:25] Talk to us about right before you quit drinking.      Tara says she went to a party and started drinking, and instead of calming her anxiety like she felt alcohol usually did, her anxiety amped up.  It made her question how much she was going to have to drink to feel that ‘warm blanket’.    [42:50] Your Dad is listening right now, what do you have to say to him?   Tara said she just wants to let her Dad know that she loves him, and she’s proud of him.         [45:20] How did your relationship with your husband change after you quit drinking?   Tara says that her bond with her husband is even stronger and deeper now.           [49:00] What has been your biggest challenge this last year?   Tara says is the ones that kind or catch you out of nowhere.       [50:40] What’s an excuse you used to tell yourself of why you couldn’t quit drinking?    Tara said it was telling herself that she didn’t drink every day or that she didn’t drink by herself.       [51:20] What are your thoughts on relapse?    Tara says that on a personal level she doesn’t see it happening to herself.         [54:40] Rapid Fire Round   What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?   I’m happier without alcohol.   What is a memorable moment that a life without alcohol has provided you?   A trip to Costa Rica and no drinking whatsoever.   What’s your favorite alcohol-free drink?   I like iced tea or Bubly water with a little mint in it.    What are some of your favorite resources?   I love to listen to your podcast, and many others.   What is on your bucket list in a life without alcohol?   A lot more travel, and I hope to go to Thailand.   What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?   Just stick with it.      You might need to ditch the booze if...          You put a bikini on at a formal wedding and jump into the pool when nobody else is in the pool.           Upcoming Events and Retreats.  Recovery Elevator LIVE: Dancing with the Mind - in Colorado – June 11-14th, 2020 You can find more information about our event here.   The book, Alcohol is Sh!t, is out.  Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here!  You can get the Audible