Scott's driest year to date!!!

I'm almost over the finish line

A lot of people said I couldnt do it, and a lot said they would donate $$$ if I did - so get your and dig deep for Variety - its all for the kids

----- Update 1/7/19 -----

In the pursuit of living a better life, i'm coming out the other side of what has been one of the hardest years of my life! Ive had to deal with a lot of demons and it hasn't been easy. I have an excitable and addictive personality so I;ve had to find other things to keep myself occupied since drinking was out...

I knew it would be hard for me because I wasnt sure what Id do without a carton of beer in the fridge to come home to and crack a few while watching tv, mowing the lawn or chilling in the shed.

What I wasn't prepared for was the judgement from other people for not drinking, being asked to leave the table because people felt awkward I wasn't drinking, shunning me for drinking water or people hiding their drinks for fear I was judging them.

What I realised is this is a problem with them, we judge others in areas we are vulnerable to shame. They have a problem with their drinking so they are worried I am judging them. It was their problem, not mine.

I was initially feeling anxiety when I would go out. Anxious of judgement, not being sure what to do if I wasnt drinking and anxious that I wouldn;t be able to be me and do the crazy stuff I;d do with my Dutch courage or that people wouldn;t like me or think I wasnt funny now I wasnt drunk.

That anxiety has disappeared and I've now realised I am just more aware. I now look for the good things and look at the brighter side of life! I also still doing crazy shit! If you;ve seen me in a mankini sober with 10 the excitement you;ll know this is true

Im now training in Wimp to Warrier for an amateur MMA fight at the end of September. I feel like the title sums up my journey. I've learnt that my greatest strength is in my vulnerability. I started out as a wimpy man hiding behind alcohol to numb my feelings so I didnt have to deal with my issues and pain in my relationships; to being a warrior - if I can do something as hard as 12 months without alcohol, what else can I do?!?

You might think why is vulnerability a strength? Because to really feel love, happiness and connection and to achieve great things you have to be vulnerable - willing to put yourself out there even if it might hurt or you might fail... On the other side of the fear and pain is amazing love, happiness and success!

I dont judge anyone for drinking, and I;ll drink again. But now I know who I am without needing to drink and Ive learnt to deal with my emotions instead of numbing them with alcohol!

To round out the year I;m now a certified NLP practitioner and will now be turning my attention to doing something Im passionate about, paying it forward and helping others to work on their physical and mental happiness busting through the massive barriers they might have in their lives ????

This has been a great challenge! I cant thank my business coach Elicia enough - lets see what my next challenge is!


--- Original post 20/8/18 ----

As it is one of the worst droughts on record on the East Coast, I have been challenged to avoid alcohol for 12 months. This will be starting before the 2018 Variety Bash and ending next year at the start of 2019 Variety Bash (If I can hold out) Therefore I NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!! and not your hindrance so I am implementing the following penalties to anyone attempting to break my commitment:

* Offer me a drink - $5 penalty
* Give me a beer - $10 penalty
* Spirits are double - $20 penalty
* Teasing or tormenting - $25 per word penalty
* Bet me that I cant do it - Pledge your bet amount

Those who know me will all have a chuckle as they know how much of a STRUGGLE this will be for me...

I honestly dont think I have been 2 weeks without alcohol since I was 13. There have been many good times and bad that have came about from this past time called "DRINKING", and I honestly could not imagine myself in public without the Ole Dutch Courage.

** For extra commitment and incentive if I break this challenge I will match - Out of my own pocket - every dollar that has be raised or pledged **