Alcohol and I? We go way back.
Not always a disaster, but definitely complicated.
I’ve tried quitting more than once. Sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for years. The first real win? 2009–2010 — almost a full year sober. No beer, no wine, no shots. Nothing.
And the reward? I achieved what everyone thought was impossible — moving to Germany. People around me literally thought I was crazy. “He’ll never pull that off.” But I did.
I’ll share the full story of the move and my first steps in Germany another time.
Today, it’s about something else: Sobriety. And what it’s done to me.
“Did you join a cult or something?” 😅
That was a legit theory.
Especially during my first sober year.
Most of my friends were turning 30 around that time — birthday parties every weekend. And there I was… glass of water in hand, while everyone else was dancing on tables.
Before that? I was the guy who was always drunk. Loud, fun, the life of the party. (At least in my own tipsy head.)
But now? Nodding along sober at the bar? Yeah, it got people talking.
“He’s probably religious now.”
“Bet he joined some weird sect.”
I didn’t bother to explain. Let them think what they want.
The Best Years of My Life… Until the Crash. 💥
From 2012 to late 2014, I stayed sober again.
And honestly? It was one of the most productive times in my life.
I launched my first business in Germany.
Found investors. Saw insane growth.
…And then? The crash.
The big one.
But before that:
• I started running. A few kilometers at first. Then, 30–40 km a week.
• Ran two half-marathons in 2013.
• Lost 20 kg and felt unstoppable.
Looking back? I think that “high” replaced the buzz I used to get from alcohol. And maybe that’s why I didn’t see the fall coming.
And Then? Horilka, Carpathians… and Meat. 🍾🥩
New Year’s Eve 2015. Carpathian Mountains.
After two years sober, there I was — glass of vodka in hand, surrounded by friends, homemade liqueurs, traditional Ukrainian food.
And I was loving it.
The funniest part?
I’d been vegan for over a year at that point. 😂
But that night? Meat, vodka, everything.
It felt like I was getting back something I’d missed. Spoiler: I wasn’t. But that’s how it felt.
December 2, 2024 – The Reset.
So here I am again.
December 2, 2024. I quit drinking. For real this time.
The first few weeks? Hell.
Every little thing triggered that voice: “One drink wouldn’t hurt…” But I held on.
Now? It’s different. There’s this… calm. And the energy? Through the roof.
I finally feel out of that endless loop.
“So what now?”
I’m not here to preach.
But damn — I feel good.
And yeah, I’ll still only share 20% of the real story. 😉
But those 20%? Worth it.
🚀
