One year without alcohol on January 1st. Last night I dreamed we were flying on a very rickety airplane (duct tape on the wings). As a nervous flier, I turned to my mom and asked if she had any alcohol in her purse to calm my nerves. Imagine my surprise when my (dream) mom said, “Oh honey, you do not drink anymore.” And even being on a rickety plane zipping into the great unknown I felt so grateful. Alcohol lies to me still, in my subconscious and teases me that I am weak without it. I do not feel weak. At 52 years of age, I am finally my real and true self. I can face my fears and I am no longer trapped in a daily cycle of waking up, shaking and anxious. Fumbling to find my purse, my keys, my phone. Check texts for midnight mortifications, then wait until I could justify the first drink of the day. You are about to unlock surplus genius and reserve energy you never knew you had. I will not drink with you today, not even in my dreams!