Reflecting on 18 months off Alcohol and only drinking kava
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 18 months since I decided to swap the alcohol for kava. I remember the day to a tee.
The Albo governments referendum on Indige Recognition had hit the skids. It wasn't even close. I was bamboozled and angry as all hell. The next day the Crawford vs Spence fight was on at the pub. I thought to myself, I'm that angry that if I have a few and someone sounds off on the referendum I'm likely going to get in a punch up. So not wanting to miss the fight I took some instant kava with me. The plan was to put some into my lemonade and chill out. It worked a treat! The fight was a ripper - Crawford outclassing Spence - see below and whilst still bummed about the referendum result I was calm and enjoying myself.
18 odd months later, its still a land mark for me. I have had one small glass of scotch since then..... and a heap of kava! 🥥
No More Hangovers and being a better Dad!
I can't stress this enough. Imagine waking up every morning feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and ready to take on the world. Gone are those awful foggy mornings and throbbing headaches that felt like they were trying to split my skull open. You know, those days after a night on the cans where even the thought of sunlight feels like a personal attack? Yeah, no more of that.
On top of that I'm way more active with the kids. Getting up early, going for a bike ride, surf, skate board or just hanging out. I have no doubt that without the hangover from alcohol, my relationship with my kids has been a turning point in my life.. .and theirs. Australia Kava Shop bounce off this subject in this vid:
Goodbye, Low Energy & Soreness
With alcohol, I was in a perpetual state of tiredness and sore muscles. I am a very average surfer and boxer, but still do both in my 50's because, if you ain't moving your dead at my age. When I was on the booze everything felt like a struggle, from getting out of bed to dragging myself through the day. As for exercise, every time I did it (and it was pretty regular) I was perpetually sore.
Since trading in the tins for a few shells of kava, my energy levels have soared. I feel more motivated, and my body is consuming anti inflammatory juice (kava) every day. The aches are gone, sure I pick up a few injuries here and there, but the constant pain and aches.. goneski!
*side note here I am stretch heaps as well
Being an Argumentative Asshole? Not Anymore!
One of the most significant changes is the shift in my emotional state. Alcohol often made me argumentative and, let's be real, kind of a dick. A few vinos in with the missus and we'd be arguing about some nonsense and I was forever having to apologize for some stupid shit I had said.
With kava, conversations are mellow, and I'm more patient and understanding if there is a flashpoint. If you are off the piss and experienced this, how awesome it is not to wake up with that pit in your stomach from a fight you barely remember starting? 💖
No More Missing Out
Honestly, I don't miss the negatives of drinking alcohol one bit. I don't miss groggily piecing together the night before. I don't miss the wasted days recovering under the covers kicking myself for not being a better Dad. I don’t miss hopping on that emotionally exhausting rollercoaster. I don't miss any of it. Instead, I’ve embraced this kava life where every day feels purposeful and alive. Switching to kava only full time has literally changed my life.
So to anyone on the edge, contemplating making a similar shift, I say – go for it! Give kava a try. The benefits have been life-changing for me, and I can wholeheartedly say I don’t miss the old days. 🌟🖤
Its like Dry July for Life!
Onya - Kava Hound!
A lot of people recommend Vanuatu kava over Fiji Kava to help get off the booze. I used to be fully in that camp. However as per my previous blog I am really getting into Fiji Kava (Fiji Harmony from Australia Kava Shop). I reckon for some people who use alcohol as a sedative thing, i.e. gin etc, Fiji Kava would work a treat as a way of getting off the strong stuff.
