01Beginnings
Where this begins
My journey began when I finally faced the fact that alcohol was putting the things I valued most at risk. I had known for years that something needed to change, but I kept telling myself I would stop tomorrow. By October 2025, the problem had become so serious that I was close to losing my family. Reaching out to the charity Resolve was a difficult but necessary first step. I hoped that giving up alcohol would help me rebuild my health, become more present with the people I love and regain a clearer, more positive outlook on life. Those early days felt daunting, but they also showed me that real change begins with one honest decision followed by another. That experience inspired me to create Becoming: a welcoming space where people can share practical ideas, support one another without judgement and make changes that fit their own lives.
02Reflections
What I’m learning
One thing I’m learning is that personal growth is not a straight line and it does not happen all at once. Giving up alcohol was one major change, but it opened my eyes to other areas I wanted to improve, including my health, fitness, diet, mental wellbeing and the way I use my time. I have also learnt how powerful old habits can be. They often happen automatically because they offer comfort or a sense of safety, so replacing them takes patience and practice. Even something as simple as starting a conversation can feel difficult for me, especially because I am introverted and sometimes find small talk awkward. Progress now means being willing to try anyway: saying a few words to a cashier, speaking to someone at work or beginning again after a setback. I am learning that mistakes do not cancel progress; they are part of discovering what works for me.
03Everyday growth
A small step forward
Right now, I’m focusing on using my time more wisely and building simple habits that make life healthier without taking the enjoyment out of it. The aim is not to overhaul everything at once, but to choose one manageable action and repeat it: drinking a glass of water before tea or coffee, or taking a five-minute walk during lunch. These choices may seem small, but each one is evidence that I am moving towards the person I want to become. I have noticed that small actions can bring more structure, confidence and presence to an ordinary day. When things do not go to plan, I try not to treat that as failure. I return to the smallest next step, adapt the habit if necessary and start again. For me, that willingness to begin again is what lasting change looks like.