My Guilty Indulgence!

Fridays?—?they’re just different.

Back when I was working the 9-to-5 grind, Fridays felt like a breath of fresh air in a sea of monotony.

And, of course, they were my official beer day.

Since 2015, I’ve hardly skipped a Friday without cracking open a cold one. But let’s be real, it’s not something to brag about.

I managed to stay sober from Aug’2023 to Dec’2023 but come Jan’2024, I fell off the wagon.

By Apr’2024, I was right back in the darkness, and any day could easily turn into a Friday, especially now that I’m not tied down to a 9-to-5 anymore.

It’s a dark place to be.

All I ever want is that next beer fix.

But it’s taking a toll on everything?—?my publishing schedule, my health, and my relationships.

I’ve packed on three kilos, my heart’s racing, and I’m always feeling drained unless I’m drinking.

I reached out to my wife while she was at work, pouring my heart out over messages.

Her response hit me like a ton of bricks:

“Any indulgence that spans more than three hours and leaves a negative impact on work, health, or relationships is a negative indulgence. Repeatedly indulging despite knowing its harm? That’s addiction. And addiction, my love, is a dark abyss.”

It was a wake-up call.

Indulgence had turned into addiction, and it all started with that innocent sip.

Indulgences are supposed to re-energise, not drag us into darkness.

So, here are seven indulgences that could replace drinking.

7. Visualising Dreams

My goal? To become a famous writer.

I dream of:

• Being recognised in a supermarket, selfies with readers everywhere.
• Landing a deal with Netflix for a movie or series.
• Addressing a crowd on my novel’s launch day.
• Writing peacefully in the countryside of Japan, Italy, or France.

These visualisations will re-energise me. And I’m sure they won’t be just dreams.

6. Family?Time

I’ve heard that spending time with a child under six and an adult over sixty each day is a good idea.

Luckily, I have both at home.

Instead of drinking, I could:

• Take my mom out for coffee.
• Have a night out at the pub with my dad.
• Join dance classes with my wife.
• Play dates with my young one.

Just thinking about these activities warms my heart.

5. Taking a?Nap

Alcohol messes with my sleep.

Sleep isn’t laziness; it’s a way to recharge:

• It lifts my mood.
• It rejuvenates my body.
• It clears my mind.

A good nap is like magic.

4. Getting?Moving

Our bodies are made to move.

Movement:

• Strengthens muscles.
• Improves heart health.
• Keeps joints flexible.
• Boosts circulation.
• Reduces stress.
• Clears the mind.

Even a short walk does wonders.

3. Listening to?Music

I remember the Nokia’s era. I had a Nokia 2300.

And it had an FM radio.

All my work happened with that FM radio always on.

Music has been my companion forever.

It makes me feel good and positive, no matter what mood I’m in.

2. Playing a Musical Instrument

Playing any musical instrument releases endorphins, a “feel-good” hormone.

It brings euphoria.

Recently I tried playing harmonica.

A tune got stuck from a super hit Bollywood movie?—?“Sholay”.

I bought a harmonica just to play that tune. Well, even thinking about it now is bringing goosebumps.

Playing any instrument just not only re-energises but -

• Helps in Focus and being mindful
• Is a creative outlet
• Sense of achievement

1. Embracing Boredom

Sometimes, doing nothing is the best thing.

Embrace the quiet, let boredom wash over you. It’s a form of re-energising in itself.

To Sum it?Up

In no time an indulgence can become an addiction.

The right way to judge if that is happening -

“Any indulgence that spans more than three hours and leaves a negative impact on work, health, or relationships is a negative indulgence. Repeatedly indulging despite knowing its harm? That’s addiction. And addiction, my love, is a dark abyss.”

If it holds true, then it’s time to figure out the right indulgences.