I’ve just downloaded an app that enables me to add my bucket list of items to it. I’ve not quite decided what exactly yet but this doesn’t really matter.

I find that allowing myself to dream and picture the future is really helpful. It allows me to create a sense of direction around possibilities and creates a sense of positive and worth around what I am doing.

Of course this is only possible whilst I am not consuming my beautifully packaged poison.

So whilst beautiful holidays in the Maldives, participating in a rally and seeing Janet Jackson in concert might all seem far fetched – they are all indeed possible. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in a year but the possibility is there – especially if my finances are more in check with less income being quite literally flushed down the drain!

I also most importantly want to discuss with my wife her bucket list – something that she will have thought about but not in any great detail. I’m trying to slowly without pressure open the conversation around possibilities and focusing just a little away from the here and now.

The other thing that I think is important to remember is all the very small and achievable smaller bucket list items – gaze at the stars (done this!), try out yoga (not done this!), swim in the sea (done this!) – simple things regularly will help build and sense of fulfilment and best of all a lot of them cost nothing!

So I was reflecting in my weekly diary on what I have progressed during the last week. Well here goes:

• successfully navigated another weekend – overcoming one tricky point on Saturday night – oh the cravings. However the cravings were blasted away by mother nature in the most fantastic thunder storm!
• put our house on the market (small thing BIG impact :))
• read for inspiration and listened to personal development blogs.
• been swimming with my daughter (and had a fabulous time).
• completed several frustrating DIY tasks.
• ordered a kettle (supporting my new bedtime herbal tea habit – the other one was leaking).
• controlled my emotions better.
• made notes in my diary
• read in the morning (never done this before).

There’s more – but that’s enough for now. Amazing what you can achieve poison free.

So I’m very much into my 30 day challenge – 1 week complete and 3 weeks from my commitment to go completely alcohol free.

I’m utilising the following book (available as an audio book too) by a guy called Kevin O’Hara – he’s very straight talking and has obviously worked his way through the tricky propaganda that is the alcohol industry and found freedom on the other side. I find it useful in the short term to review my drinking in a structured way and with a shorter term goal – it’s easier for my small brain to deal with!

Here’s the link:

As I indicated in my previous post the anticipation of future events and planning is really important for me. I really do think that framing your mind and time right aids unlocking freedom and gives direction.

The ability to visualise myself – a better, healthier and more vibrant me in the future is important for my motivation. Without progress I feel stagnation and this will almost certainly lead to complacency

I hope by sharing my experience so far I have served you in some small way.

Sam