I wrote about my annual abstinence from cold brewskis last year. This year, I am, once again, joining Dry January. I will assume you read last year’s column and have a perfect memory. I’m not repeating myself; I chose a novel approach this year. This year, I will charge headlong into the column I wrote last year. After all, there is a reason I drink the other eleven months of the year. Many columnists, yours truly included, hold critical views on all manner of societal phenomena. Gratuitously, at times. It is no more than fair that the target should sometimes be yourself.
That self-proclaimed columnist reported adverse health effects, such as a hangover. So what, I say. No highs without lows. There is no stable mediocrity but a nice chaser. As for long-term health effects, prolonging life by abstaining from alcohol may come at the expense of memorable, funny and ecstatic experiences. The practical implication of prolongation then becomes watered down. Enthralling emotions are diluted with water, camomile tea and light beer. Exploring and intensifying life is essential. Enjoy, drink and be merry.
Beer provides a small push. A second beer really fires up the auxiliary engine
Compromising information on that ‘my 1776’ columnist: many a piece I wrote was not committed to paper in complete sobriety. A little duplicitous and ungrateful to write a column criticising alcohol. Beer provides a small push. A second beer really fires up the auxiliary engine. Swigging suds, sipping wine or tasting special brews all contribute to creativity. Should this column fail to meet your standards, you will know what to blame.
I still believe Dry January to be a great idea, or I wouldn’t join every year. But now, I have also illuminated the other side of the issue. This is not through lack of character but the diversity of reality. I challenge readers and other columnists: what view that you hold would you want to address or change?
