‘I believe every problem is an opportunity’ – this Dry January, Eszter Janusek explains why last year she chose to stop drinking alcohol and how it has transformed her life.
Tell us a bit about your journey towards giving up alcohol
The year 2023 was mentally draining and emotionally exhausting for me. I had to face life-changing decisions and it required a whole lot of energy.
To be able to find the right path or to judge situations correctly and act accordingly couldn’t afford to be delusional, delirious, drunk, having a hangover, tired or depressed.
Sometimes we need to face reality and endure the consequences of our previous bad decisions due to carelessness or narcissistic behaviour. We all like to believe at some point we are indestructible, nothing can get to us, but in some cases the true enemy lies beneath us. You are your own nemesis.
When we become ungracious toward our career, colleagues, family, friends and health down the line suddenly all of them start dissolving painfully one by one. It feels like our imaginary superpower stops working due to our lack of gratitude. And if our ego doesn’t allow us to see the bigger picture in our little everyday-drama series then it makes us become the villain.
We continuously seek to eliminate or numb the pain of our losses because we think what is happening in our lives has nothing to do with us. Because we are the innocent victims. Feeding on others’ empathy, compassion, love, and care for a while. Lies after lies and eventually lost counting them but the worst is when we start believing them too.
News flash – whatever we do has an impact on our lives. The best of the worst choices is procrastination; doing nothing but naively believing the problems miraculously will solve themselves. Once someone told me over an argument that changing is not an option. He refused to change for anything or anyone even for his loved ones. He just won’t do it because simply it’s not part of his nature.
And I thought to myself, that’s the most stupid thing ever heard. The measure of intelligence in life is the ability to change. Otherwise, how do you stay alive, survive, evolve, and succeed? Change can be excruciatingly painful and devastating but it’s part of the process to grow. Change is inevitable but it’s sometimes the best thing that ever happens to us.
Why did you make this decision?
Five months ago, after a bad argument with a professional friend, I found myself sitting in the rain on a bench in a park. I was just sitting there for hours, and couldn’t move. Couldn’t process what happened. It felt like a nightmare. That was the last drop in the glass. It’s a make-or-break moment. When your spirit just gives up completely and surrenders.
I had to realise all my bad decisions and ignorance coming back with a well-orchestrated revenge. I didn’t face my fears and had no faith in me. Problems were piling up. I often had panic attacks in the middle of the day at work. Some days I wasn’t able to cope as a normal living soul.
Changing my life was inevitable to rebuild myself. A new mindset was way overdue and for that, I decided to become fully sober. No more excuses. This is my life, I live by my rules. I have to take responsibility for my actions and forgive myself for my mistakes.
What is your advice for those looking to give up alcohol?
My advice: set your goals so high that it scares you to death and others will think you belong to a mental institution. That will keep you sober. Giving up something to discipline yourself is always worth it. Having a purpose can give you so much energy.
But most importantly, believe in yourself. Because if you don’t no one else will. You will attract positive people in your life and the toxic ones will eventually disappear. Be patient and love yourself. Miracles will follow in due course.
How has it helped you mentally/physically/professionally?
I noticed physical change after two months and became more energetic. I can get up easily every day at 5am and just crack on with my daily routine. Mentally stable and relaxed, no more panic attacks and the emotional rollercoaster is gone completely. I became more calm and organised. My creativity is just thriving. I meditate daily and do therapy regularly. It’s made me more focused and determined.
I also professionally achieved my goals last year – I won at the Private Dentistry Awards and got highly recommended at the Dentistry Awards.
I believe every problem is an opportunity. The key is to focus on finding solutions or creating them. And the road to success begins with discipline.
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