Like many Irish people, I began drinking at an early age. It took until my 30s before I realised I didn't want to drink any more. After 15 years of drinking, I took the road less travelled and said goodbye to the port and brandy, as it were.

It was the single best decision I ever made. I would love to help others find freedom. I am currently working on my first book, Feck Drink - An Irishman's Guide To Alcohol.

Here are 15 things I absolutely love about not drinking:

NO HANGOVERS

No more wasted days sitting on the couch, too afraid to move or face the world. No fear, no anxiety, no depression. Saturdays and Sundays free to enjoy as I please.

MORE CONFIDENCE

Social occasions used to terrify me. That is why I drank alcohol. When I stopped drinking, I developed my own natural confidence in social situations. This took a little time, but now I can be myself at any social event,

and I know I don't need a drink to relax.

HAPPIER

There is no comparison to myself now and when I was a drinker. When drinking I was confused, tired, unhealthy, distant, anxious, nervous, unsettled in myself. Now I am at ease within myself, and have found my own true self hidden underneath some limiting beliefs. I had to remove the alcohol (plaster) first so I could heal the wounds.

THE FREEDOM

I am not tied to having to organise drinks, or lifts, or plan the day after, or how I'm going to get home, or what I'm going to drink or not drink. Life is so, so much easier being a non-drinker. It is simpler and effortless.

THE HONESTY

I am myself. Take it or leave it. I am not fitting in just to fit in; I am no longer pretending to be someone I am not.

THE RELIEF

It is such an incredible relief to be free of alcohol.

THE FASCINATION

People are fascinated by non-drinkers. They are also curious, suspicious and a little nervous of this strange species. I just hope I can help to show others that there is another way to live a happier life, free from alcohol. It is just a positive lifestyle change with no downsides.

THE MONEY

I have so much more money. I would probably have spent approximately €300 a month on drinking and going out. Now that is all mine to spend on things I want and really enjoy. It is win-win.

BEING MYSELF

I started drinking at 16, I stopped at 30. For all those years, I was never myself. I was lost. I was lying to myself and the world around me. Now I am much more comfortable in my own skin. I could not have done this without first removing alcohol from my life.

IMPROVED LOVE LIFE

Really! What was before a drunken mess is now somewhat more stable and realistic. Relationships are not built around drunken nights, but develop in a much more natural way.

THE PEACE

So much peace and quiet. The joy of just relaxing on a Friday evening with tea and chocolate, knowing I have a full weekend to enjoy, without wasting any of it drinking.

HELPING OTHERS SET THEMSELVES FREE

No greater satisfaction than seeing someone turn their life around and become a happier, healthier person.

NO DRAMA

No rows, no blackouts, no regrets, no shame, no guilt, no self-recrimination. Easy living.

HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER

I am healthier, I look younger and feel healthy. I am no longer overweight. I feel energetic and vibrant. This boosts my self-esteem and confidence. I have the energy and enthusiasm to live the life I want.

THE JOY

Pure and utter joy of being free of that way of life. I am so grateful it's over.

Sunday Indo Life Magazine