Alcohol-Free Intention Setting For The New Year

A Series of Alcohol-Free Intention Setting Journaling Prompts to Prepare For Your New Year

The end of the year is a valuable time for reflection as you navigate on your alcohol-free journey. This post is meant to guide you through your reflections through writing. So grab yourself a pen and your favorite journal - or choose one of my favorites - and start working through the four prompts. And don't forget to breathe.

Additionally, there is an opportunity to complete a special task that I lead in my in-person retreats, writing a letter to your 2026 self.

The following Alcohol-Free Journal Prompts were originally included as part of the Feel Good Alcohol-Free Podcast Episode 41. You can listen to that, here.

Journal Prompt #1:

What actually happened this year?

• What were the moments this year when you noticed yourself more clearly?

• What patterns became visible?

• What did you learn about your emotional triggers, your capacity, your boundaries?

Journal Prompt #2:

Where in my life do I feel out of integrity?

Maybe it’s your evenings. Maybe it’s your boundaries. Maybe it’s how you talk to yourself. Maybe it’s the promises you make at 6pm that don't hold.

Journal Prompt #3

What is one boundary I need to set to get back into alignment?

Journal Prompt #4

What is one tiny promise I can keep to myself every single day?

This promise becomes your anchor. Your “non-negotiable.” Your reminder that you matter.

A Letter To Future You

You can write this on stationary, a card, or a simple piece of paper. This New Year's Eve exercise is to write a letter to your 2026 self, beginning with:

“Here’s what I now know about who I am becoming…”

Tell her:

• The woman you chose to be in 2026

• The rituals you’re committing to

• The boundaries you’re ready to honor

• The word you selected today (this was part an exercise as part of the podcast episode).

• The version of you who no longer negotiates with herself

• The life you’re building — one choice at a time

Once you've written the letter, tuck it into the envelope and seal it. I want you to then select a date to open it. Put it somewhere safe, and go ahead and mark the date to open it on your calendar to remind yourself.

This is not a pressure document. This is a little contract for yourself, a permission document, a declaration of who you're becoming.

A Closing Note

Nothing you learned this year was wasted. Nothing you struggled with was pointless. Nothing about your journey disqualifies you from the future that you're stepping into, You are sitting on the edge of change and it's okay if it feels uncomfortable. I want you to get comfortable being uncomfortable. And you're not scared because you can't do this. You're scared because you're finally about to.

This next year isn't about perfection. It's about integrity. It's about identity, being awake to your life

and becoming the woman who simply doesn't need alcohol to feel regulated, confident, or aligned. You're building her right now, and I'm walking with you every single step of the way.

Disclosures: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. And remember, Lindsay is a sober coach, not a health professional. If you are chemically dependent on alcohol, consult your doctor on the steps you need to take to safely detox.