Maz Compton Dry July 2016 Interview

Maz Compton Dry July 2016 Interview

Dry July is the fundraiser that challenges you to go booze-free for a month to support people affected by cancer. When you're diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to find the time or energy to think about anything other than treating the cancer. Dry July raises money to ease that burden, reduce stress and add a bit of comfort throughout the cancer journey.

People can sign up at www.dryjuly.com/signup or donate at www.dryjuly.com/donate.

Interview with Maz Compton

Question: Why did you decide to participate in Dry July?

Maz Compton: It's my seventh year! Dry July is something I've supported and been involved in from the day I first heard about it. It's locked in my calendar every year and each year the stories that are shared through what Dry July achieves are evermore inspiring.


Question: What is Dry July?

Maz Compton: Dry July is the fundraiser that challenges you to go booze-free for a month to support people affected by cancer. It benefits you and helps you get healthy, while also raising funds for an important cause - Dry July improves the wellbeing of cancer patients by providing funds to create better services and environments for them and their families or carers.


Question: Why would you encourage others to participate in Dry July?

Maz Compton: The main reason is quite simple. A month off the booze, which to most of us who enjoy a few glasses here and there can be a small inconvenience, will greatly reward and help someone living with cancer to have a more comfortable experience, and that result is worth a small inconvenience to me. People living with cancer deserve to feel valued and Dry July honours their struggle to fight something that we can't cure just yet.

Question: What advice do you have for those participating in Dry July, for the first time?

Maz Compton: The number one rule is to keep going out! Don't change your social life just tweak your social behaviour. If you keep going to those boozy BBQs it doesn't take long for you to have a completely new opinion of alcohol consumption and what it actually does to us. Secondly your sugar cravings will go through the roof so have some Maxibons on standby in the freezer!!


Question: You've given up alcohol before, for long periods of time; how did you deal with being ask 'why?" every Saturday night? What do you notice, about yourself, when you give up alcohol?

Maz Compton: My reasons for giving up alcohol all together are quite personal. People really do care why you're not drinking and some even are offended that you're choosing to stay on the soda waters. I have found a complete array of reactions from people about my personal choice not to drink. From 'oh I wish I could do that' to 'yeah I should have a break too' to 'why are you being so boring' to 'are you pregnant!' What you need to understand is that your decision to not drink, holds a mirror up to the other person and their uncomfortable response to you is more about their own personal issues and the fact that they are probably uncomfortable with their relationship with alcohol. In saying that I'm always really calm and I say to people anything from;

I'm doing Dry July to help raise money for people affected by cancer.
I'm just having some time off coz I don't want to be hungover
I'm training tomorrow and want to feel fresh
Or the truth of the matter is that alcohol is a poison and I'm not going to poison my body anymore (but that's a bit heavy for an afternoon at your local!)

Personally I'm a happier and healthier person. My body is lean. My face thinned out. My mind is sharp. I feel connected to the universe. I have deeper relationships. I care more about what actually matters. I'm a better human in general and my goal is to help empower others to become better at being themselves too. I laugh a lot more freely and in general have a better outlook on life. Despite it not all going according to 'my' plan I'm more aware of trusting the process of life and enjoying the roller coaster ride.


Question: What will we find you doing in July (rather than drinking)?

Maz Compton: Since I've quit drinking I tend to be at the gym most evenings. I own F45 in Avalon and I love working out there with our cool community of like-minded people seeking a life of empowerment and wellness. I also do a lot of hiking and bushwalking on weekends and spend my time at the beach reading too.


Question: Can you talk us through how you've made healthier lifestyle choices over the past few years?
Maz Compton: I've done a lot of research about nutrition and how our bodies function. So I'm in a headspace of using food as fuel rather than eating because I 'feel' like it. Working out has certainly helped me feel better and my mind is sharper. I get up super early and get the most out of each day and I make my health and happiness the priority over keeping up appearances and feeling pressured to be at someone's event for the sake of filling the room. I try to make as much food at home as possible and am always experimenting with new ideas in the kitchen. Feeding my family and friends wholesome meals brings me a lot of joy! I love doing yoga too I try to get to one class a week just to reset and breathe properly! And then there is that crazy adventure seeker part of me that loves doing new things and seeking new experiences so quick getaways, long drives and travelling when I can fit it in is a high priority too. Fitness holidays have been my last few trips overseas with my partner and I'm a little addicted to them.


Question: Can you share with us, your favourite mocktail recipe?

Maz Compton: Kombucha is new my poison. It's unbelievable. Ballsys is the best!


Question: What will you be doing more of in July?

Maz Compton: I'm going to try and see more sunrises. There is something magical about that moment in the morning when the world seems to wake up and already being present for it.


Interview by Brooke Hunter