Makeup artist Monta commits to a year without alcohol, nicotine and relationships

Monta, known professionally as Wolf, has worked in the decorative cosmetics industry for 13 years as a makeup artist, business owner, and trainer for newcomers to the profession. Following a series of difficult life events — in vitro fertilization, divorce from her husband, and back surgery — she decided to give up several habits and dependencies for an entire year.

In an interview with Delfi, Monta explains that her decision to remove alcohol, nicotine, sexual and romantic relationships, and insignificant friendships from her life came from a realization that she wanted to pursue a path of "cleansing." She had smoked for several years and was unable to quit, except for a temporary pause during pregnancy — but resumed both smoking and drinking soon after giving birth.

Back surgery and painkillers

Following her back surgery, Monta began taking painkillers, which gradually turned into a form of dependency — she continued using them even when they were no longer needed. A turning point came during a trip to Bali, which, in her words, changed her outlook on life by "one hundred eighty degrees."

Monta first gave up smoking, which left her feeling more mentally clear. Having already stopped taking prescription medication, she realized she wanted to eliminate everything unnecessary from her life — including the constant pursuit of dopamine, such as waiting for compliments or spending time and energy on dating. She also gave up sleeping pills, which she previously could not do without.

Monta acknowledges that alcohol used to be her way of socializing, while food served as a way to cope with stress and bad moods. She now shares her first results: two months without alcohol and four months without the other habits she mentioned.