Raising a Glass to Sobriety – Celebrating 5 years of living Alcohol-Free!
Cheers to New Beginnings!
Five years ago, on 9 July 2018, I made a decision that transformed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
I broke up with my old ‘friend’ alcohol.
This decision instilled great fear at the time as I didn’t know how to ‘do life’ without it. I felt incredibly alone and vulnerable as I thought I was the only person going through this inner turmoil and didn’t know what to expect. I felt a lot of shame and guilt as giving up the booze wasn’t talked about openly, and support wasn’t readily available.
The social stigma of being an alcoholic was enormous and one I wasn’t prepared to accept. However, it was a choice that would test my inner strength and resolve and set me on the path to better living.
Looking back now, I realise it was the best decision I ever made!
Today, as I raise a metaphorical glass to sobriety, I reflect on the incredible journey that led me here and celebrate the freedom and joy that come with embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
A HEALTHIER MIND & BODY:
The most immediate and obvious advantage of my decision to ditch the booze was the positive impact on my health.
By eliminating alcohol, I allowed my body to heal and rejuvenate. The physical benefits were profound. I’d gone from being overweight and taking blood pressure medication to shedding 20+ kilos, and medication was no longer required. My eyes became brighter, my skin less red and puffy, and my energy levels soared. I discovered a new appreciation for exercise and nutrition, and overall, my well-being improved dramatically, as did my sleep. Gone were the restless nights, 3am wake ups and groggy mornings. Instead, I embraced restful, rejuvenating sleep that left me energised and ready to conquer the day whilst discovering healthier ways to nurture my well-being.
However, the improvements weren’t just limited to the physical aspect. Breaking up with alcohol gifted me with mental clarity and resilience I didn’t know I possessed. No longer clouded by a foggy haze, my thoughts became clearer, and I could approach challenges and stressful situations with a different perspective. I learnt new coping tools that helped me navigate difficult situations whilst resisting the temptation to return to old habits.
Every hurdle I cleared, and every craving I resisted reinforced the resilience and strength within and created new neural pathways that would bolster successful sobriety.
EMBRACING SELF-CARE:
Central to my path to living alcohol-free was realising the importance of self-care. Previously I had thought that self-care was indulgent and selfish, limited to pedicures and day spa visits. I relied on alcohol to unwind and manage stress; little did I realise that my take on self-care was a form of self-harm!
Sobriety became a catalyst for going inward, practising self-compassion, setting boundaries, and prioritising my well-being. I learned to cherish moments of solitude, from practising meditation and mindfulness to engaging in activities that brought me joy, like simply being in nature, patting a dog or being by the sea, smelling the salty air and feeling the breeze on my face. Adopting an “attitude of gratitude” and being grateful for even the smallest things has become pivotal in my daily life.
I no longer view self-care as selfish but rather as a non-negotiable aspect of my daily routine.
FREEDOM FROM THE PAST AND YOUR THOUGHTS:
One of my most powerful realisations was that my past or thoughts don’t define who I am or limit what I can achieve. My journey to sobriety shattered the limiting beliefs that I was defined by my past or my thoughts. I realised that we have the power to change and grow beyond the confines of our perceived limitations.
Sobriety also taught me that my past does not dictate my future and that you can re-write your story and open up endless possibilities while providing a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction from immense personal growth.
Who knew I would start a new vocation as a holistic women’s wellness coach and EFT practitioner in my early 60’s when most of my friends were retiring!
Most importantly, breaking up with alcohol allowed me to let go of guilt and shame. I learned to embrace forgiveness, both for myself and others. With each passing day, I grew stronger and left behind the insecurities that alcohol had once fuelled.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
Sobriety sparked a spiritual awakening within me, much to my surprise. Like a veil being lifted, my vibration soared, allowing me to view the world through a more compassionate lens, and reminding me to live with more intention and gratitude.
I discovered a sense of purpose to support others, using my own experiences to bring healing and hope to those on their own journey. My spiritual growth continues to evolve and unfold in surprising ways as I embrace each day with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the mysteries of the universe.
CELEBRATING LIVING ALCOHOL-FREE!:
To celebrate 5 years of living alcohol-free, I am gifting myself a 3-week vacation to Europe to connect with other fabulous people I have met, albeit virtually, on my sober journey. I am excited to explore London, Paris, and parts of Italy with my sober ‘twin’ sister, Eavan, from the USA.
After meeting for a weekend exploring Paris, we’ll meet up with amazing sober influencers in the UK, including Janey Lee Grace, founder of The Sober Club, who is hosting an event to celebrate, not only our visit but her 250th episode of the Alcohol-Free Life podcast.
Her fabulous guests will include amazing authors who inspired my sober journey, William Porter (author of Alcohol Explained), Clare Pooley (author of The Sober Diaries) and the incredible Laura Willoughby (founder of Club Soda and host of the alcohol-free Club Soda Bar in Covent Garden, London). It promises to be a wonderful event!
I have learned that connection is paramount and that you are never alone. There is an entire community of like-minded people worldwide who have embraced sobriety, are living fulfilling lives and are always there for support.
To quote Johann Hari – “The opposite of addiction is connection.”
As I celebrate five years of living a better life, I raise a glass, not filled with alcohol, but with gratitude and pride.
Sobriety has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal and spiritual growth. It has gifted me with improved physical health, mental clarity, new friends, and the realisation of my own inner strengths. I am so grateful for the immense positive changes it has brought to my life.
So, here’s to raising a glass to sobriety, a toast to embracing life’s joys and challenges with a clear mind and heart.
Cheers to a life and future filled with joy, continued growth, and endless possibilities!
You too can have this!
JULY MOCKTAIL!
LYRE’S WINTER SPRITZ
Inspired by my upcoming European vacation!
This non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz is a perfect drink during DRY JULY or daydreaming of balmy summer days ahead.
JULY SPECIAL OFFERS
EFT TASTER BUNDLE
OFFER EXTENDED!
As I will be taking a break throughout the month of August, I have extended the offer to try EFT tapping!
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Learn a technique to put you in control and manage stress
Change your perspective and release limiting blocks and beliefs
Reduce emotional and negative thoughts and feelings
Manage fears and anxiety around stopping drinking
Learn a self-help tool that is portable and can be used anywhere, anytime!
4 sessions at the discounted rate of $297 Save $200! (Normally $497)
Save the Date!
DRY JULY LONG TABLE LUNCH FUNDRAISER EVENT!
Mark your calendar for Sunday 23 July 2023, (12 - 4pm)
You won’t want to miss it!
Grab your friends and grab your seat at the Long Table Lunch for a delicious winter warming 3-course shared rustic menu and savour the flavours of delicious, thoughtfully paired alcohol-free wines.
Share in the laughter and friendly competition of outdoor games like giant Finska and Bocce on the manicured lawns of the stunning homestead venue of Willow Farm, Berry, just 2 hours south of Sydney.
Chance your luck and be in the draw to win some amazing raffle prizes and auction items.
Be part of something special by attending the 2023 Dry July Long Table Lunch in support of LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER (LGFB), a not-for-profit charity dedicated to helping those on their cancer journey.
Your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need by funding valuable workshops to help them face their cancer with confidence.
Secure your tickets now and be part of this fabulous experience for a worthy cause.
Can’t attend but would still like to support the fundraiser?
Make a donation below!
Together we can make a difference
HIGH VIBES DRINKS – 10% Discount -
Use Code: SOULSOBRIETY
Try some amazing non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy a 10% discount with our friends at High Vibes Drinks
If you, or someone you care about, would like to explore living alcohol-free, or learn more about EFT book a free call with me. I’d love to chat!
Have a wonderful Dry July,