When I gave up alcohol, I gained something far more valuable than I ever expected. I gained time and clarity. Suddenly, I had space in my life, and my mind, that used to be consumed by drinking, planning to drink, or recovering from drinking. I needed something new to fill that space. Something positive, creative,…
Willpower Isn’t a Unicorn—It’s a Muscle, and You Can Train It
Let’s talk about willpower. That magical, mysterious thing everyone assumes you either have or you don’t, like cheekbones or a Costco membership. Here’s what people used to tell me when I was still drinking: “You just need more willpower.” “If you really wanted to quit, you just would.” “Can’t you just have one?” First of all—rude. Second of all—that’s not…
The Alcohol-Free Toolbox: Because White-Knuckling Is Not a Strategy
Let’s just get one thing straight – deciding to live alcohol-free is brave. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy or that you instantly become calm and centered, gliding through life in a constant state of peace. Nope. Sometimes it’s more like, “Wow, I am feeling everything all at once and I cannot drink about it. What do I…
Two Years Alcohol-Free: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t, and What’s Still in My Amazon Cart
I’m officially two years alcohol-free. No champagne. No wine toast. No elaborate cake in the shape of a wine bottle with a red “X” through it (although now that I say that, someone please make that). Just me, sitting here reflecting on the wild, brave, beautiful, occasionally boring, and deeply honest life I’ve built since…
Sober Is the New Sexy (And Productive, And Rich, And Well-Rested)
When I decided to give up alcohol, I wasn’t sure what I was walking into. I knew what I was walking away from – hangovers, guilty flashbacks, bloated face, and a bank account that looked like it had been robbed by a happy hour gremlin. But what I hoped to gain? That list was long….
Deprived or Free?
When I first quit smoking, all I could think about was what I was losing. My “breaks.” My stress relief. That comforting little ritual after a meal, before bed, in the car, on a walk, during a crisis, after a crisis, while thinking about a crisis. I felt like I was cutting out this big, important part…
How I Quit Smoking
Settle In for the Suck: What to Expect When You Quit Smoking (and How to Cope) Let’s be real: quitting smoking sucks. There’s no sugarcoating it. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably at that point where you’re done letting a cigarette dictate your day. That’s huge. And now, it’s time to settle in for…
Sobriety Is More Than Not Using
It’s healing. It’s growth. It’s learning to live with yourself – even the weird, cringey, messy parts you’d kind of rather pretend never happened. And let’s be real: some days sobriety feels like a victory parade, and other days it feels like trying to meditate while someone’s screaming “YOU SUCK” in your head. (Cool. Thanks,…
Am I An Alcoholic?
Am I An Alcoholic? Please Stop Asking Yourself “Am I an Alcoholic?” You’re not a label, you’re a human. Let’s get something straight right off the bat: If you’re here, reading this, especially if you’re a little buzzed while doing it, I see you. No judgment. No labels. Just some real talk between you and me. …
How I Quit Drinking
Alcohol had its (white) claws in me. a little drink humor I couldn’t escape it, no matter how many promises I made to myself. I’d manage to not drink for a day or two, only to binge like I was making up for lost time. Stuck in the loop – drinking, hungover, feeling physically and…