After years of living in denial, it's normal to have a regret hangover in early sobriety.

Just saying "I'm sober" can feel shameful. Because you're admitting that drinking was a problem. And while it's important to move forward, you still have to make peace with the past.

Unprocessed regret keeps you stuck in a cycle of stress. Avoiding your emotions leads to self-sabotage — overcompensating, enabling, not setting healthy boundaries and neglecting your own self-care.

Dealing with regret begins with "dissecting" your overwhelming emotions into distinct thoughts. So you can separate fact from fiction. Then you must change the way you respond to "episodes" of grief. Resist the urge to self-abandon. Remember this pain is temporary. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Putting mistakes into perspective is how you learn. How has this experience made you a stronger person? How will this hard-earned wisdom serve you or someone else in the future?

Looking for friends, support and guidance? Join our tribe in the Bitch Free Recovery Zone on Circle.

REGISTER FOR FREE MASTERCLASS ON EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY.

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If you need to stop drinking and want support, check out these two programs that will shift your mindset from "drinker" to "non-drinker" so you can declare your independence from alcohol.

5-Hour Change Your Mind Masterclass--self-study

10 Days to Spontaneous Sobriety --includes group and 1:1 coaching