Decidedly Dry - Sobriety, Alcohol-Free Living, Quit Drinking, Sober Curious

Episode #79: Welcome back to the show my sweet friends, the show where I hopefully encourage you to take a look at your relationship with alcohol, stop drinking so much, or even explore going alcohol-free as a busy mom. Just as a reminder- I know how hard the struggle is, I too have walked this out, I too thought that I couldn’t have fun without alcohol, that I needed it to lessen my anxiety, that everyone else was drinking, so why shouldn’t I? But you guys, I discovered that my life without it is actually SO much more fruitful and so much more freeing. Speaking of being on a transformative journey, today I would love to dive into where I’m at on another journey; exploring my faith in sobriety.

For those of you listening that are asking, “Jess… what the heck does sobriety have to do with you exploring your faith?” Friend, it has everything to do with my faith journey. Everything. If I had not retired that wine glass, I would not be the person I am today. I wouldn’t be as brave as I am now, as clear-minded or as empowered. I wouldn’t have the guts to even say the word ‘God’, let alone have a conversation about Him, especially here on this podcast. I wouldn’t have the time or dedication to sit in my feelings, ask hard questions, and have the awareness that maybe, just maybe, it hasn’t been the “universe” all along. Nope, it’s been God. In fact, if you would’ve told me five years ago I would be alcohol-free, be reading the Bible for the first time, and actively learning how to strengthen my relationship with God and develop deep roots of faith?! I would have called you CRAZY and poured another glass of wine.

The point here is I am a different person than I was back then. I’m becoming a version of myself that quite frankly I don’t always recognize, but happens to be the best version I’ve ever met. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll say it again, it feels good to feel good. And I don’t know about you, but when I feel good, I want others to feel good too.

So for today, I’d love to share 5 practical tips that will help sober women like yourself actively grow in your faith.

Before I share them with you I want to make sure I say how cool it is that you’re listening to this today and are curious about God. Just like with sobriety, this curiosity about faith can be intimidating, overwhelming, and it can feel like you’re doing it wrong. I may not have even close to some of the right answers or words to share with you today, but I believe the one thing to remember is that your faith is yours. It can be whatever you want it to be. Just like with sobriety, it’s not a one-size-fits all. Keep that in mind. Enjoy this episode!

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #78: Hiya sweet friends and welcome back to the show. Today’s episode is a big ‘ol recap of my trip to Texas. This past weekend, my siblings and I had the absolute privilege of attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival with my Dad. I’ve been to many, many concerts sober before, but friends, this was a big one. 3 full days of live music, in Texas, drinks available at your fingertips the entire time, and the weather was simply perfecto. So today, I thought I’d share with you some of the tips and tools I utilized over the weekend and also a list of the incredible benefits I experienced because of my tremendous decision to stay completely alcohol-free throughout the whole trip. Enjoy!

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #77: Hello my dear sweet listener and welcome back to the show! If I haven’t mentioned it lately, I sure do appreciate you pushing play and I’m so happy you’re here. Today’s episode is not a guest episode, therefore you’re so incredibly lucky - you’re stuck with silly ‘ol me! But have no fear, we’re still digging deep on a topic that has been on my mind all week and I’d love to bring here to the show. Today we’re going to chat about dealing with cravings after long-term sobriety and I’m going to walk us, that’s right I said us, through a 1-minute trick to stop that alcohol craving and be the boss of our own bodies. Sound good? Good.

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #76: Well HIYA! In this week’s episode, I’m interviewing another new friend and we’ll be chatting all about ditching the overwhelm. Before we head into that great conversation, I wanted to remind you all about where I’ve been hanging out lately - this wonderful world called Substack. As most of you know, I’ve been sending out a weekly email packed with updates, my writing, recipes, and a link to the most recently released episode here on the show. I also have a wellness challenge for subscribers and will soon be sharing journal and doodle prompts. Now is the time to subscribe - it is either totally free or has an option to support me as a creative as well. Head on over to check it out after you listen to this great convo that I had with Jessa.

So who is Jessa? Jessa Raye is a wife, mom of three, coffee lover, and avid book reader! Jessa helps moms show up for themselves without sacrificing motherhood and without guilt. Jessa hosts Caught up in Motherhood, a podcast where she helps mamas ditch the overwhelm and find themselves again in between all that they do. 

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jessa

Website: https://www.jessaraye.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejessaraye

Listen to the Caught up in Motherhood Podcast: www.jessaraye.com/podcast

Freebie: Reclaiming Your Identity: A Mom's Guide to Self-Discovery in 7 Days - Download Freebie Here

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #75: Holy Toledo my friends, we have reached the 75th episode of Decidedly Dry! Can you believe it?! What a fun milestone I have the pleasure of celebrating with YOU!

Today I am chatting with Emily McDermott. Emily is a wife, mother of two energetic boys, and a simplicity seeker. She is also the host of the top 1.5% globally ranked podcast, Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Emily enjoys writing poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Emily:

Website: Simple by Emmy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm

Email: [email protected]

Listen to the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast.

Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page:

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #74: Friends, this episode is an absolute home run. I’m chatting with my new BFF, Jen Rogers. Jen is an inspirational speaker, the host of the #1 Christian Stepmoms Podcast, The Empowered Stepmom, has a best-selling book, and is a remarkable Certified Professional Life Coach. Jen inspires stepmoms throughout the world to remove the shackles of “should” and “shame” to experience the strength, confidence, and boldness that comes from embracing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

In our chat, Jen and I talk about the benefits of setting healthy boundaries in early sobriety. She’ll break down 4 of possible scenarios with her 4-C’s approach; Calm, Clear, Consistent, and Christ. You’re not gonna want to miss this powerful and educational episode. Grab a paper and pen and get ready to add another tool to your toolbox.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jen:

Website: https://www.stepfamilypodcast.com/home

Email: [email protected]

Listen to The Empowered Stepmom Podcast

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #73: Hiya Friends and Welcome Back! In this week’s episode, I have my very first ever repeat guest! Heather Lowe is the Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company dedicated to helping professionals move away from alcohol and towards their highest selves. Heather is a Certified Professional Life and Recovery Coach, Certified Addiction Awareness Facilitator, and the Director of Marketing Consumer Products for the International Center of Addiction Recovery Education (ICARE).

She’s an amazing, inspiring individual and I asked her to come on back to the show to talk about PURPOSE.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Heather:

Website: https://www.ditchedthedrink.com

Listen to Heather’s Sober Story on Decidedly Dry here: Episode 16: Ditched the Drink | Heather Lowe (Released May 3, 2022)

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #72: In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my sweet friend, Jen McGraw. Jen is Mom to 5 kids, a wife, and Jesus lover. She’s the founder of a nonprofit for equine therapy to help heal and restore those who have gone through trauma in their life. Jen also is the host of a wonderful podcast called Restored Mama, which we’ll chat about during our interview. She’s a firm believer that life is meant to truly be lived and enjoyed!

You guys are going to absolutely love her, oh and did I even mention?! Jen is a sober mama! True story folks, you’ll get to hear all about her sober story and the absolutely incredible things she’s doing in life because of it.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jen:

Website: https://restoredmama.com

Facebook Community: Join Here!

Restored Mama Podcast: Listen

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #71: In today’s episode, we’ll be chatting about that dirty, dirty dog - SUGAR. I get a ton of questions about sugar. Many women write in asking, “Oh my gosh, Jess! You gotta tell me, do the sugar cravings ever stop?!” And man, I feel that to my core, pal. I’ve been there and I’d love to share what I’ve learned over the years.

Truth is, alcohol has tons of sugar in it and when we take it away from our body, our bodies really miss it. So today we’re gonna touch on this hot topic, come up with some ways to battle this craving, and set ourself up for success, especially as we quickly approach Fall and our tendency to over-indulge over the holidays.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #70: Today we’ll be touching on the juicy topic of how to stay sober while your spouse still drinks. This is a question I get a lot and while there’s not just one correct answer, I do believe there are some ways and things you can do to ensure you stay sober, sane, and happily married during this new sober journey of yours.

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!