In today’s episode, Colleen shares a powerful fable that illustrates what it really means to rise in the face of difficulty—and why your response to a moment matters more than the moment itself. Whether it’s a tech failure, a relapse, a hard conversation, or a sudden life disruption, what defines your trajectory isn’t the challenge—it’s how you choose to relate to it.

Through personal stories of rebuilding her business after major setbacks (including losing everything on Facebook and Instagram overnight), Colleen explains how shifting her perspective became her greatest asset—and how the same principle applies when it comes to changing your relationship with alcohol.

If you've ever felt buried by circumstances or stuck in a pattern you can’t seem to break, this episode is a reminder that your next version starts with one small shift: how you respond right now.

Key Takeaways: 1. Response is Everything

• The mindset you bring to a problem often determines whether you stay stuck or move forward.

• It’s not about avoiding struggle—it’s about how you meet it when it shows up.

2. You Can’t Change Your Mind from the Wrong Nervous System State

• When your body is in fight-or-flight, your thinking will match that frequency.

• Regulating your nervous system is the gateway to opening your perspective and finding new possibilities.

3. Shame Keeps You Stuck—Connection Sets You Free

• You don’t need to expose your deepest struggles to the whole world, but you do need to be seen somewhere.

• Healing happens when it feels safe to stop hiding.

4. There’s Power in the Pause

• Before reacting to stress, ask: How do I want to remember responding to this one year from now?

• That question alone can shift you into a higher version of yourself—one choice at a time.

Actionable Steps:

🧠 Write this on a sticky note or save it in your phone: "How I respond to this moment determines where I’ll be one year from now."

💡 Start noticing your responses—even in small moments. When the meeting gets canceled, your kid melts down, or someone cuts you off in traffic—pause and ask: What’s the story I’m telling myself about this? How else could I respond?

🌱 Reframe the dirt. Every “shovel full of shit” moment is also an opportunity to climb higher. Sometimes the challenge is the invitation.

💛 Practice curiosity, not perfection. There’s no need to get this right every time. What matters is building the muscle of awareness.

Homework:

This week, look for one moment each day that triggers stress, disappointment, or fear... PAUSE! Take a breath- and consciously choose your response. 

Then, reflect: What did I learn about myself? Good work. Rinse and Repeat For Best Results. 

Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL. If you’re ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober (side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking),You'll walk away from our call with a clear understanding of how to get the skills you need to transform your life.

 

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you’re struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen’s NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air! 

 

—Want daily updates from me? Find me on TikTok @hangoverwhisperer and IG @thehangoverwhisperer  

 

—Click here to TAKE THE QUIZ: Do you have a drinking problem or a thinking problem?

 Transcript:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12lE8GIoZE3tDkUIOR-v85MpHSAOQAP7j?usp=sharing