On today's episode, Colleen answers a question from a listener who’s successfully changed her own drinking habits—but finds herself frustrated by her husband’s drinking. If you’ve ever felt like someone else’s behavior is sabotaging your progress, this episode will help you take back your emotional power.

Colleen walks through her framework for emotional ownership and teaches how to release the belief that someone else’s choices have to hold you back. You’ll learn how to shift the story you’re telling yourself, meet your own needs, and define success on your terms.

 

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why emotional sobriety starts with the belief: "My thoughts are the problem, not their behavior."

• The “Weed, Seed, and Feed” tool to replace unhelpful thoughts with empowering ones

• How unmet needs and codependent thinking quietly sabotage your growth

• Why shame thrives in secrecy—and what to do about it

• What it really means to “let them drink” while you stay grounded in your own goals

✅ Action Steps:

• Use the Emotional Ownership Statement: “My partner’s drinking is not the problem. My thoughts about their drinking are the problem.”

• Ask: What need do I think they’re supposed to meet for me? How can I meet it myself?

• Weed out the belief: “I need them to change.”

• Seed a new one: “I don’t need them to change to succeed.”

• Feed it by journaling the evidence you already have.

• Take one small action today that supports your emotional autonomy—without waiting for anyone else to get on board.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to stay emotionally sober, even if the people around you aren’t changing.

🎯 Ready to take the next step?

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

If you’re a high-achieving, coachable woman who’s ready to reduce your alcohol consumption by 80% and so you can enjoy drinking socially without losing control—Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL