Hello my dear sweet listeners and welcome to Episode #86! At the time this is being recording, we’re just 4 short days away from Christmas. While I have absolutely no clue where this year has gone, I am so looking forward to slowing down with the family this weekend and experiencing the magic of the season with my kiddos.

If this is your first sober holiday, you’re amazing!! I’ll make sure to link some of my past episodes below for tips for staying alcohol-free over the holidays. If you’ve been alcohol free for a while now and are feeling strong in sobriety, my advice is to still plan ahead. Pack a non-alcoholic drink, exercise that day, eat plenty of healthy snacks, and if necessary - have a friend or family member you can reach out to if you find yourself tempted. And just as a reminder, let me just say - you will never, ever, ever, ever, ever regret waking up Christmas Day rested, present, and WITHOUT a hangover. Trust me.

Today I have a new friend on the show, Shelby John. Shelby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice where she specializes in trauma, addiction, and anxiety. With years of experience in the field, she founded Shelby John Coaching and is the happy host of the Confident Sober Women podcast. After getting sober she became a fresh, authentic voice in the sobriety space, showing women how to build confidence and love their lives beyond recovery. Shelby is the mother to three, the wife to her high school sweetheart, and has been sober since July 1, 2002.

*Please note this episode does have a trigger warning: Shelby talks briefly about suicide in this episode. If you need resources and/or support, go to 988lifeline.org. You can also call, text, or chat by dialing the number 988, please look after yourself.

Okay my friends, honored to be able to bring you another inspiring and wonderful story. Enjoy my chat with Shelby!

Ways to Connect with Shelby:

Website: www.shelbyjohncoaching.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/confidentsoberwomen

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelbyjjohn

Binge these holiday-related past Decidedly Dry episodes for some motivation:

3 Tips on How to Have Fun and Stay Sober over the Holidays:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decidedly-dry-sobriety-alcohol-free-living-quit-drinking/id1601554317?i=1000590838016

Newly Sober and Not Sure What to Say When People Ask You Why You're Not Drinking? Check Out These Easy, Amazing Responses:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decidedly-dry-sobriety-alcohol-free-living-quit-drinking/id1601554317?i=1000591081719

Interested in spending January growing in your alcohol-free journey, in movement, and in your faith? Join me! More details will be shared soon with those who are Decidedly Dry Substack Subscribers. Click this link below to make sure you’re on my list:

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!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com