How do you rebuild your identity when alcohol has been woven into every aspect of your personal and professional life? Growing up in a rural fishing community where “drinking was a pastime, to put it mildly,” Peggy couldn’t even remember her first drink. Her 28-year military career reinforced these patterns in predominantly male trades where working hard and playing hard revolved around alcohol. Finding the courage to stop drinking as a female veteran wasn’t straightforward, especially when seeking help could jeopardize her security clearance and career. In this heartfelt conversation with Annie Grace, Peggy shares her journey to freedom from alcohol after retirement, how she navigated the transition, and why she’s now training to become a coach to help others find the answers that are already inside themselves.

In this episode, Annie and Peggy will discuss:

The normalization of alcohol in rural communities and the military.

The challenges of questioning ingrained drinking habits.

The moment Peggy realized her drinking was no longer serving her.

The fear of seeking help for alcohol issues within the military context.

The support and understanding found within the This Naked Mind community.

The concept of “duck mode” as a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety.

Changing social dynamics and navigating friendships without alcohol.

The realization of internal strength and wisdom.

Peggy’s motivation to become a certified coach and guide others, particularly female veterans, on their journey to stop drinking as a female veteran.

The transformative power of self-acceptance and kindness.

And other topics…

Episode links:

Email Peggy - [email protected]

Connect with Peggy - neaptidecoaching.com

Related Episodes:

EP 745: How To Quit Drinking in Your 50s – https://thisnakedmind.com/breaking-through-alcohols-false-relief-joys-naked-life-e745/

EP 561: Naked Life Story – Ben – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-561-naked-life-story-ben/

EP 292: Duck Mode Explained – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-292-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-alcohol-free-at-a-bachelor-bachelorette-party-weekend/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!