Recovery Elevator

Today we have Emmy. She took her last drink on December 8, 2019. This is her story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Finding Your Better You – Odette's weekly message.

Odette spoke about a personal and very sensitive issue: she is an Adult Child of an Alcoholic. She took charge of her recovery but recently identified some behaviors and coping mechanisms she was hoping to skip over that are rooted in her early years growing up in an alcoholic home. Odette realized she had been stuck in a pattern of self-sabotage for years in many aspects of her life, some more dangerous than others. Self-sabotage showed up in her relationships with friends, at school, and with her husband. While Odette doesn't like the label of being an adult child of an alcoholic, she has come to realize she can't wish the consequences away. Pain in our families makes our emotional state a bit disheveled. We live waiting for the other shoe to drop. We were guarded and untrusting. This state became our normal: the feeling that something is wrong all of the time.

Odette is focused on understanding the impact self-sabotage has on her behavior. She is practicing new behaviors. She is working on making small shifts – to see things differently.

No matter how destructive our behavior has been in the past, we can experience new ways of being.

[9:38] Odette introduces Emmy

Emmy took her last drink on December 8, 2019. She is from Fort Worth, Texas, and she is 30 years old.

Emmy is a recreational therapist who works with children and adults with various disabilities. She is single, no kids, and lives with her five-year-old dog Petey. She has fun participating in her recovery, getting to know who she is, and learning to become her own friend.

[13:06] Can you give listeners some background on your history with drinking?

Emmy said she started drinking around 16 or 17. She was at a friend's house where somebody had brought over a bottle of alcohol mixed with Propel and thought it was cool. She remembers the first sip giving her this sort of warm feeling inside and thinking, 'nothing bad can ever happen with this.' She kept that routine going every weekend as a teenager. When she went to college, she found an excuse to drink every night, whether trivia night or intramural sports. She also worked in a restaurant and could drink behind the bar. Everybody was doing it, so it didn't seem like a problem at the time.

She graduated college and worked in a nursing home by day and a restaurant by night. She was working 50-60 hours a week, which gave her another excuse to drink because she worked so hard.

[14:45] At this point, were you starting to question your relationship with alcohol, or were you thinking this is just what people do?

Emmy said she knew as a teenager; it may become a problem in the future. She saw so many people doing the same thing and thought she would have to look at it later down the road.

[15:28] Walk me through what happened afterward, how did that progress?

Emmy went to grad school, which started drinking Round 2. She thought, I'm still in school, I can still live the same lifestyle. She graduated, got a Director job in a nursing home, with more responsibility. She was not surrounded by as many people who drank as she did.

She began putting feelers out to different people, asking if she had a drinking problem. She was asking the wrong people, the people who drank as she did. She took that as validation she didn't have a problem.

She drank regularly for a few more years. She thought it was fun. There were many examples of alcoholism in her family. Problem drinkers have a problem every time. She believed she could maintain control and continue drinking.

[17:35] Were you creating any rules for yourself, like moderation rules?

Emmy said, don't we all? She had rules about, don't drink on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She would break her rules all of the time, then double down on guilt and shame.

Emmy moved to Texas, and she wasn't around anybody she knew anymore. She started drinking alone. She could still have a glass or two of wine and feel fine the next day. She was still getting up for work and had a really good job. Nothing was taken away from her, so she didn't think it was a problem.

[18:36] You said the word, YET, was powerful in your journey. The inner turmoil between the heart and the brain can be exhausting, were you tired mentally?

Emmy said this is what led her to admit defeat. She found herself doing the same thing over and over again. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired. She was sick of being pulled out of her life, missing amazing moments while she continued drinking.

[19:49] Did you have any people in your life who were pursuing sobriety or battling addiction?

Emmy said yes. She grew up with alcoholism in her immediate and extended family. She had little seeds planted in the past ten years by people who chose recovery.

[20:32] So what made you change your mind?

Emmy said on December 7, she was feeling unsafe and recalling a previously abusive relationship. On vacation in California, she was sneaking drinks when nobody was looking so not everyone would know how much she'd had to drink. She treated somebody pretty poorly that night. She was up all night and came out of a blackout, realizing she was yelling at someone. She looked in the mirror and told herself, you have completely lost who you are. It was an out-of-body experience, and within a few days, she reached out for help out of desperation.

[22:18] That's a powerful moment: a self-intervention. Was the progression of your drinking a way to cope with the pain of an abusive relationship?

Emmy said, absolutely, but she doesn't think of herself as a victim anymore. She feels empowered from the healing and counseling she has done and discovered the abusive relationship was an excuse. Self-pity became an excuse for her behaviors.

[24:48] You decided to reach out for help. What did that look like for you?

Emmy said, leading up to this day, she was drawn to a client's mother with 30 years of sobriety. She drove her client home and walked up to the door, and just collapsed in her arms, sobbing. She was met with acceptance, told about some options, and felt safe.

She went to an AA meeting at 10 pm that night, and it was a magical moment. She felt love, acceptance, no judgment, empowerment, and she has been going to AA ever since.

[28:05] How connected are you to faith or guidance? It sounds like you were catching signs.

Emmy said she grew up in a religious home and always had God there. She believes not making him her #1 pursuit got her off track. She recently connected to the spiritual side of her program and believes God sends messages through people. Her faith has grown in the past nine months.

[32:19] Tell me about those initial months. What was it like? How did you have to adjust your daily routine?

Emmy said the first three months were just a release of emotion. She had no cravings. She was grateful to God for lifting the obsession. She was learning how to be a human, to walk soberly. She still had problems and started learning how to deal with them without alcohol.

She is getting to know God, getting to know herself. She is establishing a routine and creating stability that she never got as a little girl and felt empowered by the choice.

[34:42] What is your go for handling problems and negative emotions?

Emmy is trying to strengthen the pause, pausing before reacting. She takes 5 minutes to herself and breathes. She is working on not being impulsive. She continues to practice pausing every day.

[36:27] Tell me about your routine?

Emmy is awakened by her dog at the same time every day. They have a routine. She then does a daily devotional, journals, relaxes as her form of meditation to clear her head. She walks the dog to get outside and enjoys fresh air. Then she starts work. God and her recovery come first.

[38:51] What is your favorite part of the journey so far?

Emmy does five in-person meetings a week and talks to her sponsor when problems arise.

[39:56] What is your response when someone offers you a drink?

Emmy said it varies, and she liked to make it funny. I'm allergic. It makes me mean. No, thank you.

[40:37] Thoughts about the future (wedding, milestones)?

Emmy said she has thought about it. Will anyone come if I have a dry wedding? She is learning it's easy to have fun without alcohol. She is learning to "stay where her feet are." She stays in the present and is enjoying being in the present. Stay where your feet are; you are here.

[42:35] How have the relationships in your life shifted or changed?

Emmy said she feels blessed with good friends and believes she is the one that has changed. She practices being grateful for her friends, being present for them, and enjoys remembering conversations the next day. She treats people better. She feels supported and has excellent long-distance relationships.

[44:15] Where do you find inspiration from outside of your meetings?

Emmy said she loves the Recovery Elevator podcast, talking to her sponsor, prayer, and journaling.

[45:15} What do you associate with the word alcoholic?

Emmy said she doesn't have a problem with it. She sees it as an opportunity, a relief, not a label.

[46:03] Rapid Fire Round

1. What are you excited about right now? What possibilities in your life?

Helping others in recovery, giving opportunity to other people.

1. What do you bring to a party when they tell you to bring your drinks?

La Croix – passion fruit

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Breyer's chocolate truffle

1. What's a light bulb moment you've had in this journey?

If you don't drink, you won't get drunk

1. What has recovery made possible for you?

Self-love

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are thinking of ditching the booze?

Keep open-mindedness and willingness. Don't be too hard on yourself. If the thought has crossed your mind, give it a try.

You may have to say Adios to booze if …

getting a drink (one drink) sounds like a waste of time

Odette's weekly challenge:

What is in your baggage backpack that you want to get eliminate? A character defect, a challenging conversation, a task you have been avoiding. Muster the courage and go for it. You are brave and so much more capable than you realize.

If you are an Adult Child of an Alcoholic, I am with you. You are not alone and together is always better.

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

"Recovery Elevator – Without the darkness you would never

know the light - I love you guys"

Today we have Sasha. She took her last drink on May 19th, 2019. This is her story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Check out the free meditations on the Recovery Elevator page here!

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

When Odette doesn't want to forget something, she sends herself an email. Recently she found one to herself with the subject line: Positive Relationships. The body of the email said simply: "The biggest factor for cultivating resilience" (Season 17, Grey's Anatomy)

We need resilience when embarking on this journey. Not just for this, but for everything life throws at us. Our journey is far from perfect, when we fall we need the courage to get back up and that's why we need community. This is why together is better. Having one person in your corner can make a huge difference for you.

How many positive relationships to you have and are you fostering them?

[7:19] Odette introduces Sasha.

Sasha is from New Jersey and works in IT. She lives with her fiancé and their dog. For fun she likes to read, do jigsaw puzzles, meditate and collecting old books from estate sales.

[10:37] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Sasha said she started drinking around the age of 18. It wasn't anything that was intense, but she knew from the first drink it would make her be "her true self." She got a DUI at the 20. Around 21 was when she started drinking alone. When she was 23/24 she was crying and falling apart every time she drank. Her thoughts were preoccupied with drinking all the time.

[13:48] Did the DUI make you question your drinking, or did you think that this was just something young people did?

Sasha said it was both. She knew she drank in a way that wasn't normal but felt because she was so young it was also ok. Looking back she knew it should have been a big warning sign.

[15:36] Did you have any rock bottom moments?

Sasha said rock bottom was when she was drinking alone and miserable. She had the realization she was miserable but didn't know how to get out of it.

[16:13] How did you get yourself out of the cycle?

Sasha said she was listening to the RE podcast and reading Eckart Tolle and doing the Sam Harris 'Wake Up' course and this gave her the realization she had a drinking problem. Her end goal when drinking was always to be drunk, so the solution was to have none.

[18:09] Was the podcast your first exposure to other stories of people's drinking?

Sasha said after her DUI there was court mandated AA meetings and that was her first exposure. She loved hearing what people were going through because she could identify with them.

[21:20] What Tolle book were you reading?

The Power of Now

She was also reading In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts which covers many of the same themes.

[24:54] Were you having conversations with your fiancé about your drinking prior to May 20th?

Sasha said she always minimized it, so they never had direct conversations about her drinking. When she told him, he was very supportive and zero judgement. They continue to have conversations about her drinking.

[26:27] Did you feel relief when you told him?

Sasha said yes, a tremendous amount of relief. She was so lonely in her drinking and to have him be so accepting was what she needed.

[32:05] How was it for you right after you made the decision to stop drinking?

Sasha said for her it was like a switch flipped. She was so happy to be free from alcohol that her "pink cloud" lasted about 6 months. It helped that so many other things fell into place in that time as well. Sasha received a promotion at work, they got a dog, she was connecting with herself, reconnected with old friends and all the small things put themselves in place. It was hard for her to imagine going back to drinking.

She had a craving around month 8, but was able to play the tape forward and that tool helped her not have a drink.

[36:27] What happened after the pink cloud? What other tools do you use?

Sasha said this time quitting was different, she was able to flip a switch. She no longer romanticizes drinking. But overall she hasn't had the white knuckling craving this time.

[39:27] Did you have a routine in your day that you had to fill with new things?

Sasha said it was when she left work. In the past she would leave work and pick-up alcohol on the way home. At first, she was distracting herself with seeing friends and taking her dog for a walk or eating. Getting out of the house was really important.

[44:55] What type of responses did you get from people when you told them about this decision?

Sasha said most people were supportive. Every once in a while, someone questions the decision. Some of the people she used to drink with have also come out and admitted they are struggling and she has tried to point them in the right direction for resources.

[46:48] Rapid Fire Round

1. What would you say to your younger self?

Give her a hug and tell her everything will be ok.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavour?

Chocolate

1. What has recovery made possible for you?

To live a life of peace and to be vulnerable with others.

1. What parting piece of guidance would you give to listeners thinking about ditching the booze?

Stick with it if you're struggling to quit. The fact that you are even trying to do this right now is huge. Find resources that will work for you.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

it's 2pm on a Tuesday and you're googling, "Do I have a drinking problem?" with one eye closed because you can't see the phone.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Make a small inventory of your relationships. Which ones would you like to see changes in? Which ones would you like to cultivate?

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• You can find more information about our events

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – when we choose to take care of the small things, the big things seem to take care of themselves - I love you guys"

Today we have Stephen. He took his last drink on January 24th, 2020. This is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

"The pleasures of connecting with people are much greater than the pleasures of judging people."- Johann Hari

If we show up genuinely, we can connect with someone. If we are pretending to listen, we will not connect. Only with actual connection can we truly see each other. In a little departure from talking about quitting drinking Odette is asking us to explore being a better listener. What would that mean? What would that look like? Listening to each other has the power to heal, however it's also very hard to do. Can we be more curious and see how this can impact relationships?

[6:01] Odette introduces Stephen.

Stephen is 33 years old and lives in Austin, TX. He enjoys exercise, teaching tennis and using his Peloton. He's planning to return to school in the near future.

[7:30] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Stephen said he took his first drink at the age of 15. He was curious about it and remembers finding something that made him feel relaxed. Being so focused on tennis, alcohol was mostly a secondary thing. In 2008 he joined the military to be an Airborne Ranger, which is also where he noticed his drinking changed. He left the military in 2015 and the drinking followed him. With nothing to wake up for at 5am anymore, he was able to drink differently. After a few years he walked into an AA meeting and went all in for 7 months' time. He began drinking again for 5 months which led him to January 2020.

[14:59] Tell me more about your being in the military and the binge drinking. Did you question your relationship with alcohol?

Stephen said he only questioned his drinking in the midst of a bad hangover. He was surrounded by so many others that drank the same way, so it was very normalized. Alcohol was a temporarily release from the stressors.

[19:07] Have you shifted your thinking from that of learning to endure to finding joy?

Stephen said he is still working on this. Coming from his sports and military background he was taught to do whatever it takes to get through something. He's learned that only works in the short term, but the emotional impact last longer. In recovery Stephen has taught himself that it's ok when things are easy and to go with the flow. He had to allow himself to surrender to the fact that he cannot live with alcohol in his life at all.

[22:45] What has been different this time?

Stephen said this time he had to adjust his all-in mentality. He's more tied into recovery communities with actual people and listening to their struggles and stories. He gave up the idea of being perfect but at the same time accepted that he can't be the best version of himself while drinking alcohol.

[25:06] Have you found anything in sobriety that makes you feel relaxed and free?

Stephen said running helps him and it's when his body feels good and his mind is at peace. He's working on trying to be ok with his own thoughts in his own head. Having real conversations with real people makes him feel free.

[25:57] What do you do when you have a craving?

Stephen said he eats. It's simple and it works for him. He didn't eat when drinking because he didn't want to ruin his buzz. Now it's the opposite. If that doesn't work, he reaches out.

[26:57] Tell me about this year.

Stephen said at the beginning of COVID he was still able to be collecting a paycheck. He also went through a big breakup, which was different being sober.

[29:30] What's your everyday routine look like?

Stephen said on a daily basis about connecting with people about his life and their life. Addressing mind, body and spirit, as well as attending therapy.

[31:14] How have the interactions with family and friends been?

Stephen said his family can now see the version of him that's able to be present. He's having conversations with family members who are questioning their own drinking.

[34:01] Have you figured out the why of your drinking?

Stephen said he's been exploring a lot of deeper things with his therapist. He grew up in a home where he had to walk on eggshells. So, he thinks the drinking allowed him to be free of that. However, that led to all of his emotions being repressed and without an outlet except through drinking. Drinking allowed him to feel things and feel human.

[35:38] Have you found therapy to be helpful?

Stephen said yes. He's an analytical person by nature and having someone to be a sounding board has been helpful. He wouldn't have gone through a lot of the childhood trauma without his therapist.

[37:36] Has your sleep improved?

Stephen said not yet. He hopes it's the last piece of the puzzle.

[39:49] Have you gone back to AA?

Stephen said yes, he's working through the steps again. But he primarily focuses on a larger network for his own recovery.

[41:07] Rapid Fire Round

1. What would you say to your younger self?

Stop trying to find clarity and happiness in a bottle. What happened to you as a child is not your fault

1. What book are you reading right now?

Claim Your Power by Mastin Kipp

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavour?

Amy's Ice Cream: Mexican Vanilla

1. What parting piece of guidance would you give to listeners thinking about ditching the booze?

There is no perfect recovery.Find your own path, don't look back and you aren't alone. There are so many people living a life without booze.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

you jump out of a plane drunk, because you are still drunk from the night before.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Only you know what is best for you. Protect your energy. What works for some might not work for you. We are all here to encourage and inspire each other. We are challenging big alcohol, you are a part of this.

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• You can find more information about our events

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout.

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – when you show up as you are, you make all the difference for yourself and for the world - I love you guys"

Today we have Niel. He took his last drink on January 9th, 2020. This is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

A few weeks ago, Odette heard a phrase that she hadn't heard before and it struck a chord with her. It was different from the usual catch phrases that people use.

"Awkwardness is an indicator of learning"

Do we talk enough about the uncomfortable moments while on this journey? Are we allowing those moments to happen and normalizing them? When the decision to quit drinking is made, awkward moments arise, because we are feeling everything now. When we feel awkward, we feel vulnerable and feeling vulnerable makes most people want to run and hide. Odette phrases this into if/then questions to find a new path. Choosing yourself and living AF is often awkward and that's ok! Let it feel weird until it doesn't anymore.

[6:59] Odette introduces Niel.

Niel is 56 and lives in rural North Eastern California. He is a forester. He is married and has two children. For fun he likes to be outdoors. He misses swimming. He plays and builds guitars, any type of woodworking. Biking and hiking he also enjoys.

[10:08] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Niel said he grew up in family where drinking was part of the culture. He started drinking irresponsibly / binge way in high school. He joined a fraternity in college and drank there as well. After he passed the bar exam in 2004 his drinking began to be problematic. In 2016 he stopped for a year, but then began drinking again in 2017.

[12:27] Tell me more about your year in 2016.

Niel said he talked to friends who were AF before this. He began exploring the idea that he might have a problem. Although he went back to drinking in 2017, he needed to experiment and decide is maybe this time it would be different.

[15:00] Given your level of drinking, how was your day to day?

Niel said he characterized himself as high functioning. However, he did have the repercussions of drinking that much. He found himself waking up feeling "thick" and he was irritable, unable to sleep, his weight was up, his heart was always racing, there were all kinds of manifestations.

[16:39] How were your relationships at home?

Niel said he was more on the irritable side. Emotionally until you pause and look in the mirror you don't realize how bad you can be. Your actions are all reflections of your wellness.

[20:08] What's one of your worst drinking memories?

Niel said there's a highlight tape of horrors in his head. His worst memories are those about missing out on memorable moments in his life. Raising his kids, being around them for their successes. Those memories are foggy and not sharp.

[21:57] Tell me about the beginning of this year.

Niel said the first 3-4 days the cravings were strong towards the end of the day. He kept those at bay by distracting himself. Usually he would go outside and exercise. He replaced the liquid with soda water and lime. His cravings were more nuances. It was more about figuring out the trigger and dealing with those emotions. He's felt so much better in the past months that it drives him to keep going. Emotionally the peaks and valleys are more manageable. Thinking through his actions and distractions are what works for him.

[26:29] Do you get any push back along the journey?

Niel said he's received a lot of support from friends and family. There's a few that don't understand. It's a matter of understanding any challenge from a friend, it's from a place of not understanding or challenging their own drinking.

[28:02] What are a few things you do daily that keep you grounded?

Niel said he's a very driven person. He wakes early and starts his day with the dogs. His workday is long but when he's home he focuses on exercise. It allows his mind to detach and reflect on his day and his emotional intelligence. He helps around the house and with dinner and closing down the day. He checks in with Cafe RE at the end of the day and enjoys learning about other people's journeys. He then starts is over the next day. When he's traveling he listens to podcasts.

[31:16] Has your sleep improved?

Niel said he now sleeps mostly like the dead. His anxiety is manageable. He remembers his dreams now.

[33:02] Tell me the difference in your journey from 2016 to now.

Niel said he was a dry drunk in 2016. He just stopped drinking rather than trying to fix the why. He didn't reach out for any tools to help him stop drinking, he didn't have or seek support. He now listens carefully to other people's similarities. He focuses on others tools. Niel looks to community now. He tries to laugh more now because humor is a great healer.

[37:28] What is your why?

Niel said a big one is his ability to now remove a large amount of self-inflected stress. He can step back and examine all the taxing moments in his life and move through them now without alcohol. His why has now become his how. His ability to resolve his issues of why he drank is creating the solution to how he's stopped drinking.

[43:00] What's your favorite NA drink?

Arnold Palmer or a soda water with lime / a little cranberry.

[44:20] Rapid Fire Round

1. What would you say to your younger self?

Stop now you dumbass.

1. What has recovery made possible?

Having memories. Giving himself a renewed lease on life.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavour?

Chocolate, anything with chocolate.

1. What parting piece of guidance would you give to listeners thinking about ditching the booze?

"If you're going through hell, don't stop"

Don't stay in hell, get out of there. Listen to the similarities, the differences only give us an excuse to keep drinking. Decide and stop.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

your 60 lb labradoodle falls asleep on your chest after you pass out, and you don't wake up.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Not only is this journey awkward, it's also imperfect. We often only see other people's highlight reels and happy moments. We don't often see the struggles, the setbacks, the cravings. Keep this is mind.

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• You can find more information about our events

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – stay awkward and weird, you don't regret it- I love you guys"

Today we have Chris. He took his last drink about 6 years ago. This is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

A few weeks ago, Elle published an article titled "The Year of Drinking Dangerously" which explored how alcohol in 2020 was front and center. Alcohol effects everything in our society and it's time we got serious and brought these issues to light. Alcohol is a drug that has been glamorized. 2020 taught Odette that she has grit, that she can speak up about things that matter to her, that she doesn't have to be a people pleaser, to name a few. She is pledging to make 2021 the year where Recovery Elevator changes even more lives through unmasking alcohol. As more and more people are questioning their relationship with alcohol… LETS KEEP GOING.

[7:10] Odette introduces Chris.

Chris is 33 years old, originally from New Jersey and right now lives in Savannah, GA. His career began in finance, as he quit drinking, he transitioned to being a personal trainer. He also began a blog, writing the articles he wished he could have read when questioning his own drinking. This became his website and he now is a alcohol recovery coach and has a podcast related to sobriety. He likes to be physically active. Chris also has two dogs he rescued in 2020.

[16:57] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Chris started drinking in high school but wasn't really a partier. He was mostly into swimming and studying. However, when he did go out, he realized he could out drink all his friends. As he moved into an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, he felt like he was living a double life. Alcohol was the opposite of everything he stood for. Looking back he can see that he would have withdrawal symptoms at the age of 20 when he didn't drink. When he left college and began working, the drinking was now just martinis and more expensive. When he did finally quit, he had to go to detox. Through his research he learned that he had been out of balance with his nutrients which alcohol only exacerbated.

[25:21] How aware were you that alcohol was the problem?

Chris said he was in deep denial, with outbursts of honesty. A story he tells is standing outside a liquor store one morning waiting for it to open while drinking from a bottle of water he had filled with vodka. He thought to himself "this isn't normal." Chris felt he was special because of that he needed to drink to deal with people and jobs. Alcohol to him was a performance enhancing drug.

[30:47] Tell me about those first couple months.

Chris said once he admitted to others that alcohol was a problem, he felt some inner peace and relief. He also felt the tug of war in his brain, would this be purgatory and him having to be a saint the rest of his life? Chris took the leap of faith that he would figure out what needed to be done. In rehab he began doing meditation and that opened his eyes to the fact that you can have a fulfilled life away from alcohol. Fueling his body helped him see the world in full color.

[39:35] What are simple tips help you restore your body balance?

Chris said there are two main factors: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and deficiencies in neurotransmitters. Start with a daily multivitamin and look into amino acid therapy. L Glutamine can be helpful in repairing muscles and gut health. It also turned into glucose in the brain without a spike in blood sugar.

* always speak to your doctor before beginning any regiment.

[44:52] Sleep

Chris said he's recently read Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. Chris had always had trouble sleeping and he's now trying to optimize his sleep. He tracks his sleep and tries to get to the bottom of why his sleep pattern might have changed. Chris recommends the power of tea and drinking tea to find a blissed-out state. There's a whole universe of benign things that can help with the psychological distraction.

[50:39] Rapid Fire Round

1. What would you say to your younger self?

Don't drink alcohol.

1. What has recovery made possible?

Deeper relationships and be present with people.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavour?

Talenti Mediterranean Mint

1. What book are you reading right now?

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

1. What parting piece of guidance would you give to listeners thinking about ditching the booze?

Try to solidify your support system and figure out how you can confide in. Don't assume you will feel as bad as you think you will without the alcohol.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

you find yourself outside a liquor store before it opens with a bottle of water refilled with vodka.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Did you reflect on who you are trying to become? Please don't shy away from what your heart is telling you that you deserve.

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• You can find more information about our events

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – Let's continue to be trail blazers- I love you guys"

Today we have Robyn. She took her last drink on June 30, 2020. With 63 days away from alcohol (at the time of this recording), this is her story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

The last Monday of the year! "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" – Zig Ziglar

This journey isn't about arriving, it's about becoming. How much we are willing to put in is what we should celebrate. Your hard work and new habits are what is to be celebrated. No one can take that away from you. What have you noticed about your journey this year? Who did you become this year?

[6:35] Odette introduces Robyn.

Robyn is from Columbia, South Carolina. She lives with her partner and he has two kids they see often. She likes jigsaw puzzles, reading, journaling and meditating. Pre-covid she liked vacations to the mountains.

[9:33] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Robyn said she started drinking around her senior year of high school. She was shy. When she moved to NC it was a fresh start and to fit in, she drank. It helped her open up and have fun. After some life trials and moving to Columbia she made friends with bartenders and it was still fun drinking. During a relationship with another alcoholic, she noticed her drinking really ramped up. There were lots of times she talked herself out of being an alcoholic. In 2011 Robyn got a DUI. She did quit for a little, but it didn't stick. After her mother passed away was when Robyn actually noticed it was a problem. She dealt with so much during that time. Robyn's getting to her last drink came in ebbs and flows over years. There was a definite mental decline that she noticed.

[26:10] How was your emotional state during these times of drinking and then returning to drinking?

Robyn said she stopped beating herself up. It took a while for that overall to stop, but the more she met people and gained community it's been easier for her to be easier on herself. She's learned there's no point in beating yourself up, it won't help.

[31:06] What do you do when you get a craving?

Robyn said she reaches out. Her partner helps her with the rational side of her thinking. If he's not available, she will reach out to Café RE or her little DTB group.

[32:43] How has this decision affected other relationships?

Robyn said her boss is also in recovery and he's a big supporter of her recovery. Her best friend still drinks but is supportive of her choice.

[35:21] Have you been able to identify any triggers?

Robyn said some of her triggers are good things. If she's having a good day, yard work, outside activities. Her triggers aren't emotional anymore.

[38:06] Do you have a daily routine?

Robyn said journaling. She's journaled most of her life and she's really focused on it during her sobriety. Robyn even noticed that if she takes a break, within a week she's had a drink. Even when she doesn't have anything "great" to say, she writes anyway. She tries to include gratitude and she's begun meditating.

[47:18] Rapid Fire Round

1. If you could talk to day 1 Robyn, what would you say?

Keep trying, you're making the right decision, keep going. It will eventually be good.

1. What are you excited about right now?

Do some sober travel and meet some Cafe RE members.

1. What are some of your favorite resources on this journey?

Cafe RE, journaling, quit lit and other podcasts, all of them.

1. What is your favorite NA beverage?

All the sparkling water, if it's sparkling and it's water, I want it!

1. What parting piece of guidance would you give to listeners thinking about ditching the booze?

Give it a try you will never know how good it can feel until you give it a chance. And be easy on yourself.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

you wanted to stock up for quarantine and it only lasts you 4 days.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Take a few moments to reflect on today's intro on becoming. Who are you trying to become?

Thank you to each listener!

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• Recovery Elevator RESTORE January 2021 Course. We will be offering this starting 1/1/2021. We're meeting 13 times in January via Zoom to give you the tools and accountability needed for an alcohol-free January… and hopefully more!
• You can find more information about our events

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – Embrace the journey of becoming and Happy New Year- I love you guys"

Today we have Sarah. She took her last drink on April 22, 2019. With over a year away from alcohol (at the time of this recording), this is her story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

Odette recently received the book Homebody by Rupi Kaur. As Odette looks at her own sobriety as a return to self, this book is very fitting for where she is in her own journey right now. Here's your permission slip this week: take care of yourself. This time of year can be overwhelming for many. When we are overwhelmed, we may also open the door to fear. Using our tools, we can make life manageable and hold space for everything we are feeling.

list of things to heal your mood:

• cry it out. walk it. write it. scream it. dance it out of your body.
• If after all that you are still spiraling out of control ask yourself if sinking into the mud is worth it
• the answer is no
• the answer is breathe
• sip tea and feel your nervous system settle
• you are the hero of your life
• this feeling doesn't have power over you
• the universe has prepared you to handle this
• no matter how dark it get the light is always on its way
• you are the light
• walk yourself back to where the love lives

[6:42] Odette introduces Sarah.

Sarah lives in Wisconsin with her husband and her son and their dog. She is 30 years old and works in marketing. For fun she likes running, reading and crafting. She loves live music as well.

[8:52] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Sarah said she had her first drink around 14 or 15 years old. Form there she drank almost every weekend and became a party girl. The lifestyle continued into college. She transferred her sophomore year and focused on her health. When she turned 21 it ramped up again. Being in WI the drinking culture is strong. After college she kept partying on the weekend, but the culture of drinking kept her in it. At the age of 26 Sarah had a moment that changed it, she woke up feeling shame. In 2017 she told herself she was only going to drink on special occasions, she made it 60 days without alcohol. At a friends 30th birthday was when she drank again, and it was like old times, up until 4 am drinking. She also found out she was pregnant at the end of March 2017. While pregnant she missed drinking and was ready to get back to it. She found herself turning to alcohol as a reward. Sarah began to see that she wasn't someone who could just have one, she always went overboard.

[21:30] Has it been cool finding different ways to unwind at the end of the day?

Sarah said she turned her beer fridge into a NA fridge. Her and her husband make mocktails. She turns to something that's relaxing rather than alcohol to unwind.

[22:59] Talk to me about when you started this journey and being in a relationship?

Sarah said her partner was really supportive. He never said anything about her drinking, but it caused problems when she was drinking. She was worried about their relationship however because they met through partying. He however is someone who supports her no matter what.

[27:31] Did you start using social media as a way to find other sober people?

Sarah said when she was on her moderation journey, she found some accounts that were about being sober. When she got serious, she went back and found them and was amazed at how large the community had grown. Sarah found 1000 Hours Dry and enlisted a friend to do it with her. Sarah helped grow her community through Instagram. She's co-started New Fashioned Sobriety with some friends she met through Instagram and they plan meet ups (virtual right now!).

[33:39] How was it going to the in person retreat in Bozeman?

Sarah said she was very nervous about going, but also about what her family would think. During the retreat she met and connected with so many people she wouldn't have otherwise and really emersed herself in the event. Sarah said she came home with new tools and tons of new friends.

[37:52] Do you still get cravings?

Sarah said it's mostly when she romanticizes her drinking, but for the most part no.

[41:28] Tell me what your most beloved tools in your toolbelt.

Podcasts are #1, this Naked Mind and the community on instgram.

[42:31] What's your go to response when someone offers you a drink?

No thanks, it makes me feel like shit was her go to in the beginning. Now she normally brings her own so it's not a conversation!

[43:33] Rapid Fire Round

1. If you could talk to day 1 Sarah, what would you say?

You life is going to change so much in so many positive ways, you will still be you, you just will have a fuller life.

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Blue Moon

1. What book are you reading?

The Sober Lush

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give people thinking about ditching the booze?

Stop thinking about all the thinking you will lose, but instead focus on the possibilities.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

you black out on Easter Sunday before American Idol premiers at 7pm.

Odette's parting words:

Love yourself hard this week. We don't have to drink to escape our feelings. If you need any extra help, please ask for help. You can email Odette.

Together is always better.

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – Feliz Navidad- I love you guys"

Today we have Kyle. He took his last drink on May 31 2020. With 82 days away from alcohol (at the time of this recording), this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

Sometimes we get stuck. When Odette gets stuck, she repeats this simple phrase to herself. "Please help me see things differently." Being shown the same scenario through a different lens helps to shift the perspective. Different questions help to see things in a new way and get unstuck. If you're feeling stuck are you asking yourself the wrong questions?

[7:44] Odette introduces Kyle.

Kyle is 33 years old and from Michigan. He is married and has three young daughters. He works in the automotive industry as a program manager. For fun he's been planning the future with his wife, he also likes gaming and running.

[10:49] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Kyle said the first time he got drunk was when he was 14, but he didn't notice a change in his drinking until he was in his 20s. He was taking on a lot at the time and failing a lot at things. He looked to beer to take the edge off which turned into drinking to black out every night. He tried quitting many times and this stretch is the longest he's gone in 10 years.

[13:37] When did you notice you were using alcohol to cope?

Kyle said he realized this subconsciously early on but was trying to quit on willpower alone. He figured out the price for alcohol and the euphoria it brought was higher than he was willing to pay. Alcohol stopped being enjoyable at the end because he was just chasing something.

[17:25] What happened when you returned from Japan and you realized you couldn't shake it?

Kyle said rock bottom wasn't one individual thing. He realized he was letting his wife and kids down often. He would wake up ashamed. During a conversation with his wife, she mentioned a friend who worked with people with addiction issues. Kyle was given some reference material. He found other like-minded people and that's really what helped him.

[21:23] Tell me about your attempts to stop drinking.

Kyle said he feels like he's been in a fog for the last 10 years. He had a lot of vision and no energy. Every time he woke up and swore off alcohol, but 3 pm that day he was ready to drink. There was a lot of mental back and forth he experienced. He sees now that was only will power without understanding the science behind it.

[23:23] What was your mental headspace when you were trying to quit?

Kyle said he lacked a lot of self love, so he was frustrated with himself all the time. He had a good façade and came off as confident, but he wasn't the person he wanted to be internally.

[24:15] How has this time been different for you?

Kyle said he is seeking help. Also, his family is a big influence about getting sober. He knows he will be there for them.

[25:16] What do you do when you get a craving?

Kyle said he sits with it and he thinks about the morning after, his future and what the drink can lead to.

[27:30] How has staying away from alcohol affected your anxiety & depression?

Kyle said it's still there, but it's not as severe. He now knows that drinking wont erase them and he deals with them.

[29:44] What does a day in the life of Kyle look like?

Kyle said it's mainly juggling his career and his family.

[29:44] What does a day in the life of Kyle look like?

Jason said he makes amends a lot. He gives himself permission to be imperfect and to circle back. He practices and allows room for mistakes to happen. Being compassionate with himself. He also applies the ABCs

[30:10] Do you have any rituals in place to help you deal with cravings?

Kyle said he likes to keep his hands busy. He does see he's more focused on the things he loves.

[37:16] Have you noticed a difference in your relationship with your wife?

Kyle said his wife really let him do what he needed and didn't get in the way of him discovering his own path to sobriety. He has thanked her for letting him discover sobriety in his own way.

[41:20] Do you have any specific routines during the day / morning routine?

Kyle said he used to but now not really. He does try to find time to exercise because it's a stress release. If he has extra time, read a book.

[43:43] Have you noticed your sleep has improved?

Kyle said living away from alcohol has improved his sleep. He used to drink to knock himself out. He's noticed it's much better now.

[44:43] Rapid Fire Round

1. If you could talk to day 1 Kyle, what would you say?

Show yourself a little self love and try to understand the science behind why you drink.

1. What is your favorite NA beverage?

Coffee, he's trying to find a good energy drink.

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give people thinking about ditching the booze?

If you haven't tried it and you're thinking about it, just try it. Try to understand it.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

you mention this question to your wife because you're struggling to come up with an answer and she gives you a list of ten.

Odette's parting words:

Thank you. After many day 1s, she's celebrating 2 years sober this week

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – Everything that you need is already inside of you- I love you guys"

Today we have Dr. Jason Powers. He took his last drink in June of 2003. With many days away from all substances, this is his story of living substance free.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

What do we do when we are waiting for an outcome or a result? Traditionally: we bolt, we remove ourselves from the moment. In sobriety we have to feel all our feelings. Feeling them is the proof that we are staying true to ourselves. And that in itself is bad ass. Keeping in mind we have to feel the feelings, but also process them, not allow ourselves to get stuck in them. On days like today, when most people feel depleted, we have to find ways to fill up our gas tank.

[7:03] Odette introduces Dr. Jason.

Jason is 50 years old and lives in Houston, Texas. He is a physician that focuses on addiction medicine as well as an author, an interventionist, the founder of Positive Recovery. He is married and has 3 children: 18, 15 & 11. For fun he exercises and plays the drums,

[10:07] Can you give listeners some background on your story?

Jason said his first drug was sugar. It was the summer before 9th grade when he first tried marijuana. While he would quit from time to time, he consumed it a lot. He drank in high school and college. Jason quit everything during medical school. He said he went out of control after his residency because no eyes were on him anymore. He had access to cough syrup with hydrocodone which had its own set of repercussions. He had an intervention and went to rehab. In rehab he had a moment of surrender to addiction.

[16:30] What is your definition of Positive Recovery?

Jason said while he did get sober through a 12-step program. However he woke up later to exploring beyond the 12-steps and a broader array of recovery methods. The science of happiness (Positive Psychology) was something that he learned about and jumped in. He began to apply these methods to addictive disorders. Helping to improve outcomes is Dr. Jason's end goal.

[25:13] Personally, did you have to deal with any relapses after your time in treatment / early recovery?

Jason said he felt like he had a lot of reasons for shame surrounding his addiction. In his profession it's often looked at as a character flaw. He was very distraught and afraid when he finally surrendered to the addiction. He didn't have a relapse, but realizes he is an anomaly. In the beginning there was the desire to relapse, but he pushed through the feelings that came with it.

[29:56] Tell me about CBT.

Jason said that Dr. Aaron Beck created CBT. Dr. Beck decided he needed to develop a tool to change the thinking and behavior and there is a different result. The ABC's are: A- Activating Event, B- Belief/Thought, C- Consequence. Making the change and having people argue with themselves (A & B) to change the consequence.

ACR- Active Constructive Responding- Dr. Jason wants us all to google this and inform ourselves and apply this to our lives!

[38:28] Tell me how your life has changed.

Jason said a part of him woke up or was reborn after addiction. He's still himself, but just different. He's living a full complete lifestyle away from substances. He's honest, my generous, more empathetic.

[40:38] How do you navigate difficult situations personally?

Jason said he makes amends a lot. He gives himself permission to be imperfect and to circle back. He practices and allows room for mistakes to happen. Being compassionate with himself. He also applies the ABCs.

[42:46] Rapid Fire Round

1. What is your favorite NA beverage?

Diet orange soda.

1. What would you say to your younger self?

Go find Amy Powers and marry her and get into recovery quickly!

1. What are some of your favorite resources in recovery?

Other people, other people, other people

1. What book are you reading right now?

Ken Follett, A Dangerous Fortune

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give people thinking about ditching the booze?

What are you waiting for? Try it out.

You may have to say adios to booze if...

it's causing more negative consequences to your life then it's adding benefits.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Think about the intro, how do you spend your waiting periods? Do you know you can come back to yourself by simply breathing and being mindful? Peace begins with you

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – You are your own paradise"

Today we have Jamie. She took her last drink April 16, 2019. With 485 days away from alcohol, (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol free (AF).

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE. S

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

She is currently re-reading The Compound Effect. The general idea is that baby steps add up into large rewards. Change is hard. Gaining momentum on a decision is hard. This applies to our alcohol-free journey: turning down drinks, one at a time. Once we reframe the idea of this being a sacrifice and think of it as an opportunity instead, the trajectory changes. We must think of all the things we can add into our lives without alcohol. Odette makes a list of the things she has room for in her life now. Why don't you make one too?

[7:00] Odette introduces Jamie

Jamie is 35 years old and lives on Long Island, NY. Her immediate family lives close and she lives with her 2 black cats. Jamie is a social worker. For fun she likes to run, go kayaking, reading, cooking and hanging out with friends. Being in nature is the best, it's where she finds her higher power.

[9:57] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Jamie said she started drinking at the end of high school. In college her drinking seemed normal. She found there were hills and valleys with her drinking. When Jamie lost her mother at the age of 22 she remembers she was in a club in Greece and she identifies the synergy with that happening. The last 3-4 years her drinking escalated. She was blacking out and making poor choices. Looking back she can see the pattern of co-dependency.

[12:57] Did you notice after your mother passed that you used alcohol to deal with your grief?

Jamie said at first, she was so busy taking care of her father and making sure he was ok that alcohol was a secondary thought. But once she had some time away and time with her own feelings, she could see she was using alcohol the same as her mother, to numb down any emotions.

[18:05] Tell me about the first couple weeks of your journey?

Jamie said this was really the first time she honestly tried to get stop drinking. She had been living on the river of denial before this. Growing up her family didn't express feelings, they drank or got angry. So, the first few weeks were new. She started a 12-step program and therapy. Jamie only knew 2 sober people at the time and she spoke to them a lot.

[23:49] What did you do initially when you had a craving?

Jamie said she didn't really have a craving for the drink, but it was an emotional craving instead. She used a new found self-awareness to explore the feelings. She would pause and ask herself some questions about why she was feeling that way.

[28:18] After making the decision to not drinking, did you talk to your friends and family about it?

Jamie said she told people very quickly. She said the safe sentence "I'm not drinking right now". After about a month, she started to see how this could be a lifestyle for her. 5-6 months in she began to share very openly on social media.

[30:48] What's been the hardest part of this journey for you?

Jamie said feeling her feelings and not fighting them. Allowing the feelings to just be there.

[34:27] What's your morning routine?

Wakes up at 6am, feeds cats, reads and then moves her body. For the last 81 days (at the time of recording) Jamie has been running every morning. New Fashioned Sobriety and their Zero Proof Run Club hosted and a streaker challenge that she completed. Initially it was 41 days, which she completed. And now her pledge to herself is to move her body daily. She also makes sure to meditate daily.

[37:01] Did you used to have a witching hour?

Jamie said right after work, 5-7pm when before she would be at happy hour and now she fills the time with new routines. A fun mocktail, some tea, go for a walk, walk with a friend.

[40:13] Rapid Fire Round

1. What are you excited about right now?

Have her first sober healthy relationship.

1. What books are you reading right now?

Good Morning, Destroyer of Men's Souls: A Memoir of Women, Addiction, and Love

1. What is a lightbulb moment you've had in this journey?

I can do almost anything sober that I did drunk.

1. If you could talk to day 1 Jamie, what would you say?

Jamie you are a warrior, you are a force you have no idea what this is going to bring you. You can be a light for other people.

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Anything with chocolate or peanut butter in it and even together!

1. What are some of your favorite resources in recovery?

Café RE, Podcasts- Recovery Elevator, Recovery Happy Hour, Seltzer Squad, yoga, walking, running, kayaking and This Naked Mind and Sober Curious.

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give people thinking about ditching the booze?

You are a brave, gentle soul and I applaud you. I wish you so much fun on your journey. It's about taking that pain and making it fun. Tell somebody.

You may have to say adios to booze...

You drank so much while living in your parents basement and you couldn't make it upstairs to the bathroom, so you throw up in the washing machine.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Think about your AF journey. How much have you been trying to hold onto things you think this journey will take from you? Is that realistic? Make a shift, start thinking about what you want to set out of this. About what you want to add to your life? Open your eyes, beauty is all around us. Choose you, stay sober, you're also subscribing to abundance.

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• You can find more information about our events here.

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

Resources:

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to -[email protected]

"Recovery Elevator – The birds are singing and when we are sober, we can actually hear them – I love you guys."