Recovery Elevator

Today we have Alex. She took her last drink April 25, 2020. With exactly 109 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.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You

The end of the year is the time when Odette sees a lot of "fuck-its". Putting your goals on hold and coasting to the end of the year, to start fresh in the new year. 2020 particularly has been hard as so much was put on hold; we can now choose to make this year mean nothing or everything. Keep going, keep putting your good energy into the year. The rest of this year is a marathon, not a sprint to 2021. Hold onto your sobriety, visualize your path, see the people along the way cheering you on, see the finish line. You can do this.

[7:30] Odette introduces Alex

Alex is 28 years old. She is originally from Indianapolis, IN and just moved to Denver, CO. She loves hiking, mountain biking, being outside. She lives with a roommate and her dog. She's the "designated ice cream friend" among her group of friends.

[10:50] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Alex said she was never someone who drank daily, but she found herself often in drinking situations and she wasn't able to moderate. She moved from Chicago back to Indianapolis and the drinking didn't change like she hoped it would. Alex began to make rules around her drinking to try to moderate. Morning after morning of not remembering nights she began to explore and consider a life without alcohol. She wanted to remember everything.

[14:04] What drew you to start listening to Recovery Elevator?

Alex said when she was questioning her drinking, she felt she couldn't tell anyone in her circle of friends but knew there had to be something out there in the podcast world. There was one in particular that spoke to her, she saw herself in the interviewee. Alex began to get angry at the alcohol.

[17:42] What tools work for you?

Alex said she walks every day, minimum 2 hours. That's been therapeutic for her. It allows her to slow down and focus on the little things in life. When she feels a craving, she goes for a walk.

[19:08] Do people around you know you're sober?

Alex said everybody knows now. It started as a whisper to some people and now it's something that is just known. When 1000 Hours Dry was looking for a host, she signed right up, giving her an extra layer of accountability.

[23:27] What's your worst memory from drinking?

Alex said she woke up one morning, not remembering at all how she got home from the night before. She decided to take herself out to brunch, where she drank and rode herself home on her bike. She had an accident, breaking her wrist and giving herself a concussion.

[27:00] What's your go to response when someone offers you a drink?

Alex said she says "no thank you, I have my own drink!"

[28:55] Have you gotten to the bottom of why you chose to drink?

Alex said she was lonely and seeking validation. She felt she would be more likable if she drank.

[33:28] Do you ever feel a disconnect in your age decade and when you got sober?

Alex said she was nervous about this choice and how it would affect her social life. Reframing the idea of not drinking is what helped her get through it. She wanted to remember the things that hadn't happened yet.

[33:28] Do you ever feel a disconnect in your age decade and when you got sober?

Alex said she was nervous about this choice and how it would affect her social life. Reframing the idea of not drinking is what helped her get through it.

[36:41] What's been the hardest part of the last few months?

Letting go of expectations and having different expectations. Having to go with the flow.

[39:16] Do you have a daily routine?

Alex said she making coffee is therapeutic to her. She focuses on the enjoyment she will get from the process and the end result. She journals while drinking the coffee. Her walking is also part of what keeps her sane. Alex has some playlists that bring her peace.

[43:42] Rapid Fire Round

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

You deserve a life without alcohol.

1. What are you excited about right now?

Getting yoga certification, meeting new people.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Graham Central Station or TJ Cookie Butter

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

You don't need a drink. You just need to be and sit through the feeling.

1. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners?

I promise this decision is fun.

You may have to say adios to booze...

You're only guaranteed to go to a wedding if there's an open bar.

Odette's weekly challenge:

Commit to finishing the race. Commit to your sobriety.

Flip the question. Instead of "What's the worst that can happen?" ask "What's the best that can happen?"

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 – I believe in you, Happy Thanksgiving"

Today we have Dusty. He took his last drink September 21, 2015. With exactly 5 years away from alcohol, (at the time of 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…..by Paul Churchill

How to get your 300 Power Stance:

Grab a stick and stand in front of a mirror, put on some good music, bend the knees and ankles. Get low and grip the stick (or rake or broom). Become one with the stick. Look yourself in the eyes (in the mirror) and say, "I'm here, right now, what do you got?", repeat, louder. Repeat and get lower. Find your stance. Focus on your connection to the earth. Pull up a painful moment from the past and change the script. Bring up the unfinish emotion and feel it. Remind yourself you are safe.

[16:00] Paul introduces Dusty.

Dusty is from Bozeman, MT. He's a finance director for a local non-profit and just got engaged yesterday! For fun he likes to play rec sports. He goes hunting, camping, hiking and fishing in the beautiful weather he has in Bozeman.

[20:50] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Dusty said the day before his last drink was spent watching sports and he blacked out around 9:30pm. The next day his friend was leaving for an around-the-world trip and he went to her leaving drinks. The bartender that night came up to him and explained that if they were working that night Dusty would have been kicked out for his behavior the night before. Another friend of his, he had kicked in the backside and when he saw her, he saw fear in her eyes when she looked at him. He paid his tab and left the bar. Never touched alcohol again. His losing control was a big motivator for him to stay sober.

[25:34] When did you find community?

Dusty said he's been very lucky to have known Paul Churchill for a while before he quit. Paul was the first person he told he quit drinking and knew that community would be there for him. At the time Recovery Elevator was just getting started and Dusty participated. He was surprised how easy it was for him to share his story.

[30:11] How have the years changed for you?

Dusty said the 1st year was exactly that, just getting through the 1st year without a drink. In year 2 the real healing began. In 2019 was when he realized alcohol was the symptom, not the problem. He grew up with a verbally abusive father and being scared as a child, his option was to freeze and stay quiet. Coming into year 5 he's begun therapy to understand the deep stuff that is why he reached for alcohol.

[37:17] What was on your heart yesterday?

Dusty said yesterday reflecting on the timeline of his life and his drinking was a lot for him. There was anger and sadness about the pain he experienced growing up. He was dwelling a little on the negative and he was able to purge it and get it out.

[43:51] How has the relationship with yourself changed over the last 5 years?

Dusty said he loves himself a lot more and continues to work on that. He has more confidence. Loving himself better lets him love the world better as well. Dusty now gives himself grace and is no longer his own worst critic. His physical appearance and health overall has changed drastically for the better.

[46:27] When the shame and guilt from your initial motivator decreased, what filled its place as a new motivator?

Dusty said his pink cloud lasted for years. He could see how much better his life was from walking away from alcohol. Nothing in his life got worse, everything got better. So, the idea of taking one drink he knew would make his life worse again.

[48:55] Do you still get cravings?

Dusty said no, not anymore. Very few moments have made him want to have a drink.

[49:38] What do you do now when life throws you a curveball?

Dusty said exercise works for him. He goes for a run and gets in the zone. He will also try to sit with the emotions and see where it's coming from. He's lucky to have close friends and family and he can talk to them.

[54:05] Rapid Fire Round

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

Dusty, sit with the shame for a while, but don't dwell on it forever. Use it for fuel. Enjoy the ride, all the ups and downs.

1. What has recovery made possible for you?

He is more of a leader now.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Ben & Jerry's AmeriCone Dream or Cherry Garcia

1. What book are you reading right now?

He's reading a book about crows and ravens.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you are a recurring guest on the Recovery Elevator podcast!

Paul's recap:

2020- what happened?! As per the Mayan Calendar: there is a gigantic evolutionary leap that the race needs to go through. It's a leap through consciousness, not a physical leap.

Those with addiction are forced to go within and address our own inner discomfort. Because we didn't have a choice. Realizing our inner world is more real than the outer world.

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 – We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, Rule #22, we have to lighten up, we can do this– Go big, because eventually we all go home"

Today we have Desi. She took her last drink July 21, 2018. With just over 2 years 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.

If you haven't checked out the RE merchandise...what are you waiting for?? You can see what we have available here!

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding your Better You…..

Hard days happen for everyone and don't believe that highlight reel you see on Instagram! Odette calls these "dip days". It's ok to not thrive every single day, it's ok to let feelings pass, it's ok to be honest and you are not alone. 2020 is here to remind us we are stronger than we think and also what grief feels like.

Odette wants to share her tools for what helps her during these dip days.

1. Eat
2. Drink lots of water
3. Meditate
4. Laugh
5. Remind yourself daily that you are not your productivity levels.
6. Take your medications (if you are on any!)

[7:34] Odette introduces Desi.

Desi is 30 years old and lives in Michigan. She is finished up her Master's in social work at University of Michigan (go blue!). In her spare time, she coaches high school lacrosse which is a huge passion of hers.

[12:38] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Desi said her journey started at the age of 7 with an eating disorder after being sexually abused. At the age of 14 a cousin passed away and that was a big turning point for her. Her family didn't talk about emotions. And around this time, she started drinking as well. Her first drink wasn't normal, and it flipped a switch: she wanted more. In college she made friends with a group of people who "didn't make wise decisions" so neither did she. Life was very hard for Desi during this. In college she met another woman, Vera, who became her sister and she credits Vera with saving her life. In 2009 she began to have chest pains, which was always diagnosed as "anxiety", but Desi knew it wasn't. In 2012 her sister Lauren got her into a treatment center for her eating disorder. In her second time in ED rehab she tried to get sober. However, Desi considered herself a dry drunk. November 2014 she began drinking again.

[34:04] When you came out of treatment were you frustrated that you also had to remove alcohol?

Desi said she didn't even think she had a problem with alcohol at first. She knew her eating disorder was killing her and that was her focus. She held onto all the other toxic things so she could cope. Desi was scared if she didn't have other things to help her get through life.

[39:41] Tell me about the first couple months of your sobriety.

Desi said she worked a program with AA. She had severe withdrawal symptoms, but she was able to talk about it in AA. There was nothing left to hide, and Desi was very honest in her shares. She reflected back on what made her want to quit drinking in the first place. Staying connected and finding community was what helped.

[44:09] Did your anxiety get better?

Desi said yes. While she's a naturally anxious person, her anxiety has leveled. She was able to get off medication. Where her anxiety used to sit is no longer there. She experiences anxiety just like other people do, because that's life.

[46:28] Tell me about sharing openly.

Desi said she needed to be able to share, she looks at it as a duty. Her sharing helps other people. She tells her story for those close to her that passed away and weren't able to tell theirs.

[50:50] Rapid Fire Round

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

Hold, have hope, let people help you, and listen to others.

1. What are you excited about right now?

An internship at UofM.

1. What's your go to response when someone offers you a drink?

No, I'm good.

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

If you can think of best case scenario for your life, just know that without alcohol it's 100% possible.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you sneak out, get drunk, come back home, fall down the stairs, break your leg running to the bathroom to throw up.

Odette's challenge this week:

Reach you, Odette is here for you.

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 – We took the stairs down, we gotta take the elevator back up, we can do this– I love you guys"

Today we have Karla. She took her last drink December 31, 2018. With 583 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.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding your Better You…..

Melanie Beattie says "What would happen if we let go of our camouflage of adaptation? What would happen if we owned our power to be ourselves?

Would people still like us? Would they go away? Would they become angry?

There comes a time when we become willing and ready to take that risk. To continue growing, and living with ourselves, we realize we must liberate ourselves"

It's very vulnerable to show up as our authentic selves. The more we pursue a life away from alcohol the more we walk to liberate ourselves. The humble confidence that shows up allows us to show up authentically. Remember, there's only one you.

[7:10] Odette introduces Karla.

Karla is 33, grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and has lived in San Francisco for the past 7 years. She is an executive assistant for a tech company in the Bay area. She lives with her partner (fiancé!) and her puppy. For fun she's been working on some passion projects, SoberIRL is one of those!

[10:29] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Karla said she started drinking when she was 19. She was studying abroad and hadn't yet made friends. Drinking was an easy way to make friends. She mimicked their style of drinking. Karla called herself a "weekend warrior" in her style of drinking. It didn't occur to her until after she stopped drinking that her drinking was beyond what someone for her stature should. By the time she was 21 she knew she had a problem. Between brown outs and black outs she was piecing together the nights out with her friends.

The juxtaposition between Karla the party girl and Karla the high achiever was a push and pull she felt deeply, but she didn't know how to stop drinking.

[18:07] Where you stuck in this cycle for a long time?

Karla said she began seeing an alcohol counselor around the age of 25. The recommendation was to stop drinking, which she wasn't ready for because it was also her social life. In July 2018 she was able to get 45 days. Using that time, she sought out other methods of getting sober. Until her birthday and then she drank again. Finally, on New Year's Eve she was so hung over from the night before she couldn't go with her partner to a party, and that was it for her.

[23:29] Tell me about the beginning of your sobriety.

Karla said she still felt those first 45 days, she was being punished because she couldn't drink. This time around she didn't tell anyone she was restarting, and she wanted to try to be kind to herself this time. She gave herself the grace to accept that this is difficult. She taught herself that not every thought that came into her mind was true.

[28:51] How did you find your community?

Karla said at first it was all on Instagram. She followed Holly on Instagram and drew a lot of strength from her because she saw similarities in Holly's story. Also Bridge Club through Tempest was the first time she sat with others who wanted to live this life the same way. Karla knew she needed to find sober friends. With 8 months sober she attended the Recovery Elevator Bozeman retreat in 2019 and she felt herself really start to open up and found the ability to have fun and live life sober.

[34:21] Tell me how you feel now being an advocate for other people looking to get sober?

Karla said she never thought she would be in this position. She wanted to share being an openly sober Latina as she couldn't find any others. She wants people to see that they can have fun and be a normal human at the same time. (Karla_is_Sober)

[37:22] Tell me about how you share so you can be the person you needed when trying to get sober.

Karla said she always felt because she was so high functioning, she couldn't have a problem with alcohol. She told herself everything she was doing was normal. Karla wants to shed the shame and let people know that if alcohol isn't serving you anymore, you can stop. Success doesn't mean happiness. Karla wants people to know that people can turn their lives around and life can be so much more fulfilling.

[43:45] Do you get cravings?

Karla said not really at this point. It's not a physical craving, it's an emotional craving and it's fleeting.

[45:41] Rapid Fire Round

1. What is your go to response when you go to a party and someone offers you a drink?

No thanks!

1. What's your favorite NA beverage?

LaCroix Pamplemousse

1. What's a lightbulb moment you've had in the journey?

PASS

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavour?

Mint chocolate chip

1. What would you say to Karla on day 1?

I love you and I'm so proud of you

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

You know where alcohol leads you, get first-hand experience of a life away from it.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If the DoorDash driver knocks on your door for your wine delivery, but you don't remember ordering it.

Odette's challenge this week:

You are good enough. Step onto the dance floor, we are waiting 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 – Own your power to be yourself today, Own your power to be yourself today – I love you guys"

Today we have Megan. She took her last drink April 20, 2020. With 108 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.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding the Better You…..

Armchair Expert: Day 7

Odette discusses Dax Shepard and the recent restarting of his sobriety clock. She appreciates how he is always seeking a life build in honesty and finding moment of gratefulness. What connects all of us is a feeling. What connects us all is finding our way through this book of recovery. Different chapters and experiences but all rooted in the same goal. We are not alone. Keep protecting your energy.

[10:26] Odette introduces Megan.

Megan lives in Montreal, Canada and is 33 years old. She lives with her partner Tim. She is a cook at a vegan restaurant. For fun she paints and draws and loves animal portraits.

[17:29] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Megan said she drank a few times drinking growing up. Her parents both drank in the home and it was very normal. She got drunk for the first time when she was 17 or 18. It allowed her to breakout of her shell and be social. Moving to Montreal it became even more "normal". It is very much a part of the culture. It changed from being out and drinking, to drinking at home, to drinking at home alone. She began combining anxiety medication with alcohol and would black out. Megan questioned her drinking in her mid 20s due to so many different events. In March of 2020 she had all the alcohol that was meant for her wedding and in 30 days' time drank all it. It was meant to be for 80 people.

[28:43] What happened in April of this year that made you stop drinking?

Megan said it was because she ran out of alcohol. She paused and realized she had drank about $800 worth of alcohol. Megan found herself filled with shame and she realized that the way she drank it would never be enough until she was dead.

[34:08] Tell me about the first few weeks after you stopped.

Megan said it's a little hard to remember the time right after she quit. She remembers being exuberant in finding others and creating connections. Her sleep was a little off but she was also riding the pink cloud. As time went on, she wanted to get off anti-depressants. Now she's starting to find an equilibrium. She can finally think properly.

[39:33] Tell me more about your new job and being sober.

Megan said she mentioned in the cover letter and again in the job interview that she is in recovery. She positioned it as an asset! They are really respectful of her being sober from alcohol.

[44:25] Tell me about your relationship with your partner now.

Megan said her partner already started out as a wicked person. He was concerned for her but also understood that the desire to stop drinking had to come from her. He's really proud of her and expresses that to her.

[46:36] Rapid Fire Round

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

You are going to flourish!

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

That I am capable, and I am worth a lot. Stop telling myself bullshit.

1. What's your favorite AF beverage?

Coffee! Coffee with oat milk, iced coffee, black coffee.

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

Just take it day by day but remember to believe in yourself. You are capable and strong and you will keep amazing yourself.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you drank all your wedding booze in one month that was intended for 80 people.

Odette's challenge this week:

Everyone is fighting their own battle and try not to judge anyone else. We need kindness and love, more than ever.

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 humble and stay smiling – I love you guys"

Today we have DeeDee. She took her last drink May 5, 2020. With 91 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.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding the Better You…..

After watching the Social Dilemma on Netflix Odette has some thoughts about social media and its place in our lives. She wants us to continue to protect our energy and set boundaries.

1. Talk about it.
2. Uninstall apps, unfollow people, unsubscribe from emails.
3. Turn off notifications.
4. Look for chrome extensions that removed clickbait.
5. Fact check yourself.
6. Delay giving devices to children.
7. Try to have devices out of your bedroom.

[11:37] Odette introduces DeeDee.

DeeDee lives in Santa Barbara, California and is 29 years old. She lives with her finance and their 2 dogs. For work, DeeDee is the Director of Development for a non-profit. For fun she's trying to figure that out still, but recently she's begun crafting again and making candles.

[15:50] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

DeeDee grew up being aware of alcohol because alcoholism runs in her family. Her father got sober 14 years ago. She didn't drink a lot in high school. When she turned 21, she drank to fit in, but even then, didn't really like alcohol. In the beginning of 2013, she noticed that she drew a correlation between being loved and being intoxicated. Her partner at the time only expressed love when he was drunk. In 2017 DeeDee realized she was drinking alone. In 2018/2019 she dabbled in sobriety for short periods of time. She got engaged in late 2019 and they used that excuse for more drinking to "celebrate".

[22:11] Did you ever connect the dots of alcohol being a problem in your family and your own drinking?

DeeDee said she was in denial for a lot of it. She didn't know a lot of women who had problems with alcohol, so she rationalized that it was only the men in her family who had a problem.

[23:38] Did you and your finance decide together to quit drinking?

DeeDee said they came to the conclusion of quitting drinking on their own, but also at the same time. During early sobriety they both experienced different things and she has learned how to set different expectations based on their own individual experiences.

[26:28] Tell me about the last 90 days.

DeeDee said in the beginning she was very focused on how to live a sober life and what that was going to look like for her. She was seeing changes in her thought patterns. DeeDee focused on finding out why she is the way she is. After a month or so, she began to try and find balance in her life and her recovery.

[31:17] How did the conversation go with your father when you told him you weren't drinking?

DeeDee said it happened on May 5th 2020. He's been incredibly supportive. The conversation was very matter of fact and easy for her. Both her parents were there, and they met her with understanding.

[32:52] What do you do when you get a craving?

DeeDee said she has more emotional cravings then physical cravings. Seeing people with a glass of wine on a patio on a Friday afternoon makes her want that feeling, not the wine. That connection and relaxation is what she's looking for. Now she plays the tape forward, knowing that it will not ever just be one glass of wine. Instead now she chooses a different action, be it a walk or a podcast or ice cream.

[36:47] What's your favorite AF drink now?

DeeDee said sparkling water and also making a fun mocktails.

[38:54] What you been able to identify any emotional triggers?

DeeDee said she's learned that she has emotional triggers when she's feeling had a difficult day or moment. She wants to sit on the couch and feel like the alcohol is helping her unwind. Leaning her emotions are temporary has been huge.

[41:46] Have you gotten any pushback from people?

DeeDee said she started posting on an Instagram account she had that was mostly filled with followers she didn't know in real life. It was easier for her to open up and share, giving her confidence to move onto people in her real life. It was liberating when she decided to post on her "real" account where she was followed by people in her real life. She received awesome feedback and responses.

[45:57] Rapid Fire Round

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

In this moment, exactly where you are, you are enough.

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

The opposite of addiction is connection and how true this statement is.

1. What are you excited about right now?

Getting married and starting a life together and doing it without booze.

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavour?

Chocolate chip cookie dough

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

Recovery Elevator podcast, Recovery Happy Hour podcast, AA meetings, therapy.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If the first time you've ever been honest with a doctor about the amount your drinking AFTER you decided to stop.

Odette's challenge this week:

Take inventory of the relationship you have with your smart phone. Be honest. Make a small list of boundaries you can put in place. Baby steps add up and came impact change.

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link.

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

• Recovery Elevator's first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is FREE for Café RE Members only. Not a member yet?!

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 – "Turn those f'ing notifications off, life's too short to be looking down at your phone all the time – I love you guys"

Today we have Brandon. He took his last drink October 28, 2018. With 645 days away from alcohol, (at the time of 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 the Better You…..

Now more than ever we need to stay rooted in kindness and live with the belief that people are just doing the best they can. In sobriety Odette has found she can give more grace to others because she is giving herself more grace and compassion.

Looking at perfectionism, it doesn't actually yield perfect results. It instead creates feelings of guilt, shame, stress, addiction, loneliness and isolation. Unsubscribe from perfectionism and just be yourself. Take care of yourself and everything else will take care of itself. And that's the real gift.

[7:08] Odette introduces Brandon.

Brandon lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife and son. He's a social media manager. For fun he likes to go on adventures with his son, he plays music and enjoys being creative.

[10:42] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Brandon said he started drinking at the age of 21, he wasn't interested in drinking while growing up. He was focused on sports and playing in bands. His first couple years of drinking he didn't suffer the usual repercussions. At about 3 years in he began to experience hangovers. College drinking helped him deal with his anxiety. Brandon noticed the years after college he was using alcohol as a crutch. He found himself turning to alcohol for to handle anything that life threw at him. He was trying to show a front of perfectionism while internally struggling so much.

[19:24] Did your wife every approach you about your drinking?

Brandon said his wife would question sometimes the beer(s) he would have with dinner. He could tell she knew something was wrong. His rock bottom was a Halloween party in 2018 where he drank too much and they had a fight. She was 7 months pregnant and expressed concern about having to do the next stage of life alone. That was enough for him.

[29:11] Talk to me more about the time right after you stopped drinking.

Brandon said he was prepared for it to be hell but didn't consider all the other things that go into it. He was open with his wife and friends. He turned to fitness to keep his mind moving. He took things hour by hour and focused just on the moment he was in. Brandon discovered a confidence in himself he didn't know was there.

[35:18] Do you still get cravings?

Brandon said no, but there are times where it sounds good to take the edge off with alcohol.

[36:27] What's in your toolbox?

Brandon said his wife is his biggest support. The /r/stopdrinking Reddit page. The idea of sharing with others gives him motivation.

[39:32] Do you ever get push back from people?

Brandon said yes, he does. He feels because he dealt with it silently for so many years, people had a hard time understanding the level of drinking he had come to achieve.

[44:57] Rapid Fire Round

1. If you could talk to younger Brandon what would you say?

Listen to your parents, don't try it.

1. What is your go to NA beverage?

Sparkling water.

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

Listen to your gut. What's in your mind is the truth. There's no better time than now.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you're in a meeting at 2pm and you're thinking about what you're going to drink tonight.

Odette's challenge this week:

Try to see yourself differently this week. Be more compassionate when you make a mistake. Give people in your life the benefit of the doubt. Be nice to strangers.

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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 – "Believing we are all doing the best we can, can make the world a better place – I love you guys"

Today we have Erin. She took her last drink May 31, 2019. With 488 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.

Odette's weekly installment of: Finding the Better You…..

Most long-term decisions have to be rooted in a place of love and not of fear. This applies to recovery and leads to the question, "What has recovery made possible for you?" This question helps to build the bridge from fear to love. Hearing stories of hope from others send out waves of survival. As you share your story, you don't know who's listening and how that might change the trajectory of their life. Odette chooses to live in the solution and show others, specifically her family, what's possible.

[6:23] Odette introduces Erin.

Erin and her family split time between New Hampshire and Sedona, AZ. She is married with 2 children, ages 1 & 3, she is a stay at home mom. For fun she does yoga, plays with her children, exercises and is getting to know her body.

[9:35] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Erin said she first took a drink when she was 14. While that drink wasn't a problem, she began to experiment. The family setting was one where there was drinking and so it was part of what she knew growing up. Her parents separated when she was 17 and she rebelled from there. At 18, she went to the University of New Hampshire, which is a large party school. Drinking was part of the culture and it was just what everyone was doing. Erin can look back now and see how toxic it was, especially for her.

[12:03] Can you expand on your college years?

Her sophomore year, she tried sobriety. She took some time off college and did a "major health cleanse". However, when she returned, the habits also returned. She convinced herself she could moderate.

[13:14] Did you transition after college into a lifestyle that allowed you to maintain a frequency of binge drinking?

Erin said she has lived all over the place and those geographic moves are part of her story with alcohol. With periods of binge drinking and sadness coupled with periods of living with a healthy focus. Looking back, she can see she was running from her feelings and not being able to be with herself.

[15:33] What was your style of drinking and did anyone ever approach you about it while you were drinking?

Erin said she did surround herself with heavy drinkers so she could ignore the reality, there were also consequences to her drinking. She married her first husband in 2010 and they were divorced in 2012. He would speak to her about her drinking. When they separated, she took herself to her first AA meeting. However, a relapse of Lyme disease and the toll the separation was taking on her, she continued to drink daily.

Erin moved with her mother to Sedona, AZ and jumped into the AA community. She would wake up, go to a meeting, go to work at a health center and then come home and get drunk. This was when she saw that alcohol was turning her into 2 completely separate people.

[21:00] Tell me about your pregnancy and the last few years.

Erin said she got pregnant in 2016 and was able to stay sober through her pregnancy. She felt the highs and lows of pregnancy very severely and not having alcohol to help her numb was part of that. When her daughter was around 3 or 4 months, she convinced herself again she could moderate. She got pregnant with her son and again stayed sober throughout, but the pattern started again in the 4th trimester. In May 2019, she woke up violently ill and that was it.

[27:08] Tell me what you do now when you have one of these tough emotions.

Erin said she is getting to know herself again as a highly sensitive person (HSP). She taps into a lot of the digital community and is exploring the psychologic makeup of being an empath. She's learning to lean in and explore the power of breath.

[29:40] Did you go back to AA?

Erin said she hasn't gone back to AA yet (busy raising the future!) but has found there are so many options out there for her online.

[32:02] How has the response been from people?

Erin said overall the response has been supportive. Those closest to her knew she had a problem. Her husband has also stopped drinking in support of her.

[37:21] Has your creativity started to spark?

Erin said absolutely. She's now made the choice to "join the human race" and to love herself. She makes talking about recovery part of her everyday life and puts herself out there without shame.

[40:28] Rapid Fire Round

1. If you could talk to younger Erin what would you say?

You're enough and take care of yourself.

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

I'm ok in this moment and there is a purpose for why I am here.

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate ice cream

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

Podcasts, yoga and meditation, the miracle morning idea and enjoying not being hung over. Getting outside with her kids.

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

Just do it. Just try it. Give yourself enough time to give it a shot.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you don't recognize yourself anymore.

Odette's challenge this week:

Give yourself a few minutes to look back on your journey. Ask yourself "What was recovery made possible?" Write it down, read it often. You are worthy of everything.

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1-800-273-8255

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 – "This journey isn't always easy, but it's worth it and I promise you it's possible, I'm here for you all – I love you guys"

Today we have Rob. He took his last drink June 5, 2019. With over one year away from alcohol (at the time of 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 the Better You…..

When we say no to alcohol, we are saying yes to a better life. Once the alcohol is left behind some people pick back up old hobbies, others go off to do things they thought they would never do. Give yourself some grace when you quit, and you are trying to figure out what you like to do now. Go for it, the possibilities are endless.

Is how we are choosing to spend our time after quitting drinking bringing us peace? It becomes our responsibility to protect our peace and also seek peace.

[6:22] Odette introduces Rob.

Rob is 55 and lives in Littleton, CO. He has been married to his wife for 30 years, they have 2 grown boys. Rob likes adventure sports, specifically motorbike adventuring. He also enjoys hiking, being outdoors. He very much loves what Colorado has to offer.

[9:34] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Rob said he moved from rural Indiana in 1978 to Denver, CO and that's when alcohol became a big part of his life. Stemming from his desire to fit into a new school as a kid, he began drinking. He also took a job at a warehouse where the older employees found it funny to corrupt the 15 year old preachers kid. His parents found out and they put a stop to it. He began leading a dual life, the adrenaline seeker mountain climber motorcycle rider vs going to church 5 times a week.

On November 11, 2012 his close friend Ted passes away from cancer. Rob didn't know how to handle those feelings and after this he began drinking at home. By the end he was blacking out 3-5 nights a week.

[17:02] Did you ever think to yourself "I might have a drinking problem?"

Rob said he didn't even have that thought. The mentality around the group he was in was "work hard, play hard".

[17:32] After Ted passed, were you conscious of the fact that you were using alcohol to hide the pain?

Rob said that never occurred to him until he was in recovery.

[19:12] Tell me about after your wife left?

Rob said he gained enough clarity that night to realize the choice was alcohol or his marriage. He chose to fight for his marriage and that night was his last drink.

That next morning on his drive to work, rather than listening to his usual drive music, he listened to a podcast about recovery. That night he found an AA meeting as well.

[25:15] Tell me about the resentment you had and when you felt the shift.

Rob said it was a progression for him. He didn't really find a home until he found Café RE in September 2019. He felt the connections become real.

[28:26] Tell me about those first few months after you quit.

Rob said at 4 months he had done a lot of the brain work. He was trying to connect to his emotions and doing real work on himself. Then in October 2019, a driver ran a red light and collided with the side of his car going 55 MPH. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. While physically ok, he had to/has to work hard to get back to himself and heal himself, again.

[35:00] Do you still get cravings and how do you handle them?

Rob said he does still get cravings. And when he does, he goes into his sobriety toolbox. The first thing he does is wait 20 minutes and then he has to figure out why the craving happened. If that doesn't work he page 84's his sponsor. This means: working the steps in your everyday life.

[39:16] Do you ever get push back from people when you tell them you don't drink?

Rob said no one gives him push back.

[40:33] Rapid Fire Round

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

That first night at AA, I'm ok and I'm not alone.

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

10 deep breaths and give yourself a big hug.

1. What are you excited about right now?

Butt Burner Gold which is 1500 miles in 24 hours on a motorcycle.

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

Stick around. Do the work. It's worth it. One day you will wake up and see that it's all worth it, you have this nice little life now.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you got kicked out of public school for drinking and your parents put you into a parochial school and you show up to bible study drunk.

Odette's challenge this week:

Close your eyes for a few minutes and think about the things that bring you peace. Drop them down and keep them close. Get in the habit of looking for this peaceful feeling.

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 – "Protect your peace – I love you guys"

Today we have Will. He took his last drink April 10, 2018. With just over 2 years away from alcohol (at the time of 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 the Better You…..

Navigating through tough times. Removing alcohol allows you to actually do something about a problem, however sometimes without alcohol in front of it, a problem can present more clearly. It's hard to do the hard thing and easy to pretend our problems aren't really there. We have a choice to accept the problem (the storm) as it presents itself and its aftereffects as part of a life without alcohol.

[7:01] Odette introduces Will.

Will is 43 and lives in Queens, NY. He's an IT consultant and married with a dog. For fun he loves to be outdoors, surfing, live music, cooking, biking, running and traveling.

[9:34] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

Will said he was 12 when he has his first drink on vacation, but he considers his real entrance to alcohol was around the age of 15. It dissolved the anxiety he felt in social situations. In college he went full force into drinking and it quickly became a daily habit. He sought out others who drank like he did.

[12:57] Were you a high performer in school?

Will said alcohol did impact his school work. He had no direction for what he wanted to do the rest of his life. He found himself drinking in exchange for doing things he loved.

[14:22] What happened after college?

Will said followed a band he loved around the country and fully fell into the drinking and partying culture.

[16:18] Did you ever question your drinking?

Will said no, because he had surrounded himself with a culture of drinking and partying. So, he was around it and it was normalized within his circle.

[18:23] Walk me through your next life chapter?

Will said he moved to Washington state with his now wife and went back to school. There was less drinking, and he was able to focus on his schoolwork and life. He found some balance mixed in with the pockets of crazy times.

Once he finished school he moved back to New York and began work, but also was staying out late drinking. He noticed the change in his physical alcohol dependance at this moment.

[22:34] Did you introduce moderation rules?

Will said he attempted moderation at home and it simply evaporated over time.

[23:21] Did you start having conversations with your wife about this?

Will said him and his wife were both "in it" at the time. (She is also now in recovery.) There was enabling happening and it was difficult to navigate.

[24:05] Did you have a rock bottom?

Will said he sought out a doctor to prescribe him something to help him get through the physical dependency. However, looking back, that was just another layer onto addiction. This went on for years with a chaotic life and drinking. He sought treatment after two friends expressed concern in 2016.

He did a 28-day inpatient program. While he wasn't ready fully for recovery, but at the same time wanted to change his life. He made it through but relapsed within 60 days.

[29:14] Walk me through 2016 – 2018.

Will said he was trying in those two years, but it seemed impossible. While he was in and out of the AA rooms, he wasn't doing the work that he was told was needed.

April 10, 2018, he entered a detox again after 3 days of a mental psychosis.

[33:13] What changed this time?

Will said there was enough pain in his life, he realized he needed to make a change.

[34:30] Do you still get cravings?

Will said not really, he gets fleeting thoughts.

[34:40] What your biggest way of coping with uncomfortable feelings?

Will said you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Once he started to take his sobriety seriously, he accepted the program he was being told to work. He can now make sense of his feelings without alcohol numbing them down. There's purpose in the struggles we go through.

[37:45] Have you healed the nerve damage in your feet at all?

Will said the rest of his body has healed which helps the pain overall. That makes the nerve pain manageable as a whole. He looks at the pain as a high power telling him to move. So that's actually the gift that came from all this.

[40:12] When you left treatment, what was your plan?

Will said he jumped into AA. He was open to anything recovery related.

[43:55] What's your favorite NA drink?

Will said he's a club soda guy. Nothing fancy.

[44:27] Have you ever gotten push back from people?

Will said no one has given him pushback on his desire to lead a life without alcohol. But also, that's a little telling to the condition he was in, everyone could see he needed help.

[45:47] Rapid Fire Round

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

You're 100% worth it and you are a lot stronger than you could ever imagine.

1. What are you excited about right now?

Grateful to have the tools that he has and to see where this takes us and the ability to give back.

1. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Salted caramel anything.

1. What are your favorite resources outside of AA?

Café RE, podcasts, self-help books, an in-person community

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

Life on the other side is beautiful. There's a life to be had out there.

You may have to say adios to booze...

If you're curing your hangovers with more alcohol, that's something that's hard to come back from.

Odette's challenge this week:

Take some time to access the challenges you are dealing with right now. Make a list of things you think you've been doing to navigate the situation. Don't judge yourself, just write them down, edit as you see fit. If there are things on that list you don't like, make a plan to change it.

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 – "I believe in you, grab your life vest and let's do this – I love you guys"