Vanessa and I talk about how the holidays can be a painful time for alcoholics and their families. The memories of years past—sometimes more like nightmares—can induce fear and stress. We may feel resentful that we cannot drink like "a normal person and these resentments may make us and our families anything but happy to be together.

We discuss setting realistic expectations for ourselves as other people in our lives probably haven't changed, and many of the conflicts that crop up at family reunions will doubtless crop up again. Accept it, roll with the punches, and rein in the urge to manipulate everything and everyone. It will be enough for you to take care of and control yourself.

Lastly, we discuss how we let gratitude carry us and we were able to give the holidays a deeper meaning. It wasn't easy but a powerful step in sobriety- we are celebrating a new, better, and sober life that we have created.

Vanessa and I talk about how the holidays can be a painful time for alcoholics and their families. The memories of years past—sometimes more like nightmares—can induce fear and stress. We may feel resentful that we cannot drink like "a normal person and these resentments may make us and our families anything but happy to be together. We discuss setting realistic expectations for ourselves as other people in our lives probably haven't changed, and many of the conflicts that crop up at family reunions will doubtless crop up again. Accept it, roll with the punches, and rein in the urge to manipulate everything and everyone. It will be enough for you to take care of and control yourself. Lastly, we discuss how we let gratitude carry us and we were able to give the holidays a deeper meaning. It wasn't easy but a powerful step in sobriety- we are celebrating a new, better, and sober life that we have created.

Sober Holidays

For all of the moms who have felt chained to their bottles who are suffering in silence as we did.

For the moms who put on a mask every day for those around them. For the moms who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. You are in the right place. Come on in.

Leslie Shapiro, a New York/New Jersey native, and Vanessa Merlini, a Seattle native, hit it off when they met in a recovery meeting at the beginning of the global pandemic in March of 2020.

Leslie's direct and witty approach, combined with Vanessa's gentle spirit creates a space for healing, honest conversations, and friendship that everyone can relate to. 

Whether you have been sober for 10 minutes, 10 years, or not sober at all, please join us as we get to know each other - literally!  We will talk about our recovery journeys and do our part to reduce the shame and stigma associated with being a mom and being an alcoholic/addict. A spectacular life is possible. We promise.

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Personal Journals

For all of the moms who have felt chained to their bottles who are suffering in silence as we did. For the moms who put on a mask every day for those around them. For the moms who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. You are in the right place. Come on in. Leslie Shapiro, a New York/New Jersey native, and Vanessa Merlini, a Seattle native, hit it off when they met in a recovery meeting at the beginning of the global pandemic in March of 2020. Leslie's direct and witty approach, combined with Vanessa's gentle spirit creates a space for healing, honest conversations, and friendship that everyone can relate to. Whether you have been sober for 10 minutes, 10 years, or not sober at all, please join us as we get to know each other - literally! We will talk about our recovery journeys and do our part to reduce the shame and stigma associated with being a mom and being an alcoholic/addict. A spectacular life is possible. We promise.

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Sober Holidays

Sober Holidays

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