What does sobriety mean to you? We each get to choose what our relationship to the substances we consume is. In this latest episode of Returning Home: The Podcast, Elise talks more in depth about consuming substances- alcohol and others- and what this means for her life. She shares stories from her days of drinking and how it's been easy for her to make a new choice in her life. She also shares stories about her new perspective as a sober person. Elise will encourage you to reflect on your own identity, your values, the balance you have struck in your life, and hopefully you'll share a few laughs along the way.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Learn how you can align your identity with your actions.
2. Discover the secret to staying sober.
3. Hear some stories from my life that might help shed light onto the relationship you have with alcohol.

Resources

• Listen to previous episodes of Returning Home:
• Episode 2 | How Sobriety Changed My Life
• Slow Down To Speed Up: Visualization Masterclass
• Sign up for Elise's Newsletter and receive a FREE PDF to start your self-compassion journey!
• Connect with Elise on Instagram: @elisekindya

Episode Highlights [03:05] Things that make it easy for me to stay sober

• Thinking about how alcohol kills brain cells.
• Identifying as a sober person at the basic identity level.

[05:32] I had hit a rock bottom moment while drinking that made me choose

• Hitting a rock bottom moment while drinking that made me come face to face with other parts of my identity.
• I had to choose between being a drinker and being kind, mindful, and thoughtful.

[07:49] Grateful that I will never have another alcohol-induced rock bottom moment

• I can be fully awake to my life.
• If I have a bad day, it's ok. I know how to take care of myself through that.
• Alcohol seems to have worse negative effects that make it easy to continue to not consume it.

[09:31] The hardest part about staying sober

• The choice has been made at an identity level so it isn't a choice for me at this point.
• For people struggling to stay sober from alcohol, I encourage you to ask yourself what it is about this substance that is calling to you, how do you identify yourself, and what is in your environment that encourages drinking alcohol.
• I miss some types of alcohol that taste good- like pina coladas.
• I like things that taste good and make me feel good- that is one of my values.
• Going to happy hour used to be a fun activity for socializing with friends.

[14:18] My Secret To Staying Sober

• Reaching out to people I knew were sober and getting that support was really important.
• I didn't work in a culture that encouraged Zoom happy hours.
• My living environment was supportive of staying sober.
• Identifying as a sober person has been my secret to staying sober.

[16:43] Psychedelic Journey

• Staying in integrity, I have done a psychedelic journey.
• The purpose of this journey was to connect more closely to my truth and authenticity.
• Being under the influence of alcohol was for a different purpose than using psychedelics.
• Helps to stop overthinking.

[21:32] Returning Home: Coming Back To Your True Nature

• Getting in touch with your truth and authenticity is easier without alcohol.
• How would your life be different if you were honest with yourself?
• Drinking does not help calm anxiety. It's not a good "self medication" option.

[22:53] Things To Consider On Your Sobriety Journey

• Welcome to the party!
• What do you want your life to be?
• Is alcohol something you want in your life? How much space and energy does alcohol take up? Are you ok with that harmony and balance you've struck?
• What are your values?
• What is the result you are getting from consuming alcohol?
• You have the power and control in your life to make a change if you want to.

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Have any questions or lightbulb moments? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to hit me up on Instagram or send an email at [email protected].

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