To 50 and Beyond | Midlife and Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

Episode 316

Hey there!

If you're working on living alcohol-free in midlife and beyond, I'm VERY proud of you! You are making a positive change in your life.

I know what it's like to live with the regret of drinking. In midlife, it's an especially challenging time to face these feelings.

If you're feeling like maybe it's too late to change your drinking, it's not!

You're not alone if you get those "cringy" memories from your drinking or think, I should have done things differently.

I'm with you on this and we will face it together.

In this episode, I talk about my two biggest drinking regrets, explain how drinking to cope with regret makes things worse, and show you how passive time spent drinking can be turned into active time spent healing and learning to forgive yourself.

My hope for you is that you will reframe those "time wasted" feelings into motivation and optimism to move forward alcohol-free.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead and practice gratitude for yourself in getting you here.

Sending you a big virtual hug!

✌️

If you want to email me, I would love to hear from you!

Click here to send me an email.

Mentioned in this episode:

To enroll in Team Alcohol-Free during winter enrollment, go here.

I really am a big Counting Crows fan - here is the song I was talking about. It's called Murder Of One - you know when things are right on the tip of your tongue? 🙂

Episode 315

There will always be a reason to drink after quitting alcohol, but don't forget why you decided to stop in the first place.

If you're a midlife woman working on living an alcohol-free lifestyle - I'm so proud of you!

Even when you dedicate yourself to sobriety, you may find yourself questioning whether or not, it's worth it to keep going.

I questioned my sobriety and tried to talk myself out of it multiple times during my first year, but my "why" (aka why-power) kept me going.

During this episode, I share with you a journal reflection that I wrote on 6/30/14 at 11 months sober where I was questioning my choice.

I talk about where I was the night I quit drinking, 8/11/13, and how I believed that I didn't have the willpower or discipline actually to stay alcohol-free.

I also discuss how to remind yourself why you don't want to drink more than why you do throughout the day.

This episode serves as a reminder that your "why-power" - your deep, personal reasons for choosing sobriety - will always be more meaningful than the temporary escape alcohol provides.

Keep moving forward on your alcohol-free journey because the life you're creating is waiting for you.

I'm with you.

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

When I first considered living alcohol-free, like many women, I tried the moderation game. I attempted to control my drinking, set strict rules, and negotiate with myself about when and how much I could drink. It was exhausting and unfulfilling!

The night I quit drinking, I made the tough decision to go "all in" on what I wanted more than alcohol. At the time, I was 45 and I desperately wanted to feel better. I had an inkling that my drinking wasn't going to make that possible.

The purpose of this episode is to help you understand what I mean by going "all in" on living alcohol-free so we are on the same page.

I talk about the meaning and what it doesn't mean: Going all in means spending your precious time and energy working on the most important relationship you have - the one with yourself. It doesn't mean perfection or every single day for the rest of your life sober.

Instead of draining your mental energy on moderation rules, when you go "all in", you can channel that energy into personal growth, self-discovery, and building a life that is more in alignment with your values and goals.

• Give yourself space to figure out what helps you stay alcohol-free. You no longer turn to alcohol as a solution because you are the solution now.

• Focus inward instead of seeking external validation through alcohol and outdated messaging that drinking is "acceptable."

• Create meaningful change with yourself instead of the drain that comes with trying to make alcohol work.

I know it's not easy to decide to stop drinking. What I encourage you to do in this episode is to honor yourself and what you want more than alcohol daily.

I will keep reminding you that you are worth the commitment.

Going all in on living alcohol-free is the kindest, most caring, respectful, loving thing that you can do for yourself.

I'm with you!

A Compassionate Approach to What Are You Waiting For?

The Mantras: I am my inspiration. I'm all in on me. I matter more than any sip of alcohol.

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

Reaching a point of true freedom from alcohol doesn't happen overnight.

It takes time and during this time, you are creating your process in sustaining sobriety.

As we embark on this new year, I want to share an essential insight: take it slow. It's essential to appreciate those small, consistent choices you make each day that contribute to staying alcohol-free.

These choices are powerful and create a compound effect that leads to lasting change.

Action steps from this episode:

• Focus on making one small better choice each day

• Honor your timeline in sobriety

• Celebrate small victories and let them be enough. I have two words for you: Yay, Me!

Whatever you are doing today to stay alcohol-free, let that be enough.

The compound effect isn't about reaching a destination - it's about enjoying the ride to alcohol freedom.

Reach out if you would like to work with me privately by sending an email to [email protected].

To enroll in Team Alcohol-Free during January enrollment, go here.

Episode 312

I got behind the mic this week to reflect openly on alcohol to encourage you to leave it in 2024 if you're tired of what alcohol brings into your life.

As we wrap up 2024, I want you to know that if you're living alcohol-free, I'm celebrating with you.

If you're working on freeing yourself from alcohol, I'm inspired by your perseverance.

And if you're at that crossroads wondering which way to turn, just know that questioning your relationship with alcohol is the first step to change.

You can do this. I'm with you.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your road to alcohol freedom. I'm sending you a big hug!

Here's to choosing ourselves in 2025.

Reach out if you would like to work with me privately by sending an email to [email protected].

To enroll in Team Alcohol-Free during January enrollment, go here.

I will be back on 1/14/25 with new episodes.

Peace.

xo

Lori

Want more? Check out these popular episodes:

What Are You Waiting For? A Compassionate Approach

The Alcohol-Free Lifestyle with Lindsay Sutherland Boal

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

When you are ready to take a drink break, you should explore different tools to see what works for you.

I appreciate innovative approaches to lifestyle changes, which is why I invited Silvia Subirana, today's guest, to share her expertise. As a clinical psychologist and Head of Content Development at MyDry30, Silvia brings a unique perspective to transforming our relationship with alcohol.

During her university years in Spain, unlike many of her peers who were embracing the typical college party culture, Silvia made the conscious decision to quit drinking.

This early experience gave her valuable insights into the personal growth that comes with changing your relationship with alcohol.

Her sobriety has deeply influenced her approach to helping others through MyDry30, where she combines her professional expertise with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards of making significant lifestyle changes.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What hypnotherapy really is and how it can help you relax deeply

• Why taking a 30-day break from alcohol can improve your sleep, energy, and mental clarity

• How to approach change one day at a time instead of getting stuck in "forever" thinking

• The unexpected benefits people experience beyond just drinking less

• Simple tools and practices you can use when you feel triggered or stressed

• Why building new habits slowly leads to lasting change

• Visit MyDry30's website to learn more about their innovative approach: https://mydry30.com

• Follow MyDry30 on Instagram for daily inspiration and tips: @mydry30app

• Special offer for listeners: Get 20% off the MyDry30 program by entering code: MyDryJanuary

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don't know there is an "alcohol-free" option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review."

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to "follow" To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don't click "follow," you will miss hearing what's coming up.

Thank you!

Episode 310

What Are You Waiting For? A question and episode that comes with a compassionate approach and encouragement to help you get a clear understanding of what is holding you back from going alcohol-free.

Asking this question isn't about the urgency to hurry things up and stop drinking. It's about being honest with yourself and easing your mind if you're worried about your drinking and pressuring yourself to quit.

I share what I was waiting for: a "normal" relationship with alcohol. When I realized this didn't exist, I chose to stop drinking.

It's not an easy choice to make. I'm with you.

To read this episode's full show notes, click here.

Thank you for listening!

• Team Alcohol-Free enrollment coming soon

• Private coaching enrollment

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don't know there is an "alcohol-free" option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review."

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to "follow" To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don't click "follow," you will miss hearing what's coming up.

Thank you!

My guest in episode 309 is Lindsay Sutherland Boal, a trailblazer in the sobriety community who shares insights into the meaning of an alcohol-free lifestyle and what it takes and doesn't take to create a lifestyle that alcohol can't touch.

You will love this episode if you are on the fence about going alcohol-free.

Lindsay Sutherland Boal is the visionary founder of The Uncovery App, a groundbreaking platform that redefines how women approach changing their relationship with alcohol.

Unlike traditional sobriety resources, Lindsay's work challenges the myth that one must hit "rock bottom" to make meaningful life changes.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why you don't need to hit "rock bottom" to make meaningful changes in your relationship with alcohol - and how to listen to those early whispers of change
• The vital role of community and women-only spaces in providing judgment-free support and authentic connections
• How radical accountability and asking powerful questions like "What am I waiting for?" can uncover deeper motivations
• Why there's no "perfect" time to begin your alcohol-free journey - and how uncertainty is a natural part of the process
• The importance of empowering language in shifting perspective from what you're giving up to what you're gaining
• Understanding the distinct phases of the alcohol-free journey - from initial curiosity to active lifestyle changes

To learn more about Lindsay and this episode go here.

Thank you for listening today!

• The Uncovery App

• She Walks Canada

• Lindsay's website

• Episode 186 with Lindsay

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don't know there is an "alcohol-free" option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review."

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to "follow" To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don't click "follow," you will miss hearing what's coming up.

Thank you!

In this episode, I share a heartfelt message on staying alcohol-free during the holidays.

I know it's not an easy thing to do, which makes you a bada** in my eyes.

From my personal experience of quitting drinking in 2013, I discuss how to handle holiday triggers, create new associations, and honor your choice to stay alcohol-free. Whether this is your first sober holiday or you're beyond that, you'll learn practical strategies to navigate celebrations while staying true to yourself.

Key topics covered:

• Understanding and preparing for holiday triggers
• Creating a simple plan to manage challenging moments
• The importance of self-protection and avoiding unnecessary testing
• How to treat yourself and create new holiday traditions
• Building self-pride and staying committed to your choice

You deserve to stay alcohol-free - not just for the holidays, but for yourself and why you want to be alcohol-free.

I'm with you.

I'm proud of you!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don't know there is an "alcohol-free" option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review."

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to "follow" To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don't click "follow," you will miss hearing what's coming up.

Thank you!

Episode 307

Karen Ehman is a New York Times bestselling author, a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, a contributing writer for Encouragement for Today online devotions, and a teacher in the First 5 Bible study app which has over 2 million daily users. She has written 19 books and Bible studies, including Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All, and the 2020 ECPA devotional book of the year, Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus.

Karen shares what she realized about certain friendships after she made the decision to spend her "necessary and no" summer and the freedom she felt in having more time for herself. Her reflections highlight a crucial truth: every need is not necessarily your call, and it's not our responsibility to make others happy. As she aptly states, "You don't need anyone's permission to do God's will."

Karen encourages us to be patient with ourselves as we learn to set boundaries and overcome people-pleasing tendencies.

To read this episode's full show notes, click here.

Thank you for listening!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Enrollment opening 1/6/25: Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my "only for midlife women" coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package