Episode 301 

If you're feeling like something is off and you're not sure what it is, it could be that you're outgrowing a past version of yourself. A version that may not be aligned to who you want to be today and tomorrow, and is not giving you positive vibes. 😅

This episode was inspired by the idea of outgrowing alcohol, and a quote that hit me right in the ol' thinking cap. 

We shrink ourselves to fit into places we’ve outgrown. Then we find ways to anesthetize the pain and discomfort. Stop spiritually and emotionally starving yourself. Let go. Move on. Grow. Steve Maraboli

During this episode, I talk about the signs of outgrowing yourself and the benefits of personal growth, and I give you some prompts to reflect on while I share what I'm working on shedding at 56. 

I also talk about the signs of outgrowing alcohol and the identity women create around alcohol. I'm specifically talking about the "hostess with the mostess" identity, and why drinking to fit this identity may make going alcohol-free difficult. 

You can read the full show notes for this episode here. 

Thank you for listening! I appreciate you! 

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩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

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

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 #300

Hello! I'm glad you're here.

If you're a midlife woman who is tired of turning to alcohol as a source of comfort and want to turn to yourself instead, this episode is for you!

Alcohol is often perceived as a source of comfort, especially for women in midlife facing next-level challenges and stressors.

Chardonnay was my friend and it wrapped me in comfort like a warm cozy blanket for years. However, this comfort was deceiving and over time, I realized that it was very temporary.

In this episode, I talk about the concept of self-comfort and how to reclaim it without relying on alcohol. I'll discuss how alcohol can seem like an easy escape but often leads to more discomfort in the long run.

I'll also share my personal experience of quitting drinking at 45 and how it's possible to find true comfort and relaxation without alcohol.

The key topics inside:

• Understanding why midlife women often turn to alcohol for comfort
• Signs that you may be using alcohol as a coping mechanism
• The illusion of comfort that alcohol provides and why the “alcohol comfort zone” can lead to more dependency, shame, regret, and an unrealistic self-perception
• Steps to reclaim self-comfort without drinking and create a new “genuine comfort zone”
• The benefits of reclaiming self-comfort as the leading lady in your life

You are not alone if you are drinking for comfort. I'm with you. 

I will never stop reminding you that you all you need to create a fulfilling life where you comfort yourself without drinking alcohol.

You can read the full show notes for this episode here. 

Here are some additional episodes to listen to next:

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

The Bright Side of Going Alcohol-Free in Midlife

Transitioning to an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle: What it Does and Doesn't Take

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩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

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

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!

Hello there! I'm glad you're here! 

My guest in episode 299 is Jen Hirst, Sober Coach, and founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, who is here to help you create more structure in your day by adding habits that will help you maintain sobriety.

One of the things I appreciate about Jen is her practical approach to getting and staying sober. And, her support that she shares on Instagram! I reached out to Jen to ask her to share her story and talk about how habits you can start today will help you stay alcohol-free.

Our conversation centered around essential daily habits that can help maintain a long-lasting, alcohol-free lifestyle. Jen's insights are grounded in her journey and the experiences of those she's helped through her coaching.

Jen decided to quit drinking after waking up in detox for the second time. Her life was in chaos, and she was tired of feeling terrible and losing control. She had no car, and no money, and her health was at risk. Jen realized that as long as she didn't drink, things couldn't get any worse. She chose to stop and focused on doing the next right thing, gradually rebuilding her life. Her main reason for quitting was to create a better future for herself and her family.

The habits we discuss will help you abstain from alcohol and add more personal development and self-care to your alcohol-free lifestyle. 

Thank you for listening! 

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

 

You can connect with Jen here:

Lighthouse Sobriety

Jen Hirst's Instagram

Jen’s Coaching Group

Resources Mentioned

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

• Beyond Booze by Sarah Rusbatch

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

Tools and support only for midlife gals!

📩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

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word!  There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

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!

Want more sober support? Check out these popular episodes:

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder with Sarah Rusbatch

5 Essential Ways to Manage Cravings and Urges Without Drinking

5 Practical Tips to Help You Stop Drinking in Midlife and Beyond

Hey there! I'm happy to be back with you after a summer hiatus. 

I started To 50 and Beyond when I was 50 way back in 2018, so it would be a great time for a reintroduction. Things have changed since then and I have figured some things out that I want to share with you. 

The episode starts with a flashback from my very first introduction in February of 2018. 

I talk about the evolution of the podcast, and why I still believe midlife is the best time to remove anything from your life that you don't enjoy or find value in, including alcohol.

I share where I am after celebrating 11 years of sobriety on 8/11/13, and why I'm passionate about helping other midlife women find freedom from alcohol.

I also discuss the importance of embracing change, even when you don't have everything figured out. Whether you're considering sobriety or any other life change, I encourage you to take that first step and trust that you'll figure things out as you go.

Looking ahead, I reveal my plans for the podcast, including a shift towards more solo episodes and a desire to go deeper in our conversations.

I reaffirm my commitment to being authentic, supportive, and compassionate as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of midlife and sobriety together. 

Thank you so much for listening! I appreciate you! 

If you're new to sobriety, download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit to help you plan your day with purpose and self-care. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Join my email community 
• Email me directly and say hello! 
• Jen Hirst on Instagram

 

Could you help me spread the word? 

There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I would appreciate it!

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 the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

 

Hey there, friend! 

This quickie episode is all about changing your mind to honor yourself and not overextend yourself, which can lead to burnout. 

I've decided to take an extended podcast break to avoid burning out and enjoy my Sober Gal Summer. 

Inside this episode, I share my thoughts on why it's hard to change your mind, and why you should, and what to expect in the Fall from To 50 and Beyond. 

Want to stay in touch weekly? 

Join my email community to learn more details about the podcast and get guidance in staying alcohol-free this summer. 

Join here. 

Want to create your own Sober Gal Summer? 

Join Team Alcohol-Free before 7/31 to gain access to meetings, resources, and daily support that will help you make the best experience out of being alcohol-free. 

Join Team Alcohol-Free 

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Sober Gal Summer episode - What's In and Out

The Hello Someday podcast

The Sober Powered podcast

 

 

Get your Daily Sobriety toolkit here. 

 

 

 

Episode 297

Are you planning a vacation and want to stay alcohol-free but feeling unsure if you can manage it?

I've been there too. When I stopped drinking, I struggled with the idea that a vacation could be enjoyable without alcohol. For me, alcohol and vacation were intertwined in my belief of what made a trip fun.

It took one sober trip to realize that vacations could be just as enjoyable without alcohol.

In this episode, I share seven of my favorite tips for preparing for a sober vacation, along with strategies to help you stay on track during and after your trip.

What you’ll hear:

• Why we associate vacations with alcohol and how to change the associations one trip at at time

• My first sober travel experience and what I learned

• The benefits I’ve experienced from traveling without drinking: Keeping my wits about me, longer (slow) days I remember, and not needing a vacation from my vacation.

• Seven tips to help you prepare for your vacation before you leave:

  1. Define your purpose of the trip.

  2. Get clear on what challenges you are concerned about to create a plan when/if they come up.

  3. Communicate your intentions not to drink with a travel buddy or someone at home.

  4. Focus on Nourishment

  5. Invest in something to carry with you as a reminder of your intention to stay a/f.

  6. Write down you reasons why you don’t want to drink and make an “if this, then that” plan that you can carry with you.

  7. Write a Dear Me letter to open when you return. In this letter, you will talk about how you experienced your vacation without drinking and how grateful and proud of yourself you are.

   

You are not alone if you’re not that excited about alcohol-free vacations, but I want you to know that if you are choosing not to drink on vacation when you would normally - it is a badass move that can be life-changing.

 

If you need extra sobriety support, join us inside Team Alcohol-Free before enrollment closes on 7/1/24.

Inside The Team this summer, we are kicking off our First Annual Sober Gal Summer Camp on July 15th. 

Join Team Alcohol-Free

Episode 296

free download.

This episode is for the Sober Gal who wants to spend her summer with that Sober Gal vibe - freedom from alcohol.

Freedom to do more things SHE wants to do.

Invest and give herself back the time, money, and energy alcohol took from her and have fun on her own this summer - no alcohol required. 

➡️Do you feel like you’re missing out because you don’t have a glass of alcohol when you’re sitting on your patio? 

➡️Are you starting to give yourself a summer pass for drinking because you’re on vacation? 

➡️Saying things like - I’m traveling internationally; alcohol doesn’t count? 

➡️Are you doubtful that you will be able to show up at BBQs and get-togethers and say, I’m not drinking?

I totally get it! I felt this way when I stopped drinking in August of 2013.

But hold up before you grant yourself a drinking pass because it’s summer, and listen in while I share what’s in and out for Sober Gals during our one-and-only summer of 2024.

I had the same summer experience for decades and I didn’t realize it until I stopped drinking. 

Different year. Same old stuff. Alcohol-centered, not me-centered that is why I’m creating the very first Sober Gal Summer in 2024!

 

What you’ll hear:

• An explanation of what it means to have a Sober Gal Summer: it’s a mindset, an attitude, and a celebration of elevated self-care regimes and rewards. Both tangible and intangible. Think freedom, peace, and being present.

• Why summer is a challenging time to stay sober for most midlife women

• A list of What’s In and What’s Out for Sober Gals this summer (hint: what’s in: pleasing ourselves first)

• How to create your In and Out Sober Gal Summer list by using my free download.

• My mission to bring our midlife community together this summer to build more confidence in ourselves and our choice to be free from alcohol.

   

If you’re ready to make 2024 the summer of you.

Join us inside Team Alcohol-Free and get the inspiration, support, and fun you deserve this summer. 

Inside The Team this summer, we are kicking off our First Annual Sober Gal Summer Camp on July 15th. 

Enrollment closes July 31, 2024, until Fall.

Join today!

Join Team Alcohol-Free

 

Episode 295

In this episode, I share my personal journey and experiences with sobriety, addressing the common question: When does sobriety stop being hard?

I’ve shared my story since the beginning of this podcast. I had a tough time in the first and second years. I went it on my own. In 2013, I didn’t know about podcasts or books about sobriety.

Change and transition are tough, even if you appreciate change in your life. When we’re talking about our bond with alcohol and transitioning out of having it in our lives, it’s tough. 

No matter how much or how long you spend drinking, we all face a challenge when we quit, but we don’t all feel the same way.

Here is the good news - if you are going alcohol-free today, you have many wonderful resources that offer hope and support, from in-person groups to online. It’s a GREAT time to get sober in midlife and in this day and age. 

I’m here to give you hope and suggestions to help you through the hard moments.

Always remember that time is your best friend when it comes to overcoming challenges in early sobriety. Be patient with yourself.

 

What you’ll hear:

• Why it’s important to stay in your lane and not compare your sobriety to anyone else.

• The importance of having realistic expectations about the time it takes to recover.

• Strategies to help you through the hard parts of early sobriety and beyond.

• Why physical activity and music can change your attitude and mood in a short amount of time.

• How to implement creative outlets like gardening, creating vision boards, and doing puzzles to keep you occupied during moments when you want to drink but want to stay sober.

• The importance of finding a supportive community that keeps you on track, inspired, and motivated.

   

Mentioned in this episode:

The Daily Sobriety ToolkitJoin Team Alcohol-Free

 

 

Q & A Series

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

Wondering if Your Drinking Isn’t “Bad Enough” to Quit?

The Benefits of Staying Sober When You’re Alone

Starting Over on Day One

How I Managed My Anxiety When I Quit Drinking

Episode 294

In this episode, I’m answering a question from a To 50 and Beyond listener, Maggie.

Maggie sent me an email and said: I’ve heard you talk about your social anxiety when you were 14 and started drinking as you got older. Did having anxiety hold you back from quitting drinking? And how did you manage it once you stopped drinking? 

Anxiety has been one of the most difficult things I’ve had to experience and manage throughout my life. I didn’t talk to a doctor about my anxiety until I was in my 40s. I wanted to hide it. Pretend like I had everything together, and even during public panic attacks in my 20’s and 30’s, I would say, “I’m fine.” 

I wasn’t anything but fine for decades, and I used alcohol to take away my anxiety so I would feel better.

In this episode, you will hear:

• When and why did my anxiety start at eleven after losing my dad.

• Why I first started drinking at the age of 14 - to fit in and lessen my social shyness.

• Where my anxiety comes from (hint: I was trying to control my anxiety, not manage it with drinking).

• How I approached the “anxiety roadblock” that held me back from going alcohol-free.

• The basics that I stuck to in early sobriety, and today, that help me manage my anxiety.

 

If you are someone who experiences anxiety and using alcohol to cope, I understand how you feel.

Alcohol is not a sustainable approach to anxiety. I learned this after I quit drinking.

There is help for you and support. You are not alone.

I felt alone in my anxiety for far too long. I’m with you.

Thank you for listening!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

The Daily Sobriety ToolkitJoin Team Alcohol-Free

Please contact me if you have a topic for the podcast or need a friend.

 

Q & A Series

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

Wondering if Your Drinking Isn’t “Bad Enough” to Quit?

The Benefits of Staying Sober When You’re Alone

Starting Over on Day One

 

Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I 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 the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

Episode 293 

Day One. There is so much possibility there. I love day one!

I don’t love how “starting over” can make you feel when you are working so hard at staying sober in midlife.

In this episode, I discuss the feeling of starting over and how you can feel and reframe it. I also share my experience of starting over on Day One for the last time.

If you are in a program where resetting your clock is required, stick to your program. This episode is for the gal who is DIYing sobriety like I did.

If you’re tired of going back and forth with your drinking, I understand how you feel. I’ve got you!

 

During this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to track your progress in a way that feels good to you and helps you stay sober

• Why tracking didn’t work for me, and how some of the women I know and have worked with track their sobriety progress

• What to do the day after a “slip” to make sure you don’t drink (and why this matters)

• My story about having 45 days of sobriety and going back to drinking during a family brunch

• Lots of love and encouragement for persevering on your road to alcohol freedom!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

TAF sobriety app suggestions: I am Sober, Recovery Path, Since, Try Dry, Reframe.

The Daily Sobriety Toolkit

Join Team Alcohol-Free

Plan A Private Coaching

 

Q & A episodes:

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

Wondering if Your Drinking Isn’t “Bad Enough” to Quit?

The Benefits of Staying Sober when You’re Alone

 

Thank you for listening! Wanna help me spread the word!  There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you liked 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!