Today, we uncover the truth about why people struggle to drink less and the underlying beliefs that drive our behaviors. 
It's not just about sheer willpower; it's about understanding the intricate web of beliefs that lead us to reach for that drink. 
We explore the concept that habits don't start with the behavior itself, but with the beliefs that shape our reactions.

Change starts with awareness and intentional shifts in our thought patterns. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Habits are rooted in beliefs: Habits don't begin with the behavior itself but are shaped by the belief systems we carry, both about alcohol and various aspects of our lives.
2. Awareness is the first step: Shifting from unconscious to conscious awareness is essential. Understanding where you place your attention, especially in moments of emotional triggers, is crucial for change.
3. Beliefs drive behavior: Our beliefs about alcohol and its role in our lives significantly influence our actions. Identifying and challenging these beliefs is essential to change our relationship with alcohol.
4. Present moment awareness: By consciously anchoring ourselves in the present moment, we can interrupt the habitual thought patterns and reactions, paving the way for a new perspective.
5. Shifting beliefs intentionally: Deliberately cultivating new beliefs that align with the life we want to lead is possible. By focusing on one thought at a time and coming into the present moment, we can create lasting change.

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Get the free mini-course: The Permission Protocol
A foundational experience designed to help your alcohol-free time become more than just time off. You’ll learn how to end the mental tug-of-war and return to peace, presence, and pleasure. Sobriety stops feeling like discipline and starts feeling like trust — trust in yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

We dive into the topic of redefining fun beyond alcohol. Exploring the innate desires and pleasures within us, especially as women. We discussed the various aspects of life where we naturally seek enjoyment and how alcohol has become intertwined with those experiences. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Associations with Pleasure: We examined how alcohol has become associated with activities we inherently enjoy, like socializing, music concerts, or downtime at home. These associations often override the natural pleasure of the activity itself, leading to a dependency on alcohol for enjoyment.
2. Unpleasant Activities and Alcohol: On the flip side, we discussed how alcohol can mask the unpleasantness of certain activities, like venting frustrations at happy hours or engaging in gossip. While these activities may give temporary relief, they don't create lasting satisfaction and can compound negative feelings.
3. Examining Your Thoughts: We emphasized the importance of examining your thoughts and perspectives around activities. By understanding your true feelings and motivations, you can distinguish between activities you genuinely enjoy and those you've associated with alcohol, allowing for conscious choices.
4. Personal Responsibility: Taking personal responsibility for your choices and redefining your expectations is crucial. This involves understanding that your preferences, boundaries, and definitions of fun might have changed over time. It's about owning your decisions and finding authentic ways to enjoy life.
5. Embracing New Experiences: Lastly, the episode encouraged listeners to embrace new experiences and redefine what fun means to them. By trying out activities without the influence of alcohol and approaching situations with curiosity, you can uncover genuine enjoyment and live a more fulfilling life.

Remember, it's about rediscovering your authentic self, connecting with your senses, and finding joy in the present mo

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Get the free mini-course: The Permission Protocol
A foundational experience designed to help your alcohol-free time become more than just time off. You’ll learn how to end the mental tug-of-war and return to peace, presence, and pleasure. Sobriety stops feeling like discipline and starts feeling like trust — trust in yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

In this introspective podcast episode, I explore the deep layers of self-love, self-care, and self-awareness. Reflecting on my recent yoga experiences and encounters with insightful teachers, I explore the profound question from Poet Andrea Gibson: Is my attention on loving, or is it on who isn't loving me? 

I discuss the societal pressures around beauty and aging, acknowledging the fine line between self-care practices and self-love. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons, I invite listeners to consider the transformative power of cultivating self-love as a foundation for all other aspects of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Attention on Love: Reflect on whether your focus is on love, solutions, and self-compassion, or on who isn't loving you or the problems, allowing for mindfulness in the present moment.
• Cultivating the Witness: Practice moving beyond thought, connecting with your essential self, the unflinching consciousness within you, fostering stability and self-awareness.
• Embracing Joy: Challenge the ability to experience natural joy without relying on external substances or circumstances, recognizing it as a profound aspect of self-discovery.
• Self-Care vs. Self-Love: Question the intention behind self-care practices, discerning if they stem from a place of self-love or societal pressures, emphasizing the importance of self-love as the foundation of well-being.
• Starting with Self-Love: Prioritize self-love as a prerequisite for happiness and contentment, understanding that external changes or practices might enhance but not replace the core of self-acceptance and love.

I mention the episode of Elena Brower's podcast with Andrea. Please take a listen here.

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Get the free mini-course: The Permission Protocol
A foundational experience designed to help your alcohol-free time become more than just time off. You’ll learn how to end the mental tug-of-war and return to peace, presence, and pleasure. Sobriety stops feeling like discipline and starts feeling like trust — trust in yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

Explore consistency through the lens of mindful living and intentional choices. In this episode, I invite you to dive into the transformative power of being consistent in our actions and decisions. As the seasons change, our senses awaken, allowing us to be fully present in the moment. 

I share insights on the profound impact of mindfulness, sensory experiences, and creative activities in our lives. We explore the joy of embracing consistent habits, breaking free from the cycle of alcohol, and making decisions from our future selves. 

• Personal consistency and prioritizing values. 
• Prioritizing self-care and consistency for a more peaceful life.
• Podcasting and perfectionism.
• The benefits of consistency and self-care.
• Consistency and integrity in personal growth. 

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Get the free mini-course: The Permission Protocol
A foundational experience designed to help your alcohol-free time become more than just time off. You’ll learn how to end the mental tug-of-war and return to peace, presence, and pleasure. Sobriety stops feeling like discipline and starts feeling like trust — trust in yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

Today's episode is a personal story on how I reclaimed my wholeness and my journey to find that elusive something that always felt out of reach.  
Although each of our journeys are unique, it is always a quest of forgetting and remembering that brings us back home to the truth of who we are. Share with someone this may help today. 

• Breaking free from alcohol and finding meaning.
• Feminism, spirituality, and personal growth.
• Addiction, self-discovery, and motherhood.
• Personal growth, self-awareness, and letting go of alcohol.
• Intuitive drinking and self-awareness.

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

In this final installment of our 3 part series Love and Alcohol, Dr. Chavonne and I explore the importance of setting boundaries and making conscious choices in relationships, especially when dealing with issues like alcohol consumption. We emphasizes the significance of personal responsibility and the freedom to choose what is best for oneself in a relationship. We discuss strategies for handling situations where someone may not support your choices or challenges them. The conversation highlights the role of communication, patience, and the iterative process in making important decisions within a relationship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Boundaries as Personal Standards: Boundaries are about setting personal standards for behavior within a relationship, and they should reflect what feels right for you, not judgments or controls over your partner.
2. Ownership of Your Choices: Recognize that staying in a relationship, even if it involves a behavior you find challenging (e.g., alcohol consumption), is a choice you make. Own your decision and acknowledge that it's independent of your partner's actions.
3. Patience and Iteration: When addressing significant issues like changes in household dynamics, practice patience in your conversations. Have progressive and iterative discussions, allowing both partners to share their thoughts and concerns over time.
4. Listening Sessions: Implement listening sessions where each partner takes turns sharing their thoughts without interruptions or debates. This structured approach can facilitate understanding and productive communication.
5. Focus on Personal Growth: While addressing relationship dynamics, prioritize personal growth and well-being. Shift your attention to your own development and happiness independently of your partner's choices.

Remember that relationships involve ongoing growth and change, and open, patient, and loving communication is key to navigating these transformations together.

Please check out Dr. Chavonne and all of her amazing offerings including the episode Matthew and I recored for her podcast about our experience in her program, the Marriage Upgrade.
Dr. Chavonne Instagram and link to all of her offerings

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

In part 2 of 3, I continue the conversation with Dr. Chavonne as we  discuss the importance of setting boundaries and making conscious choices in relationships affected by alcohol consumption. We emphasize that boundaries are a means to protect oneself and are not about controlling or judging the other person's behavior. We explore how to navigate situations where one partner's drinking habits cause discomfort and suggest ways to address these challenges without resorting to ultimatums.

Key Takeaways:

1. Boundaries in relationships are about protecting yourself, not controlling the other person's behavior.
2. Setting boundaries involves making choices that prioritize your emotional well-being.
3. Ultimatums should be reframed as personal choices rather than threats.
4. Examining your own needs and triggers before addressing your partner's behavior can lead to more productive conversations.
5. It's essential to own your decision to stay in a relationship and focus on the reasons that matter most to you rather than trying to change your partner's behavior.

Please check out Dr. Chavonne and all of her amazing offerings including the episode Matthew and I recored for her podcast about our experience in her program, the Marriage Upgrade.
Dr. Chavonne Instagram and link to all of her offerings

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

In this first episode of a three part series, I welcome my personal marriage coach, the brilliant Dr. Chavonne to discuss navigating relationships and alcohol change. We explore the complexities of relationships and how they can impact personal growth, especially when dealing with alcohol-related changes. Dr. Chavonne shares insights on making changes within a partnership, managing a partner's reactions, setting boundaries, and emphasizes the importance of running your own race when it comes to personal transformation. This episode is a note taker and goes beyond just intimate relationships 

Key Takeaways:

1. Individual Journeys: Making changes related to alcohol should primarily be an individual journey, even within a partnership, as each person has their unique experiences and reasons for change.
2. Managing Partner's Reactions: When one partner starts making changes, the other may rebel or react differently. Patience and acceptance are crucial during the adjustment period.
3. Transitions and Boundaries: Recognize that transitions are part of personal growth. Setting boundaries and allowing an adjustment period can help maintain harmony in the relationship.
4. Tolerating Negative Emotion: It's essential to build the capacity to tolerate negative emotions without relying on changing circumstances entirely for emotional well-being.
5. Non-Attachment and Authenticity: When discussing changes with a partner, do so authentically but without attachment to their immediate understanding or acceptance, allowing them to process at their pace.

Don't miss the next two episodes where we dive even further into the dynamics of navigating love and alcohol. It's an opportunity to dive deeper into your relationship with yourself and your loved ones.

Please check out Dr. Chavonne and all of her amazing offerings including the

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Get the free mini-course: The Permission Protocol
A foundational experience designed to help your alcohol-free time become more than just time off. You’ll learn how to end the mental tug-of-war and return to peace, presence, and pleasure. Sobriety stops feeling like discipline and starts feeling like trust — trust in yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

Unpacking the Weight of Expectations

Have you ever felt the weight of expectations when it comes to drinking? I know I have, and it's a trigger that many of us face. Whether it's about conforming to societal norms or appeasing others, the feeling of being expected to drink can be a significant challenge.

Breaking Down Expectations: A New Perspective

Examine the idea of expectations. Often, they stem from what's considered "normal." We explore the thought process behind expectations and how they can impact our behavior, both personally and in social settings.

Stepping into Empathy: Seeing from the Other's Perspective

Ever wondered how others perceive your choices around drinking? I invite you to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine a scenario where someone else's drinking choices differ from what's expected. How would you react? This exercise helps us better understand the dynamics of expectations and judgments.

Embracing Authenticity: Rewriting Your Story

True authenticity comes when we break free from the confines of expectations. We discuss how rewriting our stories empowers us to show up authentically, no matter the circumstance. It's about releasing the notion that others dictate how we should behave.

Manifestation and Energy: Shaping Our Interactions

Our energy and beliefs have a profound impact on our interactions with others. We explore how our thoughts and emotions influence how people perceive us and respond to us. It's a reminder that our energy plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences.

The Power of Choice: Choosing Our Reactions

Ultimately, we have the power to choose our reactions to others' expectations. By focusing on our energy, intentions, and grounded presence, we can navigate situations authentically. It's about freeing ourselves from the constraints of assumed expectations.

Embrace Vulnerability: Challenge for the Week

As we wrap up this episode, I offer you a challenge: for the upcoming week, pay close attention to situations where you sense expectations from others. Reflect on whether these expectations are truly from them or if they stem from your assumptions. Embrace your vulnerability and authentic self, and observe how your energy transforms the dynamics.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of authenticity and self-discovery. Remember, you're not alone in navigating

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.

Why one and done when it comes to drinking is the dream that leads to deprivation.

Unpacking the Why Behind the Dream

Why do we yearn for that solitary drink? What is it about that one drink that holds such allure? These questions are where we start our journey. It's not about judging ourselves; it's about understanding our motivations and the stories we tell ourselves.

Cue, Craving, Routine, Reward: The Cognitive Model

We explore the cognitive model of cue, craving, routine, and reward. We uncover the intricate dance between these elements when it comes to our relationship with alcohol. From the trigger of being out with friends to the release of dopamine in our brains, we unravel the psychology behind our cravings.

Why One is Never Enough: Unraveling the Chemical Response

Ever wondered why that elusive "one and done" remains out of reach? It's because of the profound chemical responses happening within us. We're demystifying the connection between rewards, dopamine, and our behavior. I invite you to free yourself from any self-judgment and realize that your brain simply associates alcohol with reward.

Natural Pleasures vs. Artificial Rewards

What about natural pleasures and authentic rewards?  We explore the beauty of experiencing wonder, awe, and joy without relying on external substances. From sunsets to laughter with friends, we have countless opportunities to find sustainable, natural rewards that align with our values.

Redefining the Reward

How do you reshape your reward system? By shifting our focus from the routine of drinking to the genuine connections and experiences, we create a more profound and lasting sense of fulfillment. It's about pausing during cravings, re-routing our associations, and finding alignment with our values.

Exploring the Aftermath: The Myth of "One"

Ever noticed how that "one" drink never truly satisfies? We dissect the aftermath of that solitary drink, examining the physical and emotional changes within us. We learn that alcohol's effects often lead us feeling worse than before. It's a thought-provoking exploration that encourages us to question the dream of "just one."

Your Empowered Choice: Understanding Your Journey

Remember that you are on a unique journey. Your relationship with alcohol is yours to define and shape. By understanding the stories we tell ourselves an

Imagine having weekly breakthroughs — and celebrating them without alcohol.

The 90-Day Life Renewal Challenge is an invitation into your year of clarity, self-trust, and embodied change. This is about knowing you can handle life without numbing, avoiding, or hiding. You can be sacred and do it anyway.

👉 Schedule your Clarity Call for your first breakthrough — and trust that it’s only the beginning.

Join The 90 Day Life Renewal!

A Private Holistic Coaching Program to gracefully help you move through the resistance of change, stay accountable and honor the version of you that is done waiting. What if this year, you didn’t just set a goal…but created a living plan that actually fits your energy, your values, and your season of life? Apply & schedule your clarity call with Mary here.

Download The Permission Protocol — my free 5-part mini-course — and start practicing the skills that make alcohol irrelevant on your terms.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and its contents are not a substitute for rehabilitation, medical treatment or advice. It is for educational and inspirational purposes. I am not a therapist or doctor. The views here are expressed a personal opinion and based on first hand experience. Please consult a doctor if your mental or physical health is at risk.