Seven Years Sober: The Magic of Becoming Someone New

Yesterday I woke up 7 years sober. They say every cell in my body has turned over, so the person I was when I was drinking no longer physically exists, and I gotta tell you, that feels pretty freaking cool. I have received so much love and support now that I have learned how to celebrate myself. I didn't always know how to do this, but now I do. I started the celebration with the family and friends and then moved on to LinkedIn. How dumb, of course, but that was the final spot to announce my sobriety years ago, and it was the first place I announced my milestone today. I am no longer ashamed. This was a new level unlocked in my own sober journey, more loud, more proud.

I am inspired by a business client who has started sharing her story out loud on Instagram @thesobersherpa (follow her).

Here's a recent post that mentions our work together...

"Nearly four years sober, and I was still fairly quiet about it. In a coaching session with @ditchedthedrink, I admitted that I still felt hesitation around publicly telling my story. I didn’t want to carry shame about a choice that had given me so much more life, but the truth was, I did. Not because I doubted my decision, but because the stigma around the need (or choice) to be sober still felt very real.

Heather sent me an article that really challenged my thinking. It reminded me that struggling with desire is a universal part of being human. Whether it’s alcohol, food, shopping, social media, everyone has something they wrestle with. I had to get comfortable with the fact that “struggling” didn’t mean I was weak. It meant I was human.

And when it comes to alcohol, the more you consume, the more your mind is wired to think you need it. That’s not a personal failing, that’s by design. So why was I carrying shame for breaking free from something that was designed to keep me hooked?

That article, combined with Heather’s reminder to own my sobriety with pride, made me realize, until I let go of my own shame, I was unconsciously reinforcing the very stigma I wanted to break… Oof! That hit hard.

It was really starting to break through. Sobriety wasn’t something to explain away. It was something to celebrate. And if I want to help others find the freedom I had, I needed to fully own it. No disclaimers. No justifications."

Sober, business, and life coaching are often combined, and I love it when that happens. Sarah is a great example of that. Set up a call 🔗 with me if you want to learn more about how I can support you. 

I celebrated by partying with my Insider Community 🔗, where I offered a big quit-lit book giveaway for everyone that attended. We all agree it's the best community (of course we do). We have room for more and invite you to join us 🔗. If you don't fit right in like I think you will, you can cancel at anytime. I encourage you to give it a try. It's really nice to have people who get it and travel this journey alongside others. It has made a world of difference for me. 

I was honored with many kind words of gratitude during our gathering. We all commented on the ripple effect that my sobriety has offered to others, which is just so cool. 🌊

There would be no Ditched the Drink without the women that chose me as their guide, and I honestly never take that for granted. I feel lucky every single day I get to do what I love with people that I admire. It's like each member was handpicked for me and me for them. Thank you, Universe! 

I got flowers in the mail, a tumeric shot (haha), and a candle from a beloved client. I received a purple hooded robe and a 7-year chip (my first one) from a friend. Texts of celebration were buzzing all day. My husband surprised me by taking me to dinner at my favorite local place, The Ivy.

The restaurant is an old church. It's beautiful, cozy, and full of stained glass. We got the best spot right next to the fireplace. I got my favorite encrusted steak (half gorgonzola and half horseradish). I had a custom mocktail with apple cider, honey, and cinnamon. Pecan pie bread pudding for dessert. I brought a happy soberversary sign for it. I am getting used to celebrating myself and also asking kindly for exactly what I want. Going to "church" felt like the right celebration to me. I talked through the entire dinner and then said to my husband, "I am doing all the talking!" He said, "I know, but isn't that the way you like it?" I said, "Yes, but I am running out of things to say!" 🤣 We spend a lot of time together, both working from home.   

Naturally, I wrote a blog about my 7-year milestone; you can read it here 🔗.

You can read Year 2  🔗, 3 🔗, 4 🔗, 5 🔗 and 6  🔗 too.

I waited to write this newsletter to tell you how I was feeling in real time, but I got so distracted with the celebration that it's coming in late. 

In addition to the blog, there's a new Peripeteia Podcast 🔗 out. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry with Toni Will. I really loved learning her story, and with two athletic daughters, I am all for women in sports. I produced this one myself, and although I feel proud I got it out, I also feel 100% certain I will not do this myself again. LOLz. Hiring a new producer now.

Finally, Sans Bar Academy Award nominations 🔗 are out. You can vote for your favorite drinks and people. I always wanted to attend this event, so maybe if you're up to it, throw my hat in the ring! Thank you so much! I love you, and celebrating 7 years with you has been the freaking best. Best. Best.

XO!

-Heather