Toast to Clarity: Finding Fulfillment in an Alcohol-Free Life

01/06/24 • 20 min

As the clock struck midnight this New Year's Eve, Bella and Meg celebrated not with clinking glasses, but with a toast to clarity and vitality. We're kicking off the podcast with a heart-to-heart about the serenity of our alcohol-free festivities and the uplifting start to another year of sobriety. We open up about the empowering decision to share this journey publicly – a move that's reinforced our commitment and chipped away at the stigma sometimes tied to sobriety. It's not just a personal victory; it's a beacon for others seeking similar paths.
Harnessing the influence of community and creativity, we're mapping out innovative ways to cultivate friendships and stay true to an alcohol-free ethos. Imagine a vibrant Instagram feed, brimming with tempting mocktail recipes, or the solidarity from a sober app's cheer squad – these are just some of the strategies we're diving into. We even ponder the potential of Sunday Soul Sessions and cozy coffee meetups to connect with like-minded folks. Closing out, we extend an invitation to you, our listeners, to share your queries on navigating life without alcohol. Tune in for an episode packed with genuine insights and actionable tips, as we navigate the rewarding terrain of sobriety together.

MEG
Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Previous Episode

Jolene Park on Grey Area Drinking, Nourishing Your Nervous System and Neurotransmitters

Jolene Park joins us this episode to talk about the importance of prioritising the nourishment of your nervous system and neurotransmitters when quitting drinking. Jolene explains why a “bottom up” approach focussing on rewiring, replenishing and repairing the nervous system is vital to the success of drinking less long term. Do you drink to relax, destress, numb anxiety or soothe an activated nervous system (most do!)? Then it is essential to incorporate resources to calm the nervous system into your sober practice. This physiological piece is often overlooked or minimised in favour of cognitive reframing work. It shouldn’t be. The good news is, Jolene provides examples of simple and accessible resources that can easily be put into practice by you or your clients. Jolene is a leading authority on Grey-Area Drinking, a TED talk speaker, functional nutritionist and health coach who coaches private clients and also trains healthcare practitioners on the importance of nourishing neurotransmitters and supporting their client’s nervous system.
Jolene's website: https://grayareadrinkers.com
Jolene's instagram handle: @jolene__park

Next Episode

Binge Drinking with Meg and Bella

Reflecting on the reckless abandon of our youths, we never imagined the nights of heavy drinking would evolve into a lifestyle fraught with risks and regrets. Join Meg and Bella as we peel away the layers of Australia's binge drinking culture, sharing raw and honest tales from our past. We take you through the high-risk initiation rites of youth, the pressure to maintain this hazardous habit, and the urgent need for new, healthier traditions of celebration. In this candid conversation, we also discuss the sobering reality of the aftermath and the recommended guidelines for responsible drinking, aiming to spark a dialogue on the necessity of redefining our relationship with alcohol.
As we venture further into our personal experiences, we dissect the complex reasons that fuel our binge drinking habits. From using alcohol as social glue in our formative years to numbing anxiety, Meg and Bella unveil the escalating tolerance that has led us, and many others, to blackouts and daily binge drinking. We examine the societal norms, like pub promotions, that perpetuate dangerous drinking patterns and the challenges we face in breaking free from the normalisation of excessive alcohol consumption. Through our introspective journey, we offer listeners a chance to rethink their own drinking practices as we champion the creation of more mindful and healthy celebratory customs.

The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast - Toast to Clarity: Finding Fulfillment in an Alcohol-Free Life

Transcript

Speaker 100:01:02.489

Hello Bella and hello everyone , and happy new year 2024 . How are you , bella ?

Speaker 200:01:09.450

I'm really well , I'm so glad to be back recording with you . It's been , oh it's been , a lovely long break . I've dashed back to Sydney , then back now back to Adelaide .

Speaker 200:01:20.959

Put up , mr Podcast .

Speake