After a long and complicated relationship with alcohol, I broke it off at the end of December in 2019. What started as Dry January stretched into the spring while I completed a 12-week weightlifting challenge at my gym. By then, it felt like I was through the hard part, and it seemed silly to return to drinking when alcohol didn't add any value to my life.
Alcohol free, I was happier, healthier, more energetic, less bloated, focused, goal driven, and most importantly, almost entirely anxiety free. That last one was worth everything it took to get here. And I was definitely a better wife and mom, which also solidified my decision to remain alcohol-free.
Once I had a year behind me, I wanted to start building a local community and helping others do the same. AA is not my thing, but I couldn't find any other local resources. Former President Barack Obama said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
So I launched this site on my one-year anniversary, accepting that I'm the one I've been waiting for and ready to create the change I want to see.
On the eve of my two-year soberversary, I debuted my Sober Slumber Party concept to help facilitate fun, alcohol-free events for women.
Approaching my fourth anniversary, I've hosted eight Sober Slumber Parties throughout the Midwest. I attended a Brave Retreat in Asheville, NC and a Pandemic Sober Squad Retreat in Southern California, I also met my sober hero, Kate from the Seltzer Squad podcast, and hosted a retreat with her in upstate New York.
About Me
I earned a Master's Degree in English and work in communications. Prior to that, I taught business writing at a community college and was a nationally published freelance writer. I live in central Illinois with my supportive husband, lovely daughter and the best dogs ever.
Let's connect!