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Recovery Elevator 🌴

It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life! Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions.  If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place. This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.
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Now displaying: August, 2020
Aug 31, 2020

Early took their last drink November 16, 2019. With almost 8 months (at the time of recording) this is their story of living alcohol free (AF).

 

Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You.

Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis describes a person who has more than one medical issue either with two diseases simultaneously or one disease successively after the other. These may be mental or physical.

Odette reminds us that we are not alone.

 

[5:23] Odette introduces Early.

 

Early is 32 years old and living off the grid on the Ozark Plateau. They have 3 dogs who are their very best friends. For work they go back and forth between migrant farm work and restaurant service industry. For fun they like to learn about the area surrounding them, the plants and animals. Also chopping wood and the other living in the woods chores.

Living off the grid means that Early is not connected to the electrical power grid & any city water or sewage. They have solar power and collect rain water or spring water. They have a composting outhouse. Early says they are connected to the earth in a way that feels more ethical to them.

 

[8:33] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?

 

Early said that their whole life has been characterized by very intense addiction. The first drink they had was a stolen Miller High Life at the age of 10. The first blackout came at 14, drinking in the mornings and vomiting in their sleep came at 16. They were drawn to alcohol due to being socially awkward and having few friends. Being a deviant led them into a world of acceptance. As an adult, along with therapy and their diagnosis as being on the spectrum, these factors make sense now.

By 18 Early was drinking daily and that’s the first time they wanted to stop drinking. Willpower didn’t work and AA wasn’t the avenue they wanted to take. Between the ages of 18 and 31 they tried many times to quit.

 

[11:44] When did you receive your diagnosis?

 

Early said at 29 there was an incident in which they sexually assaulted their best friend. It never would have happened if they had not been under the influence of alcohol. After that they checked themself into a mental hospital for help. There they were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Early’s therapist post that also diagnosed them with Autisms Spectrum disorder and PTSD from childhood sexual abuse.

 

[13:43] What went through your mind after all these diagnoses?

 

Early said leaving the mental hospital they were detoxed from alcohol and also on new anti-psychotic medicine for brand new diagnoses. They weren’t given any tools on how to handle not drinking and their only coping ability from the past 20 years, so to cope, they drank.

 

[16:20] What happened after you left the hospital?

 

Early said that they knew they needed to remove alcohol but had no tools. They would white knuckle it for a few days and then drink. Over time they began to find different tools that worked for them. They incorporated yoga, drinking more water, changing their diet, getting regular sleep (basic needs as Early says!). However, the feeling of shame and the belief that they are a bad person remained. Early began drinking in secret and isolating themselves in-between moments of white knuckling sobriety.

 

[20:12] You seem to have such grit. Where did this come from and how did you find the determination to keep trying?

 

Early said their last night of drinking was an average night of drinking. The change began a year ago when their father passed away suddenly. They saw life from outside their own for the first time. That winter they declared that they would do anything to get sober. They kept trying and using all the tools they had learned over the years of trying to quit. They stopped feeling sorry for themselves and that helped to cut the shame. Early learned they were worthy of love and happiness. They describe themselves as a hard headed stubborn determined person and that might be the grit that is seen.

 

[27:51] How is it balancing and navigating symptoms from these disorders?

 

Early said that preventative maintenance for everything has dulled down many of the symptoms day to day. Every day they make sure they are getting proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and feeding their soul. Taking care of the body and mind at a baselevel is paramount.

 

[29:58] Tell me about the people surrounding you?

 

Early said they understands they hurt a lot of people and people who left did so for a reason. And now the longer they are sober and people see them out doing the work, people are slowly returning into their life.

 

[34:06] Can you tell me about your routine?

 

Early said that they have a morning routine. Every day they try to wake up at the same time, drink water, walk their dogs, eat, take herbs, do meditation, work on a project that makes them proud (currently building their own house). In the evenings, eat dinner, listen to a podcast, do some meditation and go to sleep at the same time.

 

[35:37] Tell me more about building your own house.

 

Early said when they first moved to this property there was a dilapidated shack there and they lived there for about 4 years. Upon getting sober, they demolished the house and started to build their own with their neighbors.

 

 

 [35:57] Rapid Fire Round 

 

  1. What would you say to your younger self?

 

Stick with it, you’re worth it and things will change for the better.

 

  1. What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had in this journey?

 

Neuroplasticity

 

  1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

 

Chocolate chip cookie dough

 

  1. What are some words of wisdom you can share with listeners that want help ditching the booze and help with their mental health?

 

Don’t compare yourself to others story. You’re worth getting ahold of your drinking and your mental health. Do the work.

 

You may have to say adios to booze... 

 

if you have woken up covered in blue vomit…. Twice.

 

Odette’s final thoughts this week:

“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” – Eckhart Tolle

 

 

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout. 

 

Affiliate Link for Amazon:

Shop via Amazon using this link. 

 

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

  • Recovery Elevator’s first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is for CafĂ© RE Members only. Not a member yet?! Sign up here and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
  • Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for CafĂ© RE members. Not a CafĂ© Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
  • You can find more information about our events 

 

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!  

 

Resources: 

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

Sobriety Tracker Android 

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -info@recoveryelevator.com

 

“Recovery Elevator – “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”-Eckhart Tolle- I love you guys”

Aug 24, 2020

Anika is the founder of GrĂĽvi and a member of the sober curious community. This is her story of being an entrepreneur and helping to provide NA beverages to those who want them.

 

Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You.

You are in charge of setting and honoring your own boundaries. Everyone has different triggers, for example if NA beers and beverages are triggering to you, then you don’t have to explore that avenue. You know how to best protect your journey. Stay open and stay curious and protect your energy.

 

[4:53] Odette introduces Anika.

 

Anika is sober curious so she’s not very strict on keeping track of dates. But her last drink was right around the beginning of Covid. She is 24 years old and lives in Canada. She enjoys being outdoors, yoga, hiking and traveling.

 

[6:56] Walk me through your sober curious journey.

 

Anika said her sober curious nature came out during her last year at University. She was a social drinker, but in her last year she found herself saying “I don’t want to have to go out with friends tonight, because then I will have to drink and then I will be hung over.” She experienced all the benefits of a life away from alcohol: better sleep, having more clarity and being more productive.

 

[9:38] Did something spark your thought process to become aware of a life away from alcohol at such a young age?

 

Anika said at first, she was like everyone else with regards to drinking and felt it was a stage in life. But when she created the GrĂĽvi brand was when she really started to see how life can continue on without alcohol and with an alternate beverage. She was able to have a social life without having to have the social lubricant.

 

[11:15] How did GrĂĽvi start?

 

Grüvi launched a year ago in Denver and it’s a family business. They have been a health focused family, led by their father. Finding that the NA category was lacking in options pushed them to create Grüvi.

 

[12:34] Where did the name come from?

 

Anika said Grüvi is taking the word “groovy” and making it fun and new. You can be fun and silly and youthful even without alcohol.

 

[14:59] Tell me about the specifics of GrĂĽvi?

 

Currently, there are 4 craft beers and 1 prosecco. The beers are brewed through a process of arrested fermentation, which stops the brewing before any alcohol is introduced. However, because this does go through a fermentation process, there are trace amounts of alcohol (similar to kombuca). The prosecco is 0.0% ABV.

They are expanding too! Anika says that hopefully they will be offering a bubbly Rose by the end of summer 2020.

 

[20:58] Are most people open to the dialogue (about this NA movement)?

 

Anika said that after living in Denver for over a year after University and returning to Canada and the friend group there, she was a little nervous. Through this she has realized that her friends support her no matter what. And she told them she is happy with her decision to not be drinking so they should be too.

 

[23:10] What’s it like working with your family?

 

Anika said so far, it’s been great! They are living together again as a family and it’s been smooth. She’s enjoying the opportunity to grow closer to her family through this.

 

[33:30] What are you excited about right now?

 

Anika said every day is new and exciting. GrĂĽvi is at that step where they are expanding and growing. This includes new states and being able to be local and accessible to more people. They are expanding their ambassador program and Anika is spearheading this. She loves getting to talk to the community and grow the movement together.

 

[36:50] Rapid Fire Round

 

  1. Other than Grüvi, what’s your favorite NA beverage?

 

Being her own bartender and making mocktails or a matcha latte.

 

  1. What is a memorable moment you’ve had while not drinking?

 

Going out dancing with her friends and enjoying the music.

 

  1. What are some of your favorite resources?

 

Books:

The Sober Curious & This Naked Mind

Instagram accounts:

@Ditchedthedrink

@soberbabes

 

  1. What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners who are thinking about ditching the booze?

 

Take the first jump, the first decision is always the hardest. You have nothing to lose.

 

Odette’s challenge this week:

Give a new tool a try. Maybe you go to an AA meeting for the first time, maybe you join Café Re, maybe you ask a friend to be your accountability partner, maybe you try a new Kombucha flavor or you try a new meditation. If we don’t try new things we will never know if it will help us in this journey.

Email Odette here and tell her what you tried.

 

GrĂĽvi discount detail:

For 15% off your order with GrĂĽvi visit their website and use the promo code recovery elevator at checkout. 

 

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout. 

 

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

  • Recovery Elevator’s first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is for CafĂ© RE Members only. Not a member yet?! Sign up here and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
  • Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for CafĂ© RE members. Not a CafĂ© Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
  • You can find more information about our events

 

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!

 

Resources:

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

Sobriety Tracker Android 

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -info@recoveryelevator.com

 

“Recovery Elevator – Let’s be respectful of others, lets focus on similarities and not differences, let’s make space for those who are different than us instead of automatically canceling them out- I love each and every one of you guys”

Aug 17, 2020

Alan took his last drink December 23, 2019. With almost 6 months (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

 

Announcing Recovery Elevator’s first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is for Café RE Members only. Not a member yet?! Sign up here and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

 

Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You.

The New York Times article “Should We Be Drinking Less?” is from July 10th, 2020. It’s the stark contrast to articles which tout having 1-2 glasses of wine has healthy benefits or how rose will help you through motherhood. The idea that moderate drinking is acceptable actually keeps people drinking because it’s seen as ok in the eyes of society.

 

There is a shift that is happening and people are questioning the narrative of what’s acceptable when drinking.

 

[7:47] Odette introduces Alan.

 

Alan lives outside Atlanta and is 49 years old. His last drink was the day before Christmas Eve 2019. He drank everything and was blackout drunk that night. His 15 year old daughter had been at a friend’s house and came home to find her father passed out in a chair with a spilled glass of wine. The next morning knowing his daughter had seen that changed the course of his life. He didn’t want to live that way any longer.

 

Alan’s daughter mentioned above is actually one of triplets. He has three 15 year old children and has been married to his wife for almost 18 years. He’s in software sales and is trying to figure out what he likes to do for fun now that he’s sober. He enjoys health and fitness and has a Peloton.

 

[18:37] Walk me through your drinking career.

 

Alan said that he began drinking in high school and it started out normal, transitioned into college and that drinking atmosphere. College for him was one big party. He continued the pace of college drinking afterwards. He worked for a year in Aspen and drank 7 days a week. He returned to Atlanta, while his drinking slowed, he was always concerned about where the next drink was coming from and this is when his drinking became abnormal. Alan believes he was covering up fear with his drinking. Fear of fitting in, fear of getting a good job, fear of making enough money, fear of meeting the right girl, fear of getting a big title. The fear was gone when he drank.

 

[27:15] Tell me about joining Café RE and how was that first month?

 

Alan said Café RE was the springboard to connection. He didn’t realize the connection was so powerful with other people looking to live the same life. After feeling like he had been driving in foggy conditions for 10 years, the fog cleared and he was able to see finally.

 

[33:36] What works for you when you have a craving?

 

Alan said he has learned a ton of tools in Café RE. The biggest one is from Paul’s book, Alcohol is SH!T, which says to “play the tape forward”. While he can romanticize the drink on his porch, Alan can also now see where that one drink will lead. He’s seen the movie, he knows the ending and it’s not good!

 

[36:11] How has your family dynamic changed?

 

Alan said about 3 months in his wife looked at him and told him he was like a new person. He is present now. While he’s always been a father who was physically there, he always existed in the fog. He told his daughter that he was getting help for his drinking and that’s a huge accountability step for him, one he can never go back on.

 

[41:00] What have you discovered about yourself?

 

Alan said he’s learned he can juggle a lot of things in life. He has the ability to handle what life throws at him.

 

[42:51] If you could talk to day 1 Alan, what would you say?

 

Connect with likeminded individuals as soon as possible. Do not attempt to do this alone.

 

[43:20] Had you tried to stop drinking previously?

 

Alan said he probably tried about 4 times seriously. But never had connection, resources, understanding or community. He always went at it alone and would call himself a Dry Drunk.

 

[44:52] Rapid Fire Round 

 

  1. What do you bring to a BYO party?

 

Bubly, 1 can of Monster Energy drink

 

  1.  What is a drinking myth you’ve seen debunked?

 

Myth: You can’t have fun without drinking.

Truth: You can have SO much fun without drinking (and the next day!)

 

  1. Do you celebrate milestones?

 

Yes, but the journey is never ending.

 

  1. What are some words of wisdom you can share with listeners?

 

If you are thinking about this path, I promise you life is better without the booze. The fog will lift!

 

You may have to say adios to alcohol... 

 

if you’re at the airport bar and the gate is right across from you, but you intentionally miss your flight so you can keep drinking.

 

Odette’s challenge this week:

Share the NY Times article with someone you know. Plant the seed of living a life away from alcohol.

 

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout. 

 

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

  • Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for CafĂ© RE members. Not a CafĂ© Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
  • You can find more information about our events here.  

 

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!  

 

Resources: 

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

Sobriety Tracker Android 

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -info@recoveryelevator.com

“Recovery Elevator – How about we just stick to La Croix, sound good?- I love you guys”

Aug 10, 2020

Jim took his last drink April 7, 2020. With just over 70 days (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).

 

Today Odette opens talking about finding the better you and her own take away from Holly Whitaker’s Quit Like A Woman. She focuses on what Holly says about when a craving strikes. Learn to relax into the craving rather than distract.

 

RASINS

Recognize

Allow

Set aside the story

Investigate what is happening in your body

Name the sensations

Surf

 

Let’s set the scene: You have finished your 100th zoom call of the day and you are ready to relax for the night. You want to pour a glass of wine. Here is how to implement RASINS.

Admit the craving, allow the craving to build, set aside the negative thoughts telling you that you suck. Maybe try a meditation practice. Focus on how your body is feeling. Is your heart racing, are your palms sweating? Ride the wave of emotion, this is manageable.

 

 

[7:12] Odette introduces Jim.

 

Jim is 71 years old and he lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He is about to retire fully from his career in public education. He’s been married for 47 years and has 3 children and 4 grandkids. He enjoys hiking, reading, swimming and volunteering at church and in schools. He has recently picked up golf too!

 

[11:33] Can you give listeners a history on your drinking?

 

Jim said he began drinking in high school and also drank in college. He joined a fraternity and soon after stopped going to call and flunked out. His father told him he was not welcome at home, so Jim joined the Merchant Marines after that. He said that although drinking was prohibited on the boats, that was far from the reality. After a winter in the Merchant Marines he was drafted into the Vietnam War, however his college agreed to re-admit him. Once back in college he was right back where he started. He did meet his “beautiful bride” while in school and she got him going back to class and he did graduate. His chosen career was something that he felt was more important that his drinking. So, he didn’t drink before work, but after work, all bets were off. Once he began to approach retirement, he had more time on his hands and the habits of college drinking returned.

 

[15:14] Do you remember your emotional state when your father told you that you weren’t allowed back home?

 

Jim said at the time he was very resentful and thought his father was not loving and caring. He felt his father was putting his own reputation and career over Jim’s circumstances. Looking back on it, Jim can say he knows that his father made a great decision.

 

[22:15] Did you notice your relationships changing/eroding?

 

Jim said his own ability to be a pleasant person when he was drinking was almost non-existent. He had a lot of irritability over very little things.

 

[25:38] Do you still have cravings?

 

Jim said he still has cravings. He uses HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) when a craving strikes. He then reflects on the thought and feeling and reminds himself this will happen and to “not let it shake your tree” because this will pass.

 

[27:29] How did you find Recovery Elevator/ resources for this journey?

 

Jim said was listening to NPR shows and thought that there must be something recovery specific out there. He found Recovery Elevator from a google search and made it a part of his every day.

 

[28:50] Did you notice you had to change certain aspects of your entire routine?

 

Jim said that he wakes up every morning and looks at a stack of notecards he has created. He reminds himself every day his reasons why he’s stopped drinking. He focuses on reading and reddit subs and meditation.

 

[33:46] Do you find nighttime to be a more challenging time of the day?

 

Jim said he doesn’t struggle at night. He also had notecards on his bedside table. He tries to end every day thinking about what he’s grateful for and on a positive note.

 

[34:44] Have you notice changes in your sleep patterns?

 

Jim said yes. His dreams are clear and amazing. He sleeps more soundly.

 

[37:23] What have you learned about yourself that has really surprised you?

 

Jim said he used to have a lot of self-doubt if he could do this. He’s learned we can all do this.

 

[39:00] What are you excited about right now?

 

Jim said he feels like a new person in life and so the possibilities are opening up. He’s no longer shackled by alcohol. His schedule is open.

 

 

 

 [40:54] Rapid Fire Round 

 

  1. What is your favorite NA beverage?

 

Flavored water.

 

  1. What is a drinking myth you’ve seen debunked?

 

If you’re old there’s no sense in trying to stop drinking. (not true!)

 

  1. What would you say to Day 1 Jim?

 

Jim as you walk through day 1, walk through that door, it’s going to be awesome. You will not regret one second of this.

 

  1. What are some words of wisdom you can share with listeners?

 

I could have done this sooner, just let it go. There’s a family out there ready to help you. You can do this.

 

You may have to say adios to alcohol... 

 

Adios, good riddance and see you later alligator!

 

Odette’s challenge this week:

Write down the meaning of RASINS and put it into practice this week.

 

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout. 

 

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

  • Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for CafĂ© RE members. Not a CafĂ© Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
  • You can find more information about our events 

 

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!  

 

Resources: 

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

Sobriety Tracker Android 

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -info@recoveryelevator.com

 

“Recovery Elevator – It all starts from the inside out- I love you guys”

Aug 3, 2020

John took his last drink on August 31, 2019. With about 10 months (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol-free (AF).

 

Today Odette opens quoting from Pema Chödrön’s “When Things Fall Apart”.

 

“Impermanence is the goodness of reality. Just as the four seasons are in continual flux, winter changing from spring to summer to autumn; just as day becomes night, light becoming dark becoming light again-- in the same way, everything is constantly evolving.”

 

Everything that ends is also the beginning of something else. What happens when we see this chaos as harmony and change right now is the new normal. It takes time to get comfortable with change and this stage of life is a season. Let’s sit with it and see where we can go.

 

[6:53] Odette introduces John.

 

John is 38 years old and originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. John is also married to Odette and they have 2 children together. They live in San Diego, CA. For fun John likes to surf, bike, run, or play golf… he just likes being active.

 

[11:19] Can you give listeners a history on your drinking?

 

John said growing up drinking was part of the culture of where he lived. He started drinking in high school on weekends and continued in college. His drinking changed when it became a post-work habit. He said he modeled his drinking after his parents: put your head down, do you work, have a drink after work. From the age of 25 - 38 he was drinking as a reward at the end of a day. However, he noticed that he was using alcohol to numb out other things in his life.

 

[14:00] Was there a moment when you noticed that alcohol was no longer working?

 

John said in his 30s was when he began to question if he had a problem with drinking. As his family grew, he saw a line in the sand. On one side of the line was keeping drinking and on the other side was his marriage and family.

Odette and John discuss their marriage and how each of their paths to recovery has followed along both together and separately at different times. They discuss the work they have done on themselves and as a couple.

 

[25:26] From an inside look what are some of the biggest differences?

 

John said a lot of his initial quitting drinking was about trying to prove a point, prove to himself and others that he didn’t have a problem with alcohol. Within a month it changed and began to leave alcohol behind for himself. He noticed improvements in almost all aspects of his life.

 

[28:51] Can you tell us about how fatherhood has been different?

 

John said when he was drinking, he would show up to parenthood not ready to parent. He was physically there but not there mentally or emotionally. He is now trying to make amends to his children now by being as present as he can be. Every connecting moment with his children is a cherished moment.

 

[32:13] Tell us about a day in your life right now, what tools are you using?

 

John said he’s a little bit of a lone wolf. He relies a lot on Odette as an emotional outlet. He does not struggle with cravings during the day, but at night when he’s “done for the day” is when he has to dig a little deeper. He focuses on spending time with his family. John drinking a lot of soda water and kombucha and NA beer.

 

[34:55] What’s your favorite NA beer brand?

 

He has an order coming from Athletic Brewing and is looking forward to trying it.

Gruvi IPA

Two Roots, Straight Dank IPA- it’s a very hop-forward IPA.

 

[36:06] How has it been reintroducing yourself into social situations?

 

John said that the first few months were hard. There was a lot of pretending. Once he had the mind shift and was leaving alcohol behind for himself, it was a lot easier. There is a confidence that came with his decision.

 

[39:16] Have you received any pushback?

 

John said that his true friends are supportive. There’s the occasional random person who isn’t in the know that questions him, but not from a negative place.

 

[41:53] What possibilities in life are you excited about?

 

John said he’s just really excited to keep on this path and see where it takes him. He’s looking forward to his kids starting school, the next steps in his career, the fun trips they have planned as a family and with his wife. There’s a positive future ahead.

 

 

 [43:59] Rapid Fire Round 

 

  1. What is a memorable moment you’ve had so far?

 

Surf trip sober over Christmas 2019.

 

  1. What are some of your favorite resources?

 

Armchair Expert podcast (Dax Shepard)

 

  1. What would you say to Day 1, John?

 

It’s going to be a lot easier than you think it is. Trust the decision. Strap in and lean in. Trust your wife.

 

  1. What parting piece of guidance can you give to others?

 

Just do it, hop in. Do it for 3 months and see what happens.

 

You may need to ditch the booze if... 

 

You go on a camping trip with your wife and the last thing you remember is having a great time at dinner and then you wake up in a tent alone, with none of your family there.

 

Odette’s challenge this week:

What are you trying to hold on to right now? What do you think would happen if that changed? Are you not allowing yourself to enjoy it now that you have it out of fear that it will be gone? Everything that you have in your life right now is a gift if you choose to see it that way. So just think about that prompt.

 

Affiliate Link for Endourage:

For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout. 

 

Upcoming events, retreats and courses:

  • Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. REGISTRATION IS OPEN! The new course will start on 8/4/2020. It’s free for CafĂ© RE members. Not a CafĂ© Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
  • There will be the DTB course starting 11/3/20.
  • You can find more information about our events 

 

The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!  

 

Resources: 

Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.

Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here!

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

Sobriety Tracker Android 

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -info@recoveryelevator.com

 

“Recovery Elevator – Every single thing that you are looking for is already inside of you- I love you guys”

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