Author: Amy Liz Harrison

It’s Recovery Month, and what better way to celebrate than finally writing that quit lit book? Ever wondered how to craft a quit lit story? Is a memoir a quit lit story? Yes. A memoir is essentially a snapshot from your life — what it was, what happened, and what it’s like now. It focuses on a specific lesson learned and how you’ve changed. A quit lit memoir, short for “quit” literature (as in “I quit drinking”), chronicles the journey from drunk to sober. It’s not a cradle-to-grave autobiography; rather, it captures a distinct slice of life — a period…

You know how sobriety doesn’t come with fireworks or a killer ’80s soundtrack like in “Ferris Bueller’s” Day Off? It starts with one small decision. One. And then, like an old-school LEGO set, it keeps building — piece by piece — until you’ve got this badass structure that’s strong enough to carry your life through places you never imagined. I was reflecting on this concept while I was recently in Australia, home of my husband and his family. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is not just some overpriced tourist attraction. It’s one of the most epic feats of engineering ever. It…

Renowned music producer Rick Rubin has shared that his morning routine includes exposing his skin to sunlight shortly after waking, with as little clothing on as possible. He believes this practice helps regulate his circadian rhythm and enhances his overall well-being. Similarly, in recovery, we often do the same thing. Er, uh, well, maybe not literally — but figuratively speaking. We set up routines: maybe we say certain prayers, do meditations, or journal. When I was in my first three months of sobriety, I learned to meditate. It was springtime, and I asked my dad to build me a little…

Before I joined a 12-step community—courtesy of a non-optional invitation from the local police department back in 2011—I distinctly remember sitting on a crusty old couch of unknown origin with my best friend, chugging a room-temperature facsimile of chardonnay directly from the spigot of a dusty, bottom-shelf box from CVS. Classy. Twisting the bladder to ensure it was empty, we passed it back and forth. We continued ranting about how recovery meetings were basically the most depressing thing we could possibly envision. We imagined a circle of sad strangers in a fluorescent-lit church basement, a super-sized, random fly making its…

Featuring Ted Neill on the “Eternally Amy” Podcast What does it mean to get sober — not just from alcohol, but from denial, from ego, from deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior? That’s the question author and activist Ted Neill wrestles with in one of the most powerful episodes of “Eternally Amy” to date. In this interview with host Amy Liz Harrison, a sober mom of eight and longtime 12-step devotee, Ted gets radically honest about his recovery, his mental health struggles and his decision to write the 600+ page personal reckoning titled: “My Name Is Ted and I’m a…

Melbourne is locally referred to as “The Living City,” and on a personal note, it serves as a reminder that living things always have a second chance—to breathe, to change, to make different choices—to live. My husband is from Melbourne and we’ve been married for 27 years. He’s the oldest of five siblings, and since his entire family lives there, we’ve visited a lot—but for me, not always as a sober person. Now, fourteen years later, and with a number of sober Aussie trips under my belt, I realize how much growth has occurred as I’ve traded the slow death…

Your quit lit story is a big deal. It’s raw, it’s real and it’s yours. But unless you’re Beyoncé — or someone with an online following as massive as hers — the traditional publishing route might smudge your voice, leaving you clutching the scraps of the artist formerly known as your creative control. If you’re the kind of creative who values owning your work and keeping it true to your vision (think Taylor Swift re-recording her albums to regain control of her music), self-publishing might be your best bet. Here’s what I’ve learned in my master’s program about current trends…

Whether you’re in recovery, a recovery advocate, or someone just curious about how Alcoholics Anonymous has changed lives around the globe, the 2025 A.A. International Convention in Vancouver is where you want to be. This isn’t your average conference; it’s a celebration of hope, resilience, and the incredible power of community. It’s funny, uplifting, and downright inspiring—and no, you don’t need to be part of a 12-step program to experience the magic. Whether you’re there to deepen your understanding of substance use disorders, support a loved one, or just vibe with thousands of people focused on positivity and transformation, there’s…

Sobriety teaches us a lot about boundaries — how to set them, how to honor them and how to recognize when they’re being crossed. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we find ourselves stuck in old patterns — especially in places where we’re just trying to help. In this week’s episode of “Eternally Amy,” I dig into what I call “Volunteering Voodoo” — that strange space where service, faith, guilt and the desire to belong get all tangled up. If you’ve ever felt burned out, manipulated or just plain exhausted by your volunteer work, especially in a church, nonprofit,…

OK, I have eight kids and a husband who’s an airline executive, and I’ve traveled extensively for three decades. Now that I’m sober, the whole world looks different—I get to connect with my family and experience new and familiar places with sober senses, and it’s just the best. I wouldn’t trade even my best days traveling as a drinker for my worst days traveling sober, that’s for sure. That being said, here’s a list of 25 travel hacks for sober travel, incorporating your suggestions and a few extras to help you feel prepared, comfortable, and empowered while on the go: …

I mean, come on. Who doesn’t want or need more alcohol-free activity ideas if they’re sober? Some of these are super simple, some are free, and some are neither simple nor free. Some are meaningful, while others are downright silly. All of them can be done with a friend, a group, a partner, a spouse, or even your whole squad—whatever your vibe. Most importantly, they just require a bit of planning ahead and are sure to leave a lasting impact. 1. Trust Exercise Find a local spa, wellness center, or resort offering a day pass for group activities. Many places…

Every person who’s ever stared into the mirror, vowing to leave old habits behind and then actually done it, has a compelling story worth telling. Your journey from chaos to clarity isn’t just inspiring—it’s essential. Quit-lit memoirs transform lives, empowering readers to embrace change and own their stories. And guess what? The world doesn’t just need a quit-lit memoir in 2025; it needs yours. Now’s the time to share the messy, beautiful, and downright inspiring truth of your transformation. 1. Your Personal Hero’s Journey  If the story of chess can be made riveting (thanks, The Queen’s Gambit), your sobriety story…

Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 is a gripping legal thriller that dives deep into themes of addiction, secrecy, and moral reckoning. It delivers a suspenseful story that will especially resonate with those in recovery. With a powerful and nuanced performance by Nicholas Hoult, the film is a stark reminder that sobriety doesn’t erase the consequences of past actions—especially when those actions may have been fatal. At its core, Juror #2 tells the story of Justin Kemp (Hoult), a journalist and recovering alcoholic who is selected to serve as a juror in a high-profile murder trial in Savannah, Georgia. The case revolves…

You know that feeling when your brain is just too full? When your thoughts are bouncing around like a bunch of toddlers on a sugar high? Yeah, I’ve been there. And let me tell you—journaling saved me. But not just any journaling. I’m talking about Purge Journaling—a simple but powerful way to clear mental clutter, shift from fear to freedom, and build emotional resilience. If you’ve ever struggled with ADHD, sobriety, or just the general chaos of life, this method might just be the tool you didn’t know you needed.  What is Purge Journaling?  It’s a systematic approach to journaling…

In a world that never seems to stop spinning, our minds often mirror the frenetic pace. Amy Liz-Harrison, host of “Eternally Amy,” invites us to a reflective pause in this episode where she masterfully bridges the gap between past and present themes of recovery, mental health, and personal growth with the timeless novel “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf. A candid advocate for mental health and long-term recovery, Amy, currently pursuing a master’s degree in publishing, chooses Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” as the centerpiece of her master’s thesis. It’s more than a book analysis—it’s a gateway into understanding our own lives through…

In “Breathing Underwater,” Father Richard Rohr takes readers on a profoundly insightful journey into the depths of spirituality and personal transformation. With the grace of a seasoned storyteller, Rohr deftly navigates the waters of the Twelve Step programs, revealing its spiritual underpinnings and offering a fresh perspective on addiction, recovery, and the human condition. Plunging into Spirituality Father Rohr’s writing style is both inviting and engaging, like a gentle breeze that carries you across the ocean of his wisdom. And can we talk about his voice for a second? If you listen to Father Richard online, you may fall under…

AKA How to Dodge a Drunken Ambush of Lips and Tongues if It’s Not Your Vibe in ‘25 (#becausedrunkneverlooksgood) Before you think this list isn’t for you, let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. Stuck in a universal situation—especially in sobriety—where we’re super uncomfortable and wish we’d thought of something clever to say ahead of time. Possibly the worst scenario (so I’m told) is the awkward dating life of a sober person being approached by some drunken suitor with glassy eyes, a red nose, and cabernet-soaked breath. Oh, and let’s not forget the ever-popular wine-stained grayish teeth. Picture it: they close…

Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate is a poignant, witty, and emotionally raw memoir that offers readers a front-row seat to the transformative power of group therapy. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spill your guts to a room full of strangers—or thought, “Why would anyone voluntarily do this?”—this book will answer your questions with a mix of heart, humor, and unflinching honesty.  Tate’s journey from despair to healing isn’t just relatable; it’s refreshingly authentic, complete with the awkward moments, uncomfortable truths, and occasional group therapy clichés that make…

Here are 25 surprising and intentional acts of kindness to transform 2025. Whether you’re in recovery, sober curious, or just looking to make the world a little brighter, these ideas are for you. What a way to kick off a new year! Note: This list invites you to think outside the box about what “service work” really means. Some ideas are super practical, others more traditional, and a few are aspirational or even a little lofty. But all of them are intentional. Pro tip: When committing to any regular service involving others, start by clearly communicating expectations. It’s best to…

Glennon Doyle Melton’s memoir, “Love Warrior,” is a raw, real, and deeply honest exploration of personal struggle, self-discovery, and the transformative power of vulnerability.  Melton takes readers on a journey through the depths of her pain and the heights of her healing, offering a candid account of her experiences with motherhood, marriage, addiction, infidelity, and, ultimately, self-love.  A Rollercoaster of Emotions From the beginning, Melton’s ability to weave humor and heartbreak into her narrative is captivating and endearing. She invites readers into her world with a storyteller’s charm, balancing the gravity of her experiences with a lighthearted touch. She provides…

This is a poem from a newcomer in recovery asking a sober mentor, spiritual advisor, friend, or sponsor what it’s like to be in long-term recovery… enjoy. Share with me once again as the shadows stretch long and the hum of a weary world dims my spirit— that this path leads somewhere. Whisper it once more as the sun dips behind the hills, its amber light spilling over my fears— that I’ll find peace here. Hold me with your words as the storms of my past rage on, howling through my hollow chest— share with me how you’ve weathered them.…

A poem written to King Alcohol. In it, I remind myself that I am worthy of a sober life. Enjoy. You held me in my brightest bloom, a glint of sunlight in my veins, but the storms came—torrents of chaos carving paths I could not reclaim, and we lost ourselves— To the recklessness of nights unremembered, to the lure of your false promises, and also? The ache of dependence, the betrayal disguised as comfort. I thought you were my solace, a fire to keep me warm. Instead, you consumed me, left me hollow. You were no Apollo, no healer— only…

When attending a gathering hosted by someone who doesn’t drink, there are plenty of thoughtful and creative gifts you can bring instead of the traditional bottle of wine. (This list is also perfect for event planners, or anyone in charge of sending a gift to non-drinking clients!) It takes very little thought to just dump a bottle of wine in a wine cask and throw a bow on it. Here are 24 ideas the non-drinking recipient will surely appreciate! These gifts are thoughtful and can be tailored to the host’s or client’s interests, ensuring your gesture is appreciated and remembered.…

Being alcohol free is a superpower, and if you’re sober, these drink ideas are for you! They are also for any hosts or hostesses looking to provide those free selections for their non- drinking guests. Indulge and enjoy, without the chaser of regret and shame. Cheers! For recipes, a quick search with the name of these beverages followed by “recipe” in your preferred search engine should yield numerous options. Enjoy creating and savoring these delightful drinks! 🍹🌟🎉 HAPPY EVERY HOUR: We know we mix a mean mocktail. HAPPY EVERY HOUR will keep you updated on the latest and most significant trends in…

Drew Barrymore’s memoir, “Little Girl Lost,” is a heartfelt, candid, and profoundly honest account of her tumultuous childhood and early years in Hollywood. Written with a free-spirited, whimsical tone that reflects her resilient spirit, Barrymore opens up about her struggles with addiction, her family dynamics, and her journey toward recovery and self-discovery. A Whirlwind Journey Through Hollywood From the moment you open “Little Girl Lost,” you are whisked away into Hollywood’s glittering yet chaotic world through the eyes of a young Drew Barrymore. Her storytelling is engaging and vividly descriptive, painting a picture of the allure and the pitfalls of…

Elizabeth Vargas’s memoir, Between Breaths, explores addiction and anxiety. Not Vargas’ usual platform, she turns the camera and spotlight on herself, inviting readers into her personal life. From every camera angle, she recounts the stark realities and inner struggles she faced. This is a must-read for anyone in a career field where there is an expected camera-ready, picture-perfect persona. Vargas does a beautiful job tearing down those walls to get to the heart.  A Dance with Honesty Vargas, a renowned television journalist, is far more accustomed to being the interviewer than being the one in the hot seat. It takes…

Jordan Barnes’ memoir, “One Hit Away,” is a poignant, honest, and gripping account of addiction and recovery. The reader is riding the waves right alongside Barnes through the highs and lows of his battle with heroin addiction, revealing the raw, unvarnished truth of his experience. A Deep Dive into Reality From the outset, Barnes’ ability to blend humor with harrowing reality sets the tone for the entire book. His writing is candidly shocking, sprinkled with moments of levity that provide a stark contrast to the dark subject matter. If you’ve been through addiction personally or have watched a loved one’s…

If you’re currently sober, you probably remember what it was like being new to sobriety. If you don’t have personal experience but have a friend or loved one who is newly sober, just know that early sobriety can be challenging for a variety of reasons. A newly sober person is dealing with cravings, healing relationships, trying to make sense of their new world. Below are 24 ways to support a newly sober person in their new stage of life, while still respecting them and preserving their dignity. How To Support Your Newly Sober Friend Remember, the most important thing you…

Reframing your mindset to focus on gratitude during Thanksgiving can significantly enrich the holiday experience. Sober, not sober, sober curious, and everything in between, here are 24 ways to shift your perspective: By shifting your focus to gratitude, Thanksgiving becomes more than just a holiday; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the abundance in life. 🍁🦃🍂 PAY IT FORWARD: At The Sober Curator, we believe in the power of giving. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, using your unique talents, or donating money, giving back to the community has numerous benefits. Not only does it make us better humans, but studies…

In “Straight Enough,” Lorinda Boyer offers readers a heartfelt, honest, and profoundly real account of her life experiences. Boyer tells her story with literally no holds barred. She invites us into her world with open arms, sharing her journey with an inspiring and deeply moving authenticity.  A Warm Welcome into Lorinda’s Non-Judgemental  World  From the very beginning, Boyer’s friendly and accepting tone is like taking a deep breath of fresh air.  Her writing infuses the reader with a sense of warmth and familiarity that immediately draws you in. Boyer has a remarkable ability to make her readers feel at home,…