Author: Amy Liz Harrison

Are you sober curious? If you’re thinking about it, just know that you are the only one that can decide whether or not to get sober- it’s entirely your prerogative. Here are 24 empowering questions to ask yourself about your relationship with alcohol. The questions are deliberately open-ended so that you can draw your own conclusions, journal about them, or just give it some general food for thought. Whatever you decide…YOU got this! These questions are designed to prompt honest reflection about your drinking habits and may indicate whether you need to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Remember, the choice…

Erica C. Barnett’s memoir, “Quitter,” is a personal tour through the chaotic and often heartbreaking landscape of addiction and recovery. Written with unabashed candor, Barnett’s account is as engaging as it is brutally honest, offering readers an intimate look at her struggle with alcoholism and her journey toward sobriety. The Compelling Pull of Honesty  From the very first page, Barnett’s unflinching honesty is evident. She dives headfirst into the tumultuous world of her addiction, recounting her experiences with a level of detail that is both harrowing and enlightening. Barnett’s ability to tell her story with such raw authenticity is one…

Drowning one’s sorrows in a jug of moonshine or chugging beer in the cheap seats are fairly common themes in country music. Yours truly went through a country phase as an urban cowgirl in LA in the nineties, once upon a Neon Moon. But mainly, I consider myself a city girl, and up until a month ago, I had never been to Nashville. The reputation of pedal taverns, party buses, and the nickname “Nashvegas” preceded itself. When I shared with other sober friends that I was heading there for a weekend, the responses of raised eyebrows and head-shaking chuckles were…

Here are fresh ways to maintain sobriety during difficult periods…if it’s death, sadness, depression, or stress, or a general a lack of guidance, these ideas can help reset your brain and your heart. These activities are designed to provide positive engagement and support, helping to navigate through challenging times while maintaining sobriety. RESOURCE GUIDE: At The Sober Curator, we provide high-quality content centered around the vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle of sobriety. While our focus is on the positive aspects of sober living, we also acknowledge that life can present challenges without the aid of alcohol or substances. Coping with these challenges alone…

When one is newly sober, they will find themselves navigating entirely new territory in every possible way: physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Of course, everyone will differ in their preferences, which is why it is important to have an open and honest conversation with your newly sober friend. This will help to make sure these ideas are indeed aligned with their goals, and you can feel free to adjust these as necessary! If you’re not comfortable asking, here are 24 things to generally avoid when someone is a newly sober. Being supportive of someone in sobriety involves understanding, patience,…

“Eternally Expecting” is a poignant and candid memoir by Amy Liz Harrison, who draws an intriguing parallel between the transformative experiences of getting sober and giving birth. With a distinctive blend of humor and gravity, Harrison recounts her journey from a whimsical childhood in Mountain View, California—long before it was the tech haven of Google and Facebook—to a tumultuous life as a young teacher and stay-at-home mom married to a rising airline executive. Amy’s life takes a stark turn as she deals with the harsh realities of depression, isolation, and a crisis of faith while managing a household of four…

Welcome to my podcast series, “The 12 Steps For Anyone Who Wants Them.” In this series, I created over the last year, I share insights, experiences, and perspectives on the 12 steps from my personal journey. Whether you’re familiar with AA meetings or simply curious about these steps, I hope you find a coupe valuable takeaways to take what you like, and leave the rest! Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness Acknowledge that addiction has made life unmanageable. There is a power in admitting your powerlessness and coming to terms with an unmanageable life. But more importantly, what is the difference between…

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…

Do you remember as a kid going to your parents during the summer and saying, “I’m bored, and I don’t know what to do.” My parents would usually respond with what I considered to be a variety of boring ideas because other things would have required a lot of parental involvement and effort. So now that we are adults…. Here are some fun ideas that get us out of the house…no booze required, or even desired! Depending on your interest and level of mobility, just choose a couple of these things and build some memorable summer days! This list provides…

Failure. It’s a word that often carries a heavy burden, conjuring images of defeat, disappointment, and inadequacy. In a world that prizes success and achievement, failure is typically seen as something to be avoided at all costs. But what if we reframe our understanding of failure? What if, instead of viewing it as the end of the road, we see it as a vital part of the journey? Reflecting on my recent podcast series, I’m reminded of how deeply intertwined failure is, not just in the creative process, but also in our personal journeys of recovery. Inspired by Stephen Marche’s…

Sobriety allows the time and ability to introduce yourself to new chapters in your life. Illuminate your world and expand your horizons by taking a class at a local community college, or search for a meetup group with other like-minded people in your area! Not a people person? Look these topics up on YouTube and discover something new! As brain cells get healthy again in early sobriety, it’s the perfect time to create new neuro pathways, expose yourself to new endeavors and create new habits. These are actual class offerings from our local community college near my house. Not even…

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kim Bellas, the incredible force behind “Sober is the New Cool.” Kim’s story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Welcome to RECOVERY PODCASTLAND, your audio haven for all things recovery! With an overwhelming number of engaging podcasts constantly updating each week, it can be hard to keep up. That’s where The Sober Curator steps in! We’re tirelessly curating and producing original podcast content with a focus on recovery, so you don’t have to wade through the noise. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Tune into our recommended podcasts while driving, dog-walking,…

It’s no surprise that springtime brings a freshness and an opportunity for a mental page turn. (OK, except if you’re in Seattle and other parts of the country where it seems like the moment we start to thaw out, we’re met with mud and sludge instead of green grass, sunshine and spring blooms.) But hey, I choose to think we are more patient people than most, since we get the opportunity to cultivate patience by waiting until May or June for that first springtime bulb to surface. Here are a few things we can all do to welcome our inner…

Springtime is the season of rebirth. Why not to yourself a fresh start, turn to a fresh page and a fresh chapter in your life? Here are 24 sensational reasons to get sober for Cinco de Mayo! Spring into sobriety – it’s like a spring cleaning for your body and mind! 🌸🚫🍷🌞 HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Fauxmosa Review, May the Fourth Be with You Sober (thesobercurator.com)

It’s a universal principal that we all want to be connected, at some level, to others in our lives. Here are 24 ways that getting sober can promote authentic interpersonal fusions. While, of course, life isn’t perfect after getting sober, it certainly dials up the authenticity and fulfillment, while dialing down the shame and regret. Embrace sobriety, and watch your relationships transform from sitcom scenarios to something straight out of a feel-good movie! 🥳💖🚫🍷 SOBER LIFESTYLE: Sober Anniversary Stickers (thesobercurator.com) Find them on the Giphy app or when using Instagram Stories + Reels and TikTok Videos.

Welcome back to another episode of Eternally Amy, and today we have an inspiring voyage from rock bottom to the peaks of recovery with our esteemed guest, Michele W. Miller (@michelewmiller). Michele candidly opens up about her unique writing process, revealing how half-hour morning sessions keep her focused, yet flexible enough to extend when she’s in the zone (2:15). She dives into the details of working amidst the chaos of a bustling household, complete with kids and dogs, painting a vivid picture of her creative space (4:05). In expressing her gratitude for joining us on the show, Michele voices her…

Gone may be the days of drinking the mornings and afternoons away in an unfulfilling “MTV Spring Break” type setting, but you are trading hangovers and shame them for fresh set of possibilities with sobriety. The following destinations are fantastic spring break ideas for the sober traveler. Welcome to a new life with exciting adventures awaiting you… and the bonus gift is you’ll remember them! So, there you have it, 24 sober and fabulous destinations where the only thing you’ll be nursing is fantastic memories and a shame-free cup of tea! 🌍🚫🍹 WHAT A TRIP! We trip as often as…

Sobriety is like the gift that keeps on giving. Suddenly you have more awareness, more energy, and the capacity to learn new things! Here are 24 sober practices to try…why not give one a whirl? So, there you go – a list of 24 random, slightly quirky practices that are as entertaining as a night out, but with fewer facepalms the morning after! 🎨🚴‍♀️🔭🧘‍♂️ SOBER ENTERTAINMENT: Let us entertain you! Here you’ll find a curated selection of podcasts, TV series & movies, events, and music with the underlying theme of addiction. We’re sober, not boring! We’re covering it if it’s trending…

It’s not a new concept: the power of the mind. For the sober curious, the mind is the epicenter of a whole new perspective. Make no mistake, getting sober takes action, it’s not going to magically fall from the sky just by thinking about it. However, thinking about it is like planting the seeds of what could someday become a very healthy tree. Remember, a touch of humor can be a powerful tool in maintaining a positive outlook on the road to recovery. Keep smiling, you got this! MOVIE NIGHT WITHT THE SOBER CURATOR: The BEST Movies and TV Shows…

Generally, speaking, heart function is not something that anyone gives a lot of thought to, until they have a heart problem. (Just ask me, or our fearless founder Alysse Bryson.) Of course, everyone can benefit from this list, but it’s especially important for women to become educated on the importance of cardiovascular health since by and large, our society still considers it primarily a man’s concern. Cheers to a sober, healthy heart in 2024! So, there you have it, 24 snarky reasons why your heart is throwing a non-alcoholic party when you quit drinking! 🍹❤️🥳 SOBER SWEAT: Sober Curator Ashley Sunderland is…

Have you read the following books? If you’re experiencing depression, a low point in your life, or just needing to feel some encouragement, this list is for you! Some are old, some are new, but all are gold if you’re interested in being the best version of yourself. Take what you like and leave the rest! For more details on these books, you can visit The Healthy website here. FYI, this list covers a range of topics from personal empowerment to the science of well-being, offering diverse perspectives and strategies for healing and self-care. This list contains books offering various…

Dry January might’ve come and gone, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to get sober! Here are 24 excellent reasons to try sobriety in February! So, go ahead, give February sobriety a shot. Who knows, you might just like remembering your month! 🎩❄️💘 #ADDTOCART: Sober gift ideas for valentines, recovery gift ideas for valentines (thesobercurator.com)

You’d be surprised to know how many people’s sobriety date is January 1st! Getting sober is a great idea anytime of course, but it’s natural to think about trying a sober lifestyle when the year is fresh. Please ignore any snarky comments on the list that you don’t care for- they are simply meant to be silly. The seriousness of sobriety is a lot sometimes, and this is meant to be a lighthearted list just for fun… the brokenness that came with my personal rock bottom had to be counter balanced with a healthy dose of humour. Take what you…

Dealing with a relapse can be challenging, but it’s important to approach it with kindness and understanding towards yourself. Oh, it can be very difficult, but it is crucial to not kick yourself when you’re already down. Refuse to have a negative mindset and remember you are worth fighting for! Here are 24 ways to practice self-compassion and resilience after a relapse: Recovering from a relapse is a process, and being kind to yourself during this time is crucial. You have the strength and resilience to get back on track. RESOURCE GUIDE: At The Sober Curator, we provide high-quality content centered around…

Considering a sober lifestyle, even temporally, is a big deal! Here are 24 ways to help bring internal peace to your mind and your life during Dry January and beyond. Remember, mental clarity depends on the elimination of until chaos. We simply don’t have room in our brains for the clutter and new ideas at the same time. That’s why we have to remove things in our lives that no longer serve us in order to make room for new things that do. Even adopting one or two of these changes is a great start! Reading is to the mind…

Amy welcomes back Carolyn Bunn, Sarah Alaimo, and Alysse Bryson of The Sober Curator to discuss Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry. As one of the stars of Friends in the 1990s, Perry started struggling with alcohol and opiate addiction very quietly before it took over his life. The Sober Babes, as people who have consumed a ton of “Quit-Lit” and attended 12 Step programs, gives their impressions of the book and Perry’s honesty in depicting the program and sober living. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry http://amylizharrison.com/ Subscribe…

In this episode of the “Eternally Amy” podcast with Host Amy Liz Harrison and Guest Host Alysse Bryson, Laura Cathcart Robbins shares her journey of recovery, discussing the common misconception that sobriety instantly leads to a perfect life. She highlights her raw and honest experiences post-treatment, including heading to the pharmacy, revealing her love for Ambien, and her evolving relationships, all while navigating the challenges of recovery. Laura’s story emphasizes the importance of patience, intentionality, and self-love. The conversation also touches on her upcoming auto-fiction novel, which explores a painful betrayal from a place of neutrality. Additionally, Laura discusses her…

In this episode of “Eternally Amy,” host Amy Liz Harrison interviews Daniel G. Garza, a multi-talented individual with a breadth of experience in various fields. They discuss overcoming fears, self-doubt, and the importance of embracing opportunities that come our way. Daniel shares his journey of recovery, discussing how fear can manifest and how breaking down barriers can lead to personal and professional growth. Fun fact, both Amy and Daniel are Sober Curators! In this episode, we also talked about: Learn more about Daniel: Read Amy Liz Harrison and Daniel G Garza’s Sober Stories #WEDORECOVER: Amy’s Sober Story « The Sober…

In this episode of the “Eternally Amy” podcast, Amy Liz Harrison discusses with Will Thatcher his book, “Killing Hurt.” The book follows Troy Martin, a recovering addict with a troubled past, as he embarks on a surfing trip to Nicaragua to find a new path in sobriety. The episode goes into addiction fiction as a genre and shows how hard it is for the characters and how deep they are. Will Thatcher talks about where the story came from and how he writes flashbacks. Did the book do a good job of showing the long road to recovery after the…

In this episode of the “Eternally Amy” podcast, Amy Liz Harrison and Kate Vitela delve into the often-overlooked connection between eating disorders and addiction, particularly focusing on the concept of ‘Drunkorexia.’ Through their own experiences, they show how disordered eating and drinking too much can be linked in unexpected and sneaky ways. The discussion shows how social pressure, shame, and keeping secrets can keep these problems going. By talking about their own experiences, the hosts emphasize how important it is to talk about these problems openly and to understand them. They tell people to meet people where they are, have…