Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

Americans’ alcohol consumption rates today look a lot like they did in 1939. Men’s Journal reported on a Gallup poll of adults across all fifty states, and it found that more than six in ten, or 65%, drink alcohol. Meanwhile, the number of nearsighted Americans has ballooned to 41.6% of the population, and nearly 20 million suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Given these numbers, it’s safe to say that there is an overlap between alcohol drinkers and those with ocular conditions. However, in terms of drinking and eyesight, does correlation equal causation? And can leaving alcohol behind create room…

Ahhh, St. Patrick’s Day. It’s every active alcoholic’s wet dream. It’s the one day a year when getting drunk is celebrated rather than scolded, where everyone around you is guaranteed to be as much of a sloppy mess as you are, and shots are handed out like lollipops at the doctor’s office. For an alcoholic in recovery, however, it can be the day that most fill you with dread, with the first one most certainly being the hardest. The brain busts and the heartaches at what to do to grapple with this Kelly-green 800-pound gorilla of a sobriety nightmare. While…

Do you feel powerless? Does it seem like the world is spinning out of control, divided now more than ever, and there’s nothing you can do to stop the train from coming off the tracks? Fear not, my friends, you have more power than you think! But it’s going to take a bit of work on your part. The following five principles, although not easy to implement but extremely rewarding, will help you to step into your power, shift your energy, and heal the world. Each principle involves rigorous honesty, time spent in self-reflection, and a steadfast willingness to heal…

As of November 28th, I am officially two years sober. That is two years without a sip of alcohol. It’s not a one-off beer or a sneaky sip of wine. Not a champagne toast on New Year or a Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to say this, and I never expected to say that with enthusiasm! Sobriety is a never-ending journey, and I keep learning more and more the longer I stay sober. Today, I wanted to talk about my first year of sobriety compared with my second…

“My mom goes better with gin,” was my typical answer when someone asked. She lives eight hours away, so visits tend to last several days. This was the first time I visited her sober in twenty years. My mother and I generally get along and there’s a lot of love between us. However, she inserts barbs where I still don’t expect them. I react despite years of therapy.  “Do you think those pants are getting a little tight?” is one of her favs, & any reply that starts; “You think you’ve had it hard?” Being tipsy helped smooth over those…

For as long as I can remember (over 30 years), I drank alcohol every day. Beer being my biggest drink of choice. Most of that time I was a functioning drinker… go to work, do what I needed to do for the day, then come home in the evening and put down 6 or 8 beers and relax. I have always struggled with anxiety and depression, so this was my way of letting go and feeling ok for the night. This was the way I was for years, and to me, it worked. But the last few years I started…

I started my writing career in the pandemic, when mid-week, zoom-based wine parties were the norm. Drinking was the only thing I did for fun. As a remote writer for a marketing agency, locked down in an unhappy relationship with my ex-partner and his two kids, I felt stuck in a domestic trap—a cycle of working at my desk, then clocking off with a glass of wine, rum, or anything I could get. Black out, wake up, repeat. Not every day, but enough days to feel like I was losing my grasp on my future and my sense of self.…

Why is a break from booze before the holidays ideal timing? Sober Curator Allyson Sullivan, blogger of Shimmer & Shame, shares her story. My sobriety date is November 28, 2021. That means my first month sober was the month of December. What happens in December? Christmas parties with friends. Christmas movies. Christmas cookies. ALL the Christmas activities with kids. Christmas cooking. Time off work. Downtime with family. All the games. All the music. You know what goes with all those things? Wine. Beer. Christmas cocktails. Spiked hot chocolate. Holiday-inspired mimosas. Christmas-themed shots. Some people may say that starting my sobriety…

Birthdays are an excellent opportunity for self-reflection, goal setting, and health resets. Kind of like a “personal New Year’s Eve,” it feels like a fresh start. My 35th birthday is right around the corner, so naturally, I have been consumed with the “Who the fuck am I?” questions I am flooded with whenever one of my trips around the sun is ending. My mother also reminded me that I will be closer to 50 than 20 the day after my birthday, so that’s great…thanks mom. As I’ve been pondering just who the fuck I am, I’ve been reflecting a lot…

Sober. I hate that word. It sounds so sad. Before I stopped drinking, I basically replaced the word “sober” with “boring.” I didn’t think anyone was sober because they wanted to be. Sobriety was something you had to become because you had a problem. My stance on this has completely changed based on my experience and education on the topic, but I think most people still feel that way, and that’s okay. I have always been good at balancing my different worlds and harvesting different versions of myself based on my current needs. Stretching and morphing myself into the “Allyson”…

During our journey to recover from alcohol use, it is only natural that a lot of stagnated energy will be released as we let go of our addictive behaviors. Citrus essential oils can offer powerful support in the release of stagnated energy from our bodies, and they can encourage a healthier, more vibrant flow of energy throughout.  Let’s explore the potential energetic power of four specific Citrus essential oils. BERGAMOT (Citrus bergamia) All citrus oils are inherently uplifting, but what sets Bergamot apart is that it is also extremely calming.  This can make the use of Bergamot essential oil a…

Sober in St. Louis? Ladies, are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards empowerment, self-discovery, and a vibrant, alcohol-free lifestyle? I’m thrilled to share a remarkable opportunity with you, especially tailored for the sober and sober-curious women of St. Louis. On September 23rd, prepare to gather with like-minded souls at an event that promises to ignite your inner spark and connect you with a supportive community of women walking the same path. This workshop is a haven for those seeking clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in their sobriety journey. Whether you’re well on your way…

First Dry January and now Sober October? When did taking a break from alcohol become so trendy? What’s with the trend in sober, curious adventures? In a world that both celebrates and mourns with a clink of a glass, a new movement has taken the stage – the Sober Curious Movement. From Dry January to Sober October, there’s an undeniable shift in the air. But why? Well, because it’s not just about quitting the drinks; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s truly liberating. And guess what? It’s happening, and it’s happening now. Let me introduce myself: I’m Sarah Olsen. I’m a…

Help Us End Ableism. When my son Max was born the geneticist said to me “You know there’s a pill you could have taken for that.” My son Max is an individual who happens to have Down syndrome. People look at him and think they know who he is, believe he has no value in the world, or diminish his chances by not giving him opportunities to show them what he can do. THAT is Ableism. He is now 14 years old and surfing, skateboarding, making art, taking photos with vintage film cameras, loves science and is an epic drummer.…

Ashley Ryan is a podcast host, an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and personality who illuminates the little-understood aspects of philosophy, theology, history, and Western esotericism. Ashley has been a partitioner of the occult for over half her life working with candle magick, Tarot Cards, and Ceremonial Magick. After earning her BA in Philosophy and Theology, she was a professional ghost hunter/tour guide for two years. In 2019, Ashley began her online occult identity as her persona “Pythian Priestess” garnering thousands of followers and international press. Ashley Ryan is sharing her special Magical Mocktails for those looking to explore and expand their consciousness…

Essential oils make an incredible addition to a sober support plan, as they can help you navigate various emotions by providing calming, relaxing, grounding, and uplifting effects. However, with countless essential oils available, it can be challenging to determine which ones suit your needs best. To ease your search, I’m delighted to share my top five favorite essential oils for sober support. I love them because: 1. They are known for their calming, relaxing, grounding, or uplifting properties. 2. They are budget-friendly options. 3. Each oil offers a unique aroma, ranging from woody to floral to citrus. 4. They are…

The path to sobriety can be extremely challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. It’s a journey that demands coping mechanisms to deal with overwhelming emotions, and yet, you can find tremendous comfort in your new way of life. Aromatherapy can help you feel more in control of your experience because it offers very specific therapeutic benefits to support you through the ups and downs of the process. How Essential Oils Work Essential oils, the heart, and soul of aromatherapy, are composed of specific chemical compounds that indicate their distinctive benefits. When you inhale an essential oil, its molecules are swiftly “read” by the…

I’m Lindsay, and I live in Knoxville, TN – well, Maryville, pronounced mur-vull, a smaller town between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’ve been alcohol-free since June 2021, and I’m just now breaking out into the world of mocktails, NA beers, sober safe spaces, and socializing sober. Thankfully, being sober in Knoxville comes with an amazingly supportive sober community – complete with a sober bar, designated sober safe space coffee shop, and recovery-centric weekly yoga classes. When I started running the @soberinknoxville Instagram page, I didn’t know it would bring me in contact with the kind of…

This is an exciting time to be sober or sober-curious and it’s easier than ever to find delicious alcohol-free fare in beverage superstores, specialty bottle shops, grocery stores, and online. But, if your town is like mine, it’s not so easy to find more than one or two alcohol-free beer brands on the menu at a bar or restaurant. So, what’s an AF fan to do? Here are some ideas… and I encourage you to try them out! 1. Name it to claim it! Many bar and restaurant managers think that because guests don’t specifically ask for alcohol-free options, they…

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of chronic disease and premature mortality. Considering how much harm it does to the human body, smoking cessation is the best way to minimize the risk of illness and early death. The National Cancer Institute’s report on quitting highlights how stopping smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cancer and lung disease— cutting the risk of lung cancer by 30% to 50% after ten years compared to people who continue to smoke. In addition, cutting cigarettes out can improve cardiovascular health and fertility. However, it can be challenging to quit cigarettes due to their…

Cinco de Mayo may have a bad reputation as a “drinking holiday,” but in the Valley of the Sun, there are many ways to celebrate sans alcohol! Check out this curated list of fun sober activities to do by Contributor Kristin Horstman, Founder of Brighten Your Life Coaching. Sober Cinco De Mayo Events Worth Checking Out! Fetching Dog Fetching Dog is a locally owned, family pet food, toys and supplies store. Owners, Becci and Bryce Scott have been involved in animal rescue work, here in the valley, since the mid 1990s. You can stop by their new Barkery cafe all…

Get out of your own way so you can be the artist you’re here to be. Use the power of Subconscious Reprogramming, Somatic Practices & Toltec Wisdom to Activate Abundance Make your work, let money flow, release blocks holding you back. Backed by Neuroscience & Psychology Saturday, May 6th @ 10:30am (PDT) on Zoom *Recorded for everyone who signs up We all know what it’s like to talk ourselves out of living the life of our dreams and not making the art we ache to create. We negotiate with ourselves why it won’t work out for us – it’s never…

By Contributor Sonia Kahlon Over time, connecting with others in recovery has become a significant part of my lasting sobriety. When I initially stopped drinking, I didn’t tell anyone. I had been covering up my problem with alcohol for so long and so well that mentioning I was ‘getting sober’ would have been like hanging a sign around my neck indicating there had been an issue in the first place. With hidden bottles in closets, I poured wine into sports bottles. I went to the bar to do a shot when no one was looking. Drinks and more drinks are…

Sober days in the Pacific Northwest are nothing short of beautiful. From Tacoma, you can look in all four directional points and see something completely different. You may want to bring a rain jacket or hat and don’t forget your sunglasses. Let’s start in downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Art Museum (the TAM) always has wonderful exhibits. They provide discounts for students, military, UW Alumni, and EBT card holders. Because of its location – right across from the University of Washington, Tacoma campus- there are many places to park and multiple ways to get there. Also nearby is the Train station,…

This year Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, celebrated forty years of helping people recover from substances. Betty Ford was a courageous voice in the recovery community and stood loud and proud when she recovered from her addictions to alcohol and prescription medications. After detoxing on my own, I went to the BFC in November of 2020 and went straight into their residential sober living homes on Daisy Lane, about a mile from the BFC. There I participated in high-intensity outpatient treatment for my alcoholism while living in a house with five other women. I was there for three…

Imagine a world where anything you desire is possible and your wildest dreams come true. It sounds like a fantasy, but it’s not. The main ingredient to living this dream is the power of your mind and will. One day at a time, our thoughts create our reality, and we can use that as an advantage to live the life we want! You are the master of your destiny, and anything is possible. There are no limits to what you can accomplish, and it doesn’t require special skills, opportunities, or money. If you want something, you must take the first…

Kiola Raines is a Precision Nutrition certified coach, and a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified trainer. https://www.kiolaraines.com Kiola earned her BS in Kinesiology at CSU Fullerton and her MS in Exercise Psychology at CSU Long Beach. Over the past 12 years, she has developed a coaching philosophy based on building a knowledge base for her clients. Kiola’s intention in coaching is for her clients to gain confidence in their nutrition and fitness programs, so much confidence that they will never need to hire another professional after her. In addition, Kiola wants her clients to LEARN and gain wisdom to…

Zero Proof Experiences hosted its 3rd Sober in the City event in Austin, Texas, in November of 2022. The official check-in began at the Hyatt Place Hotel Friday afternoon, November 11th, 2022. Amidst thunder and lightning, volunteers set up shop to welcome the Sober in the City guests. Friday Night Shenanigans There were reunions and many new introductions as the group marched to Revolucion Coffee & Juice to listen to the Friday evening panel. The panel included: Victoria Towery, Beth Bown, and Cathy Charles. Thanks to Friday’s sponsors, Jeff Graham (@bac.2.zero) and Dry Drinkery (@dearatx). Grüvi (@getgruvi) showed up loud…

We all have goals, desires, and responsibilities that we need to take ownership of and be accountable for in life to thrive. However, sometimes we get so caught up in daily routines or what others think of us that we force our desires to take a back seat because they don’t seem as important as our other responsibilities. The things that you desire are on the other side of what is blocking your path. Whether it’s fear, lack of motivation, comparison, or procrastination, the way to get there is to get out of the window, stop looking at other people…

Breaking the Cycle We can talk about being better, creating change, or doing things differently, but if we don’t put actions behind our words, we will not make any difference in our lives. Change starts with action and sticking to the process. It may be as simple as changing your mindset, believing in yourself, and doing your best, but you have to be consistent to manifest. The biggest challenge in personal development is talking the talk and walking the walk. Sometimes this triggers imposter syndrome and the feeling that you are not doing what you said you would, which can…