Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

Waking Up to the Truth: My Skin Was Screaming for Help  I used to think makeup could cover everything—dark circles, acne, dryness—but no concealer could hide the damage alcohol was doing to my skin. My skincare routine was nonexistent, my diet was a disaster, and my hydration levels were practically zero. I’d fall asleep in a full face of makeup, barely drink water, and fuel my body with Captain and Coke instead of real nourishment. My skin wasn’t just dull; it was desperate for change. What I didn’t realize was that the real glow-up wouldn’t come from expensive serums or…

“This is it; this is the end.” The warning was sudden and clear. It wasn’t a bellow nor a whisper, just a matter-of-fact voice in my head. I’d say that it startled me, but I’m not sure I even registered it until after I reflexively countered. “No way, I’m not ready yet!” Though I had no idea where the voice came from, I knew it referred to my drinking. It was 1 AM in Moab, Utah, the first night of a 10-day trip through the southwest. I’d had one beer at dinner—a low-alcohol beer, at that—and yet I’d woken up…

‘The opposite of addiction is connection.’ Having recently been interviewed by Alysse and Tamar for The Sober Curator podcast – episode officially ‘dropping’ in April everywhere you listen to podcasts. A sneak peek of the interview can be found on TSC YouTube Channel. I signed up for the e-newsletter The Sober Sip, and this was the opening line of the welcome email I received. I love the mantra because it encapsulates much of what I speak about in my motivational talks and what I write about in my book, READY, SET, LIFE, and that’s connection—more specifically, connection with ourselves. In a world…

When I first got sober, I had two sugar daddies. I had quit my job at a law school where I spent most of my time in the bathroom sitting on the toilet, crushing lines on top of a bar review book. My solution to finding another job was posting a headless picture of myself on Craigslist in heels and red garters. “Sugar Daddy Wanted.” I met two nice men. Omar, the Iranian, and Harry, the Orthodox Jew. It was two weeks after my very first meeting that Harry and I had our sixth date downtown at The Georgian. He…

sunrise sobriety soul by soul gathering together as one in a room with no walls and waves that gently greet the morning sun wayfarers trudging the road to happy destiny day after dutiful day some stringing together hours other stringing years all as one one for all on the beach at popoia breathing new day air oblivious to things that can’t be changed searching for wisdom in this one hour of spiritual healing that is being passed one to another in the most gentle…

Recovery is about rebuilding balance in your life and restoring your physical and mental health while creating healthy routines. Or what I like to call the Re-Birth of the Self. I have worked in this field for seven years and have been in recovery for 16 years. With all the tools we are taught regarding our newfound health in recovery, there is something I have not heard discussed: the topic of Light. It has been long overlooked not only in the field of addiction recovery but in the medical field at large. I am here to shed light, if you…

What is Soba Golf? It’s the Intersection of Sobriety, Wellness, and Golf. At its core, Soba Golf is a wellness company that bridges the gap between the sober or sober-curious individual and the game of golf. It is a community where like-minded people come together to share their love for golf while prioritizing mental health, physical wellness, and ongoing recovery. Golf has long been associated with social drinking—whether it’s grabbing a beer with friends after a round or engaging in the casual drinking culture that surrounds many courses (we’re not saying there’s anything wrong with that). But for individuals who are sober…

Fear didn’t think that I would show up today, But I did, and I’m here Hate thought I’d relate, but it’s the energy of love in which I resonate Anger tried to linger, but I sought out my peace Self doubt came about So I had to heal, let go, release Impatience tried to rush me, I spitefully decided to take my time Insecurity tried to break in So I had to reinforce my mind Trauma tried to hide in the shadows Til’ I decided to shed light on my past Uncertainty said to freeze, But my will and my…

I know that it’s hard Drinking for the day like it’s no tomorrow Through happiness and sorrow Drinking for the day like you don’t want to see tomorrow Or see your scars You fear what you feel when the bottle is gone I know that it’s hard Wake up and take a shot like it’s Tylenol Drown out the pain Make me feel sane Try to bury my demons Thinking maybe I’ll change But they got the reigns Saying, “Take just one more shot.” Until it’s all out of range Til’ you find yourself slipping because your body can’t hang…

Models Strut Their Stuff in Support of a Cause By Contributor to The Sober Curator: TeQoa Griffith Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of covering a runway show in New York City that was more than just a fashion event. It was a powerful celebration of resilience, beauty, and the human spirit. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, featuring a group of inspiring models who had all undergone breast amputations. The sponsors played a crucial role in making the event successful, providing financial support and raising awareness about their important work. The Break Free Foundation holds a show…

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!: The following is a piece written and submitted by Gary Schwind. This is the section of our website where our readers and contributors take center stage, sharing their transformative sobriety journeys. I’m new to the sober lifestyle, with less than a year of alcohol-free days. (I do know the exact number. I write it next to the date at the top of every journal entry.) However, while I can’t boast several years of sobriety, I have learned some things that I think are especially useful to those who are early on their journey of sobriety or those…

In The Hope Dealer—A Recovery Story by Drew Broadhurst, we dive deep into David’s life and struggles as he navigates the turbulent waters of addiction, recovery, and the tenuous path back to normalcy. This short film showcases the raw and often heart-wrenching journey of addiction and the glimmers of hope that keep individuals moving forward. Trigger Warning: This short film may be sensitive material for those in early recovery. A Card Game as a Metaphor for Life The opening scene starts with Rosie engaging in a card game with her stuffed animals, which becomes a powerful metaphor throughout the film.…

Over eighteen months ago, my business partner, Susie Streelman, founder of Zeroproof Experiences (ZPE), told me she had decided to arrange an alcohol-free trip to Bali. I thought, “Oh, that’s nice,” deciding then and there that this would be one event I would most definitely pass on. After all, as the Chief Connections Officer for ZPE, I was fully immersed in the events we had already hosted and planned to host all over the US, but traveling to a country more than halfway around the world had no appeal to me whatsoever. This was a place way outside of my…

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…

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…