All I could think about while reading Megan Swan’s memoir, Marinating in Chaos: Live Intuitively, Make Bold and Authentic Decisions, was the depth of this woman’s bravery. From start to finish, this book is a testament to one person’s commitment to personal growth, happiness, recovery, and transformation—especially within the sober lifestyle.
Right off the bat, she lays it out for us:
“Getting well involves getting really honest with yourself. It’s about weeding out all the disempowering narratives we grew up with and finding a deep, soul-level love for your body and mind. It’s about acceptance and compassion on a level that allows you to live with ease—mentally and emotionally—and flourish in your relationships, especially with yourself. (Yes, please!)”
Megan Swan
Megan kicks things off with her own Eat, Pray, Love journey. She decides to spend a year in Mexico after visiting relatives, and let me tell you, the adventures she takes us on are nothing short of exhilarating. She dives headfirst into the culture—partying with fascinating folks and deciding to teach English. Her first student? A well-known local physician. That’s where the real learning begins, and it’s not just for the doctor.
We’re right there with her as she navigates the winding path of healing and empowerment through love, cultural blending, motherhood, yoga teacher training, emotional ups and downs, wellness coaching, and, yes, ultimately her journey toward a sober lifestyle.
One of the real triumphs of this book is its relatable tone. Megan doesn’t shy away from her messy moments—those awkward relationships, the excessive drinking, the healing and brokenness, the need to escape, the rage, and poor decision-making. She’s one of us, and that’s why we like her. We can identify with her journey as she navigates sobriety and shares recovery lifestyle inspiration throughout.
Despite her struggles, she’s a powerhouse, forging ahead with determination. She knows what she wants and goes after it with an insatiable appetite to learn, change, grow, and help other women find their transformations. Her sensitivity and brilliance are her superpowers. She wants to guide women toward emotional resilience through sober wellness retreats and sobriety events, helping them embrace their stuckness while choosing to break free.
With concrete tools for support on our paths to wholeness, she offers insights on what we put in our bodies, how we move, meditation practices, and reframing our experiences into ones of boldness and authenticity. This woman is on our side, crafting a roadmap filled with sober lifestyle tips for anyone looking to live an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Megan bravely shares her winding road to trusting her partner again after a betrayal and the choices that followed:
“There is something profound about witnessing, loving, and accepting someone through their humanity and imperfection just when they least expect it.”
Megan Swan
At the end of each chapter, she provides thought-provoking questions for readers to explore their behavior patterns. She encourages us to trust our internal knowing and make decisions based on intuition rather than succumbing to societal expectations. In a pivotal moment, she recounts the horrifying realization of driving her children while drinking—this was the bottom from which she rose, igniting her commitment to sobriety and a focus on physical wellness.
This woman is on fire. She wraps up the book with a rundown of all her certificates and training as she strives to become the ultimate wellness coach—a beacon in the sober mindset community. Her thirst for knowledge far surpasses any craving for alcohol, and honestly, I can totally relate.
Megan’s memoir stays true to its key promise: to showcase a woman’s messy life while illuminating the pathway to greater alignment and purpose. She speaks directly to high-achieving women living under the weight of “shoulds” and “have-tos,” suggesting a recalibration toward inner strength, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom. With sobriety being a theme throughout, readers will find motivation for embarking on their sober journeys and exploring their own stories of sobriety.
So, grab a copy, kick back, and prepare to be inspired. You won’t regret it! Whether you’re looking for sober travel adventures, sober events, or even sober podcasts, this book will guide you toward a fulfilling alcohol-free lifestyle. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking recovery stories and inspiration, making it one of the best quitlit books available today.
WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE is a coaching practice and podcast by Senior Sober Curator Contributor Megan Swan dedicated to helping powerhouse women create sustainable, joyful health habits. Embracing a “less is more” philosophy, each episode blends modern science with timeless wellness wisdom—offering insights that energize, boost confidence, and keep you focused on your goals without burnout. Through authentic conversations, expert guidance, and inspiring stories, we help you design personalized practices that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. Think of it as a wellness mocktail—fresh, uplifting, and naturally sweet—crafted to bring clarity, calm, and lasting vitality.
Megan will guide you in finding personalized wellness practices that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, making wellness a joyful habit rather than a task. Imagine a sparkling blend of vitality, like a mocktail of fresh berries and mint—refreshing and naturally sweet. Tune in and transform your wellness journey with clarity and calm, inspired by authentic stories and expert guidance.
TSC LIBRARY: Welcome to The Sober Curator Library! This isn’t your average stack of books—we’re talking full-on story immersion, Audible binges, and reviews with personality. Browse our four go-to genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, Self-Help, and NA Recipe Books. And if you’re collecting recovery reads like rare trading cards, check out our Amazon #QUITLIT list—almost 400 titles ready for your TBR. Grab your backpack, book nerd. We’re on a quest to read every last one.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
