Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • ⭐ BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
    • YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
Home - Finding Your Own Path in Recovery: Meetings, Surrender, and Personal Discovery | You’ve Been Selected with Kate Vitela
YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED

Finding Your Own Path in Recovery: Meetings, Surrender, and Personal Discovery | You’ve Been Selected with Kate Vitela

Kate VitelaBy Kate VitelaApril 27, 20253 Mins Read
Finding Your Own Path in Recovery_ Meetings, Surrender, and Personal Discovery 
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

“Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a messy, beautiful, deeply personal journey.” 

When I first got sober, I needed structure. I needed something to hold onto, a place to go, people who understood. AA saved my life. It gave me a foundation when I had nothing else. Sitting in those rooms, I learned about surrender, honesty and the power of shared experience. 

But as I started to rebuild my life, I got curious. My background in nursing and my natural love of research made me start digging deeper. I wanted to understand addiction — not just from a personal standpoint, but from a scientific one. What else was out there? What other teachings and modalities could complement what I had learned in AA? That curiosity led me to explore new perspectives, from neuroscience to somatic healing to alternative recovery programs. 

Navigating Recovery When the World Shut Down 

Then 2020 happened. And like so many others, I found myself isolated, cut off from the in-person recovery spaces I had just started to lean on. The meetings closed, the support I had been building disappeared overnight, and I had to find new ways to stay connected to sobriety. 

Online communities like Sober Mom Squad and The Luckiest Club became lifelines — proof that connection doesn’t have to be in person to be real and powerful. What drew me to these groups wasn’t just the camaraderie, but the openness to discussing other bodies of research. Through them, I found a space where personal development, neuroscience and neuroplasticity were part of the conversation. I was no longer just working on staying sober — I was learning how to rewire my brain, break old thought patterns, and step into an entirely new way of living. 

The Power of Personal Discovery 

The right messaging matters. What works for one person might not work for another. Some people thrive in 12-step programs; others find strength in different modalities. For me, it was about exploring, questioning and giving myself permission to embrace what felt right. 

Through studying addiction science, I learned that recovery is about more than just abstinence — it’s about healing the brain, the nervous system and the patterns that keep us stuck. It’s about unlearning old survival mechanisms and replacing them with something better. And most importantly, it’s about finding the tools that make you feel empowered in your own sobriety. 

AA saved my life, but curiosity and continued learning helped me thrive. 

Whether you’re new to sobriety or redefining your path, remember: There’s no single right way to do this. What matters is that you keep going, keep seeking, and keep building a recovery that feels like home to you. 

If you’re looking for support, check out these online communities: 
📌 The Luckiest Club 

🎧 Listen to Episode 5 Now: 
🔗 Spotify 
🔗 Apple Podcasts 

Peace Within, Bull Shit Out — 

Kate 


You've Been Selected with Kate Vitela

YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED: Sober Curator Contributor Kate Vitela has been an RN in Pacific Northwest for over two decades and sober since 2018.  You’ve Been Selected is a column that describes her journey through coaching, addiction, eating disorders, and what is now known as Drunkorexia.


WALK YOUR TALK is The Sober Curator’s style destination for those redefining what it means to live vibrantly alcohol-free. From runway-ready ensembles to effortless everyday glam, we celebrate confidence, clarity, and the joy of dressing boldly without the pre-funk or party drinks.

More than a fashion column, Walk Your Talk highlights curated finds from our #ADDTOCART section, spotlights sober-owned small businesses, and showcases unique merch that makes your alcohol-free journey unapologetically chic. We proudly partner with the Break Free Foundation, bringing sobriety’s brilliance to the runway during New York Fashion Week and beyond.

💫 Because the best thing you can wear is clarity, confidence, and a killer sense of style.


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.

follow the sober curator on instagram

Follow The Sober Curator on Instagram

kate vitela you've been selected
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Kate Vitela
  • Instagram

Kate Vitela, Sober Curator, Fashionista, Dumpster diver, Lover of all things vintage, Gold digger, Treasure hunter, Bougie babe on a budget.

Related Posts

Kate Vitela and Patricia Fields

Sober in the City: Celebrating 7 Years in NYC 

July 15, 2025
Kate Vitela Sisterhood Rising You've Been Selected

Turning Pain Into Purpose: How One Nurse Coach Is Healing the Sister Wound 

July 6, 2025
You've Been Selected with Kate Vitela Guest Alysse Bryson The Sober Curator

From the Runway to Recovery: Fashion, Sobriety and The Sober Curator 

June 22, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Sober City Mobile App
SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
7 events found.
  • Week of September 29
  • Previous week
  • Next week
Notice
No events scheduled for September 29, 2025.
Notice
No events scheduled for September 30, 2025.
4:00 pm
The Sober Shift: An Evening with Author Suzanne Warye
October 1 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm PDT

The Sober Shift: An Evening with Author Suzanne Warye

The Whispering Shelf with Orangily and Hollie Nicholson Indianapolis
$30.00
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
10:00 am
Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West
October 3 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm PDT

Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West

Babb, Inc - formerly the Snyder mansion 850 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh
Free
5:00 pm
First Friday’s: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Tasting Mingle at Collective by Crew
October 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

First Friday’s: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Tasting Mingle at Collective by Crew

Collective By Crew 306 Manchester Avenue, Media
Free
Sober October Soirée with Food, Friends & Free Drinks
October 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT

Sober October Soirée with Food, Friends & Free Drinks

Burden of Proof 1012 Mission Street #Ste. B South, Pasadena
Free
+ 3 More
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195
6:00 am
P.E.A.S.E. Academy Annual Pancake Breakfast
October 4 @ 6:00 am - 10:00 am PDT

P.E.A.S.E. Academy Annual Pancake Breakfast

P.E.A.S.E. Academy 1211 SE 6th St, Minneapolis
$7.00
12:00 pm
SF Sober October Fest
October 4 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

SF Sober October Fest

Eye and Hand Society 3425 Balboa Street, San Francisco
Free
+ 2 More
All Day
Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

$2500
Casablanca to Marrakesh
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

$3195

Week of Events

Mon 29

Tue 30

Wed 1

Thu 2

Fri 3

Sat 4

Sun 5

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FUNDRAISER FOR SHE RECOVERS FOUNDATION October 2nd - 9th 2025 Join us in Galicia, Northern Spain for the ultimate sober team hiking adventure as we tackle the

$2500
October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

About this trip We cannot think of a more suited itinerary for HOOKED.    All your senses will be engaged on this Luxury 11 day / 10 night adventure in

$3195
October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

October 2 - October 9

Camino de Santiago Fundraiser for She Recovers Foundation with We Love Lucid

October 2 - October 12

Casablanca to Marrakesh

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The Sober Shift: An Evening with Author Suzanne Warye

October 1 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm PDT

The Sober Shift: An Evening with Author Suzanne Warye

The Sober Shift: An Evening with Author Suzanne Warye In THE SOBER SHIFT: A Modern-Day Guide to Living an Abundant Sober Life (HarperOne; 09/30/2025), wellness writer and creator of The

$30.00
10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West

October 3 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm PDT

Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West

Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West Fri, Oct 03 Babb, Inc - formerly the Snyder mansion Join Teetotal Initiative community for Teetotal Tastes: The North Side/Allegheny West, a flavorful adventure

Free
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

First Friday’s: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Tasting Mingle at Collective by Crew

October 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

First Friday’s: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Tasting Mingle at Collective by Crew

First Friday's: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Tasting Mingle at Collective by Crew Come join us for a fun evening of tasting delicious non-alcoholic cocktails and mingling with others at Collective by Crew

Free
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Sober October Soirée with Food, Friends & Free Drinks

October 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT

Sober October Soirée with Food, Friends & Free Drinks

Sober October Soirée with Food, Friends & Free Drinks What do you call a non-alcoholic open bar? Really just an excuse to party with you. Kick off Sober October with

Free
+ 3 More
6:00 am - 10:00 am

P.E.A.S.E. Academy Annual Pancake Breakfast

October 4 @ 6:00 am - 10:00 am PDT

P.E.A.S.E. Academy Annual Pancake Breakfast

P.E.A.S.E. Academy Annual Pancake Breakfast Saturday, October 4th ♦ 8AM - 12PM America's Pioneer Recovery High School invites you to their 16th Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! P.E.A.S.E. Academy (Peers Enjoying

$7.00
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

SF Sober October Fest

October 4 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

SF Sober October Fest

SF Sober October Fest Come vibe with us at the first SF Sober October Fest, hosted by Ocean Beach Café @ Eye & Hand Society! 🍹 A New Kind of

Free
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm

DopeyCon SIX – Celebrating 10 years of Dopey

October 4 @ 2:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT

DopeyCon SIX – Celebrating 10 years of Dopey

DopeyCon SIX - Celebrating 10 years of Dopey DOPEYCON is a must-see evening of entertainment and conversation celebrating 10 YEARS of DOPEY, the podcast about drugs, addiction and dumb shit.

See website
+ 2 More
View Calendar
The Sober Curator
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • LINKS DISCLAIMER
  • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • REFUND POLICY
  • DON’T SELL MY INFO
  • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
  • CONTACT US
© 2025 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.