It was a sold-out venue in downtown Portland last Saturday when author Laura McKowen @lauramckowen teamed up with Sans Bar @sans_bar owner Chris Marshall to host a book signing and networking event. I call it a networking event because Laura made a point to tell the crowd to “meet at least one person tonight.” Knowing the need for a community of sober people in your corner is crucial to the wellbeing of those giving up booze.
This was just what she did at the height of the pandemic in 2020 when she assembled online meetups for a group she called The Luckiest Club @theluckiestclub. Named after her first book, “We Are the Luckiest,” hundreds gathered online for daily meetings across the US/Canada and even parts of Europe and Australia. Her second book, “Push off from Here,” was a deeper dive into the nine things which became the mantra of the luckiest club (TLC) and were repeated at every meeting. To say those words saved my life during lockdown would be an understatement.
Chris, the mocktail maestro, curated a signature drink after “Push of from Here,” including amethyst blueberry ginger, sweets elderberry shrub, and club soda. The crowd mingled with drinks in hand as Chris took the mic to encourage, “Drink up, everyone; you will only get more sober by the end of the night!” Familiar and unfamiliar faces cheered and shared their sober stories. It was a sea of seltzer and selfies. It’s not very often you get someone like Chris to handcraft mocktails behind the bar. He is trailblazing the alcohol-free movement across the US and making history. (That we’ll actually remember)
I happily made the trek to old town Portland to see Chris and Laura IRL. Because, by definition, I am one of the luckiest. To socialize, mingle, and laugh with entrepreneurs, authors, creators, and innovators who have struggled with addiction as I have and come out swinging. It’s a real gift and the world needs to see that it can be done. If you are doing the sober thing and it’s tedious, hard, and scary, the only way out is through. And the community you build will carry you.
Laura McKowen’s Nine Things
- It’s not your fault.
- It is your responsibility.
- It’s unfair that this is your thing.
- This is your thing.
- This will never stop being your thing until you face it.
- You can’t do it alone.
- Only you can do it.
- You are loved.
- We will never stop reminding you of these things.
If you are contemplating attending a sober event to meet new people and are a bit nervous, do it anyway. I promise it will change your life. These are the people you want in your corner, and you are not going to meet them hiding out at home. Put on some clothes, any clothes, and show up. Someone is looking for a friend just like you.
“Sober is Better Together”- TLC
Grace & Glam,
Kate
Tour 2023 — Sans Bar (thesansbar.com)
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SOBRIETY IN THE CITY: This is your guide to substance-free adventures and events in cities across the United States. We’re bringing you hidden gems, local hangouts, art exhibits, unique attractions and pop-up events, limited shows, and tours. Being fully present allows us to enjoy life to the fullest. But we’re still taking it in all just one day at a time.
You can depend on SOBRIETY IN THE CITY for clean, creative alternatives to make the most of your time in these amazing cities.
We’re curating lots of ideas and content on how to live your best sober lifestyle in cities across the USA. Make sure to check out these cities where we have Sober Curators actively keeping us up to date with the latest events and hot spots to check out.
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.
