Let’s talk about summer for a sec. It’s the season of endless light, rooftop hangs, and nature at its most lush. But if you’re anything like me (and let’s be real, you probably are if you’re reading this), summer can bring a complicated mix of excitement and anxiety—especially in sobriety.
Gone are the days of hazy happy hours and regrets that burn brighter than the sun. So what replaces that? What does it actually look like to “make the most of summer” now that you’re living life clear-eyed and intentionally?
If your inner compass has been a little wobbly lately, allow me to point you due north: “Calling in the Summer Version of You,” a soulful gathering in the green heart of Portland. Hosted by Naomi Veak, founder of the My Sober Girlfriends community, this isn’t your average workshop. It’s an experience—equal parts intention, reflection, and connection.
???? What’s It All About?
Think: less seminar, more soulful circle in the woods. Naomi has designed an intimate, welcoming space where sober and sober-curious women and non-binary folks can step away from the noise and reconnect with their own rhythms. Whether you’re new to the journey or years deep, this is a space for you to shed a few layers, laugh, maybe cry, and get really clear about what you want this summer to feel like.
Here’s what’s on the menu (besides the tea and snacks):
- A grounding opening circle to root you in the moment
- Lighthearted connection games (because yes, we can have fun sober—and we do!)
- A solo nature walk with a reflection prompt to help you drop into your body and out of your head
- Journaling time, cozy convos, and a space to set seasonal intentions that feel aligned and empowering
- A bring-your-own picnic lunch (how cute is that?) to enjoy with new sober friends on a covered patio
It’s all happening at the gorgeous Jackson Bottom Wetlands in Hillsboro, Oregon, on Sunday, May 18th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. It’s close enough to Portland to be convenient but just far enough to feel like an escape.
???? Come As You Are—No Pressure, Just Presence
What I love most about Naomi’s events is the intentionality. She’s not trying to fill a stadium or pack in programming. She’s curating an environment for deep breaths, real talk, and gentle transformation. With a 50-person cap, this gathering will feel like just the right size for meaningful moments without overwhelm.
Bring your journal, your walking shoes, your water bottle, and most importantly—bring you, exactly as you are. No filters. No perfection. Just presence.
✨ Want In?
This event will sell out, so if your soul is whispering “yes,” don’t wait. Reserve your spot, dust off your summer playlist, and get ready to step into the season with clarity, connection, and community.
???? Click here to sign up
And if you’re not already following Naomi’s My Sober Girlfriends community, what are you even doing? We’ve featured her before on The Sober Curator, and we’ll keep doing it because her vibe is one hundred percent aligned with ours: authentic, inclusive, fun, and deeply grounded in growth.
Fellow Senior Sober Curator Travel Contributor Teresa Bergen and I will attend. We hope to meet you there!
See you in the wetlands ????
✈️ Sober Adventures Wanted!
Have you taken a trip without the booze but with all the epic vibes? Did you hike majestic trails, sip fancy mocktails poolside, or just find a quiet corner of the world where your soul could exhale? We want the juicy details (and the jaw-dropping pics)! The Sober Curator is putting together the ultimate sober travel guide—and your story could be the highlight.
Send us a postcard!
(And by that we mean… save the stamp and shoot us an email. We’re cool like that.)
🏝️ Submit a Sober Retreat Recovery-focused, wellness, spiritual, creative, and adventure retreats. Listings start free. Featured and Sponsored placements available for retreats that want full editorial coverage. Submit your retreat →
Grab Your Copy of Sobriety for Dummies now! Be sure to tune in to the Your Sober Now What? Podcast to hear an expansion on the themes discussed in SFD!
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 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.
