Today we are shining a Sober Spotlight on Ashley Clyne of @trustinrecovery, who was featured on our 29 Recovery TikTok Accounts to follow earlier this year. Ashley recently celebrated one year sober on January 1st, 2021. She gave up hard drugs back in 2016, but it took her awhile to realize that alcohol was also problematic for her.
This sober gal who resides in North Carolina is all about crafting with her Cricut, selfcare, and actively recovering out loud and bringing awareness to mental health issues. We love her enthusiasm for life and her TikTok dance moves.
Sober Spotlight Q&A with Ashley Clyne
AB: What’s your alcohol-free beverage of choice?
ASHLEY: I love energy drinks or something fruity. I enjoy mixing up juice with Sprite and drinking out of a fancy glass. It’s important for me to feel included. I’m not afraid to stand out by not drinking, I simply want to have something tasty to celebrate with too.
AB: What’s your favorite #QUITLIT book?
ASHLEY: 24 Hours a Day by Hazelden and the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 x 12
AB: How does your sobriety impact your work-life?
ASHLEY: I’m currently working at a self-serve yogurt shop. I’ve been in the restaurant and medical fields for a long time. It’s great that the yogurt shop doesn’t offer alcohol. At first I was worried about the near by convenience store, but it’s turned out not to be a problem for me. I’ve been open and honest with my manager, who has been supportive. Being sober allows me to be fully present at work, to help create a safe place, and to lead by example.
Will Sober TikTok rival Sober Instagram? If you find yourself going down the TikTok rabbit hole, at least do it sober. We found 29 Sober TikTok accounts you should be following right now. Check out the article from January 2021. Ashley, aka @trustinrecovery is spotted at #16.
AB: What do you do for self-care?
ASHLEY: I love to do my hair, my eyelashes, and meditation
AB: Any advice for those considering to share their sobriety on social media?
ASHLEY: Remember to be transparent. When someone disagrees with you, just let it go. We’re all different. Not everyone has the tools that we get in recovery to handle life. Take breaks when you need to take breaks. Sometimes a social media detox is just what you might need.
AB: What do you like about the Recovery TikTok community?
ASHLEY: I love seeing that people all over the world are coming together as one to recover out loud. It doesn’t matter the different backgrounds because we all have the same purpose. To live a sober lifestyle one day at a time.
AB: Do you have a favorite Sober TikTok Account that you follow?
ASHLEY: I love @the_mamashark_fam – they’ve provided links to lots of cool online meetings. I also really like @recoverylifeapparel and I just ordered one of their shirts!
AB: Do you have a favorite non-profit?
ASHLEY: NAMI is my favorite nonprofit. They helped me during detox. They will check on you and they are just a really nice group of people. It was my experience that they actually care and connect with everyone.
AB: What’s your guilty pleasure?
ASHLEY: I love getting my nails done. Self care is so important.
AB: Who’s your favorite Sober Musician?
ASHLEY: Demi Lovato – I really connect with her music. Also, music has been really important to me in recovery. It helps me with prayer and meditation. James Arthur song Recovery is also one of my favorites.
AB: Is your husband supportive of your recovery?
ASHLEY: Yes. We’ve been married six years. He’s very supportive and he also comes from a family that has struggled with addiction. He knew I needed help before I did. I really didn’t want to admit it. He was incredible to help me get the testing and assessments and then treatment that I needed.
AB: Do you have a daily routine that keeps you grounded?
ASHLEY: In the morning I thank God for waking me up and keeping me sober. At night I thank God for getting me through the day and keeping me sober. I practice steps 10, 11, and 12 each night. Music also really helps me stay focused and I also enjoy journaling.
AB: If you could go back and give your newly sober self a piece of advice, what would it be?
ASHLEY: Sit back and observe. Don’t make assumptions. Listen before reacting. Listen to listen. Help others. Look for similarities for things you can relate on. No question is a stupid question.
AB: What’s your favorite movie or TV series about addiction and recovery?
ASHLEY: Clean and Sober. Also 28 Days and MOM the TV Show.
The Sober Spotlight section highlights extraordinary people in recovery for all walks of life. Sober small business owners doin’ their thing gives us all the feels. We also spotlight brands that cater to sober living and give back to recovery. Who is making a difference in your recovery community? If you know someone we should spotlight please connect with us at thesobercurator@gmail.com or DM us on social media.
Resources are available
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.