Tamar Medford is a Relapse Prevention Strategist, Neuro Change Master Practitioner, Author, and host of the You’re Sober! Now What? Podcast. Her mission is to empower sober women to create a life so good for themselves they never want to go back to their old way of living.
“I love the part of helping people create a life so good for themselves they never want to go back to their old way of living.”
Tamar Medford
After experiencing complacency in her sixth year of sobriety, Tamar set out on a journey to discover her purpose. She refused to settle for an ordinary and unfulfilled life. As a result of continuing to build her foundation in recovery and living a purpose-driven life, she had enhanced her life.
Tamar is passionate about relapse prevention and takes her clients through a neuro-change journey. This science-based program helps women discover their purpose, overcome their limiting beliefs, develop higher emotional intelligence, and tap into their subconscious minds. She believes that no one should have to walk this journey alone. As a co-host of the Connected Calm Life Community, she helps create a safe space for other women looking to enhance their recovery.
Sober Spotlight Q&A with Tamar Medford
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Watch and listen to the full Sober Spotlight interview on Tamar Medford, or read over the highlights below.
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverage of Choice?
Virgin Rum and Diet Coke…I can throw back six cans of Diet Coke easily. I prefer my diet coke out of a fountain when I can get it that way. But I’m not that picky. If they only have Diet Pepsi and not Diet Coke, I’ll drink it.
What’s your favorite #QUITLIT Book?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
What advice do you have for someone new to recovery?
Seriously, take it one day at a time. When I came in, I thought “OMG I’m going to quit drinking forever?!?!?!” Then someone told me to slow it down. Back the truck up. Just take it one day at a time and that was much more manageable.
And the other one is about suggestions. They’re given to you for a reason. Meaning, that they aren’t really a suggestion if you’re wanting to really get better. You don’t have to keep touching the hot stove over and over again.
How does your recovery benefit your career?
It gave me the faith to leave my corporate job and go out on my own. This was one of the gifts of recovery. To have the courage to be of service and to be an entrepreneur.
Let’s talk selfie-care. What do you do to take time for yourself?
Sometimes I binge-watch Netflix. I just finished “And Just Like That”, loved that one. I really like “Mom”, I just recently started watching it all these years later.
I’m also really into meditation recently. When I’m passionate about something, I’m all in! I’ve really focused on moving more and eating healthier, and this includes lying down for 10 minutes of meditation. But it’s hard because my mind wanders and I think about doing laundry and other things like that. My brain doesn’t stop. I’m living on my own for the first time and I have to say, I love it.
I use an app called Streaks. It’s like a to-do list and it makes you feel good when you mark things off. I use Insight Timer for my meditation practice. I put intention into the areas where I’m feeling off-balance.
If you could go backward and give your newly sober self some advice, what would it be?
Your needs are always going to be met. Chill out! I was always so worried about the future. We make these stories up in our heads that become so big and it’s not even what is happening. So I’ve learned not to overreact anymore. Everything will work out because so far it’s always worked out. My needs will be met.
Is there a nonprofit you support?
Touched by Addiction I just love what they’re doing!
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SOBER POP Culture Lightning Round!
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I love chicken strips. I could eat chicken strips with chipotle mayo every single day.
Favorite Sober Celeb or Sober Musician?
Iconic Pop Culture Moment in Time?
I don’t know! I love the 80s. The Never Ending Story and Goonies were my favorite two movies of childhood.
What’s on your podcast playlist right now?
Nerd alert! I used to listen to podcasts about podcasting. Right now I’m listening to the Dan Thomas podcast.
Favorite music?
Evanescence and Lincoln Park – the only music I don’t like is country. But I like everything else. Coldplay is another favorite.
Favorite Movie or TV Series that has addiction as part of the storyline?
Ok, let’s get spiritual. What’s your practice?
When I came into recovery, I was like “I am not doing the God thing.” So when someone told me I could come up with my own conception of God, that worked for me. Things started to happen because I was taking the action. I do morning prayer and ask for guidance. And then I listen throughout the day, and the answers come. The last year has been the hardest and everything has fallen apart. But it’s also been the best year of my sobriety.
Do you have a favorite place to travel or vacation sober?
I just got back from a trip to Cancun. The sun and warmth on my face were everything. I’m always wearing shorts and flip-flops every day. I’m a summer girl, I love the sun. This was my first time vacationing at a place that was all-inclusive and my brain can’t even fathom being somewhere where you could drink as much as you wanted. For me to go to a place like this and look at the blue ocean and the beauty of the beach and I watched all of the drunk people that were missing it. But I enjoyed every sip of my virgin mango smoothies. (BTW the smoothie was $20, but worth it!) Sober travel is a blast!
Other places I have traveled sober. I went to Holland, which is where I’m from, and attended a meeting when I was six months sober. It was the first time I ever shared in a meeting. A man came up to me after the meeting and thanked me for my share. He told me he had been planning to go out and drink after the meeting, but hearing what I had to say changed his mind. I was blown away because this was the first time I ever said anything.
I also went to Ibiza and I did not take a pill.
SOBER SPOTLIGHT: This section of our site highlights extraordinary people in 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.
Looking for memoir and book recommendations that support your sober lifestyle? #QUITLIT is our curated list of addiction and recovery book reviews. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
