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Hey, fabulous people! Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share a powerful and insightful conversation with my dear friend Colleen! She's not just a great friend, but an inspiring individual who has journeyed through the ups and downs of her relationship with alcohol, and come out stronger and more self-aware.
We dive deep into how she’s found a healthier balance with drinking, self-love, and mindfulness. So, let’s get into it!
Here's a brief snip of our powerful convo:
Me: Well, hello and welcome back today! I am here with my dear friend, Colleen, and we’re so excited to talk about drinking, alcohol, and what it’s done for our lives—the good, the bad, the ugly.
Colleen: How exciting. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here and chat about my experience, and I was joking with my husband before this that now I can say I've been on a podcast!
Me: Where would you say you are right now with your relationship with alcohol?
Colleen: It’s absolutely been a journey. Thanks to your program, and really focusing on my 'why' for drinking—why I’m having a drink, and making sure it’s for pleasure and enjoyment rather than stress or social discomfort—has radically transformed my relationship with alcohol. I now drink in moderation and am much more intentional with my choices.
Me: Absolutely. One of the biggest changes for me as well: not drinking for negative reasons. You touched upon it beautifully!
Colleen: Totally. Like many, I used to drink to take the edge off, but addressing the underlying stress and anxiety has made my relationship with alcohol so much healthier. It's about finding that balance and being kind to yourself.
Me: Also, you made an interesting point about cultural attitudes. Your American and French perspectives on drinking have definitely played a role, right?
Colleen: Definitely. There’s a big difference between how alcohol is viewed in American culture versus French culture. The French approach is more about moderation and pleasure, often pairing drinks with meals and social settings. It’s less about binge drinking and more about enjoying the finer things in life.
Me: Community and support are so vital. How helpful did you find our community and the tools provided?
Colleen: Incredibly helpful! The supportive environment you've created made a big difference. The tools, like having a game plan and celebrating small wins, really work. Plus, there are more non-alcoholic options available now than ever before, making it easier to stick to those goals.
Me: Before we wrap up, what’s been the biggest ‘aha’ moment for you through this journey?
Colleen: The transition from a fear-based approach to a positive, accepting one was huge for me. Therapy, self-acceptance, and being kind to oneself have all played crucial roles. Your program really shifted my perspective and made me embrace the journey in a positive light.
Me: Yes, it's all about self-love and being kind to ourselves. Thank you so much, Colleen, for sharing your story!
Colleen: Thank you for having me! Your community and resources have been life-changing, and I hope others find the same value and inspiration.
Ok ladies, let’s celebrate ourselves! If you’re on a journey to find a healthier relationship with alcohol, remember to be your own bestie! Celebrate the small wins, be kind, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Until next time, cheers to living more and loving ourselves!
Follow us for more tips on drinking less, living more, and just loving yourself! 💖
To start changing your relationship with alcohol go to www.shameover.me to learn more.
Thank you, Erica! It was a really cool experience to be a guest on your podcast 😊 I hope other people find our conversation relatable and helpful.