Alcohol was at the center of the world that Gillian grew up in, and the things she witnessed made her feel very unsafe. That lack of safety stayed with her into adulthood and ultimately became the main driver of her own drinking. Gillian’s first drink at 13 gave her a sense of cozy warm peace that she desperately craved, and from that moment she was hooked.
After over a decade of being the life of the party, Gillian’s first break from alcohol came during pregnancy. That taste of sobriety felt so surprisingly good that she fleetingly considered quitting after she gave birth. It was a thought that only lasted two hours into the birth of her son when someone brought champagne to her hospital room.
For years, Gillian was able to push aside any thought that her drinking was problematic. She ‘didn’t have a problem’. She could still show up for her life, her fitness and her family! Yet, as she aged, these things started to change. Hangovers and blackouts upended her once easy lifestyle, and with it cracks began to appear in her work and her family.
One day, Gillian accidentally listened to a podcast about being alcohol-free, and she had a shocking epiphany: Alcohol was the source of all of her problems. Yet, sobriety felt terrifying.
She didn’t know who she was without alcohol. It seemed central to her entire personality. Despite it all, though, she found the courage to try.
Gillian is now 9 ½ months sober and she has experienced a full transformation. She doesn’t even recognize the person that she was anymore. She is now out and proud about her sobriety. She’s found so much meaning in influencing others (including her mom!) to stop drinking. She encourages you to share your sobriety journey too!
Enrollment for the next Sober Mom Retreat is now live, and you’re invited! We’ll be gathering at the Mountain Shadows Resort in Arizona from Feb 27-Mar 2, 2025. If you’re looking for community and self care in sobriety, this retreat is for you! Book your spot here.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
COMMUNITY IN SOBRIETY
Community makes all the difference. Join The Sober Mom Life Cafe for 5+ Peer Support meetings each week and a private Facebook group to connect with sober and sober-curious women.
Orders are now available for my book! Sober Shift: A Modern Day Guide to Living an Abundant Sober Life
Order your copy here: https://suzannewarye.com/book
Plus, take a look at my events calendar for a book tour stop near you. I would LOVE to meet you and thank you for being a part of this incredible community!
