Belle's Sober Toolbox: Building a Life Beyond Alcohol
Episode Overview
Belle's gradual journey from avoidance to struggle with drinking Importance of community support and sober tools in maintaining sobriety Incorporating multiple sober tools for long-term success Seeking inspiration from those further along in the sobriety journey Join Tribe Sober for free five-day sobriety boot camp and community support
The only thing that works to turn off a compulsive request to repeat a destructive behavior is to extinguish the behavior and wait. It's like teaching a child not to cry for a donut in the grocery store - you distract it with other things until it stops asking. You need to find a group with a leader and moderator, and connect with people at all stages of the sobriety journey.
Belle's story of sobriety is one of gradual realization and deliberate action. As a teenager, she was keenly aware of the negative effects of alcohol, steering clear of it despite its prevalence around her. Her twenties saw a tentative entry into drinking, marked by an interesting habit—she'd buy single beers rather than six-packs, an early sign of her cautious approach.
Yet, as the years passed, her drinking escalated to four or five times a week, with three or four drinks each session. By the time she hit 30, moderation became increasingly difficult. Belle started bringing alcohol-free beers to social events, alternating them with alcoholic ones in an attempt to control her intake. However, it wasn't until her late 30s, after getting married, that she decided to take a significant break from alcohol to test herself.
This break led to a deeper commitment to sobriety. Belle found that willpower alone wasn't enough for lasting change. It was the community she found in the sober space and the tools she gathered along the way—like blogging about her journey—that truly made a difference. Her story highlights the importance of layering sober tools and finding support from those who have walked the path before you.
If you're looking for practical advice and inspiration on your own journey to sobriety, Belle's experiences offer valuable insights.