Liz Donehue: Navigating Sobriety, Diabetes, and Life Abroad
And it's interesting about the colloquialisms that you mentioned too, because, like one of the ones I remember, one of the first kind of phrases I heard in early sobriety was like: well, you spent a lot of time in the woods. Like, how much time do you think you're going to spend trying to get out, and for whatever reason that really resonated with me of like you know I got, I put in x amount of years of like hard drinking.
Ever wondered how someone juggles sobriety, chronic illness, and life in a foreign country? Meet Liz Donehue, the international cat lady sensation with a no-nonsense attitude. In this episode of '12 Questions', Liz sits down with hosts Anna Valenzuela and Dave Yates to share her remarkable journey through life and sobriety. Liz’s story is one of resilience and personal growth, underscored by the support of her community and her unwavering honesty.
Living with type 1 diabetes presents its own set of challenges, but Liz doesn’t let that slow her down. She talks candidly about managing her health while navigating the ups and downs of recovery. Her experiences as an expat in Japan add another layer to her narrative, offering unique insights into adapting to a new culture while staying committed to sobriety. Liz also dives into the broader societal issues that have shaped her worldview, including institutional racism and classism.
She reflects on how these issues impact not just her life but the recovery community as a whole. And yes, humor plays a significant role in her journey. Liz believes in the healing power of laughter and shares how it has helped her cope with life's challenges. One of the most poignant parts of Liz’s story is her emphasis on making amends and the benefits of having a higher power.
She discusses how these elements have been crucial in her recovery process and personal growth. If you're looking for an inspiring story that tackles sobriety, chronic illness, and cultural adaptation head-on, this episode is a must-listen.