Imagine life without alcohol, where the challenge isn't just quitting but rediscovering who you are. That's what Bianca, a 22-year-old from Austin, TX, shares in this episode of Recovery Elevator. Bianca, who took her last drink on October 3, 2018, opens up about her journey to sobriety and how she found joy in new hobbies and activities.

She talks about the importance of engaging in tasks that make you lose track of time, whether it's reading a book or taking a walk in nature. Paul Churchill, the host, adds his insights on how to let these interests develop naturally rather than forcing them. Bianca also highlights the significance of hyper-documentation and taking responsibility for one's own recovery. She discusses how dealing with emotions physically, rather than bottling them up, has been crucial for her.

Nature plays a big role in her story too, helping her slow down and stay present. She even touches on her experiences with AA in Mexico and the liberating act of shedding shame. If you're looking for inspiration on how to embrace a fulfilling life without alcohol, Bianca's story is a must-listen.

Tune into Recovery Elevator to hear Bianca's inspiring journey of finding joy and new passions in sobriety. Discover the power of nature and self-responsibility.

Bianca's Path to Sobriety: Finding New Passions and Inner Peace

Bianca took her last drink on October 3, 2018.  This is her story. Update on the Alcohol is Sh!t book!  The book is out!  Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-SH-Re-ignite-Recover-Person/dp/1086176545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="> here</a>!  You can get the Audible version <a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/Alcohol-is-Sht-Audiobook/B07XGDMXQF?qid=1569247192&sr=1-2&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=TY51EJJZJ0XQDPRMN0MA&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2"> here</a>! Registration is now open for the 2020’ Recovery Elevator LIVE event, Dancing with the Mind.  The event will take place June 11-13 in Denver, CO.  You can find more information about our events <a href="https://www.recoveryelevator.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a> On today’s episode Paul talks about the process of rediscovering what you like to do, after ditching the booze, and to let it happen organically.  He encourages you to engage in activities where you find yourself in a ‘flow state’, or ‘in the zone’.    Instead of focusing on new hobbies and fun activities, try to find things where you almost lose yourself.    [7:30] Paul introduces Bianca.    Bianca is 22 years old and is from Austin, TX.  She recently graduated from college and is working for a temp agency while she looks for that full time job.  Bianca lives with her girlfriend.  For fun Bianca spends her time reading and in nature.       [13:40] Give us a background on your drinking.   Bianca didn’t really drink while in high school, but in college she went wild.    She tried to moderate during her freshman year by documenting everything she did that involved alcohol.  That didn’t work.  The following year, 2016, she started doing drugs along with drinking.  Bianca does not remember much from her junior year.  By the beginning of her senior year (2018) she had a lot of things on her plate and her drinking was still up there.    Bianca says she had a lot of little rock bottoms that finally accumulated into her big rock bottom, which happened on October 3.   [17:40] What happened on October 3?    Bianca and some friends went out to get something to eat.   What started out as just one drink escalated to the point that one of her friends took her wallet away from her.  They went to a liquor store after that, and Bianca ended up at home, alone, taking shots.  She met up with her friends a little later, still sneaking double shots.   Bianca stumbled home and after mixing more drugs with the alcohol she passed out.   The following morning she woke up hating herself.         [25:00] What was that first month like?   On October 4th Bianca texted the hotline and did what they told her to do, she got rid of her booze and hid her drugs.  She says the first few days and nights were tough.  She would come home from class and cry.  She was having intense nightmares and the shakes.  She now feels like she gets a clarity upgrade every 3 months.      [28:10] What was is like getting sober at 22?       Bianca says she actually got sober at 21 and celebrated her 22nd birthday sober.   She says it was hard, that there is a big drinking culture in Austin, TX.         [32:00] What was harder, coming out as gay, or as someone with a drinking problem??   Bianca says both were hard.  She came out as gay at a very young age.  The hard part about telling someone she had a problem with drinking was the shame she felt.               [33:20] What are you working on right now?   Bianca says she is really working on her self-worth and showing up for herself.        [36:20] Have you ever explored why you drank?   Bianca said she has explored that with her therapist.  She says growing up her family fell into the victims, of victims, of victims.  She wasn’t taught very good coping skills.       [39:20] Rapid Fire Round   <ol> <li>What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?</li> </ol>   That I’m responsible for my recovery and nobody else.    <ol start="2"> <li>What is a memorable moment that a life without alcohol has given you?</li> </ol>   The ability to really feel my emotions and to be surprised.    <ol start="3"> <li>What is your favorite alcohol-free drink?</li> </ol>   Water.   <ol start="4"> <li>What are some of your favorite resources on this journey?</li> </ol>   Definitely my sponsor, for sure.  Meetings and AA literature.    <ol start="5"> <li>What is on your bucket list in an alcohol-free life?</li> </ol>   Travel overseas sober.    <ol start="6"> <li>And what parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?</li> </ol>   I would tell you all to slow down, as slow as you can go, and to feel your emotions.    You might need to ditch the booze if...   You buy over $200 worth of alcohol and it is confiscated within 3 days by a good friend.      Upcoming Events and Retreats.  <a href="https://www.recoveryelevator.com/denver-2020/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Recovery Elevator LIVE: Dancing with the Mind</a> - in Colorado – June 11-14th, 2020 <a href="https://www.recoveryelevator.com/costarica/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Recovery Elevator in Costa Rica: From Jungle to the Beach</a> - October 8 - 18th, 2020 You can find more information about our events <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/events/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">here.</a>   Resources mentioned in this episode: BetterHelp  Visit <a href="https://betterhelp.com/ELEVATOR" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">betterhelp.com/ELEVATOR</a> and join the over 500,000 people talking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced professional. Recovery Elevator listeners get 10% off your first month at <a href="https://betterhelp.com/ELEVATOR" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">betterhelp.com/ELEVATOR</a>.    SkillShare Get two months of premium membership for free at <a href= "https://www.skillshare.com/elevator">www.shillshare.com/elevator</a> That’s two whole months of unlimited access to thousands of classes for free.     <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a>- Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY for your first month free <a href="https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes</a> <a href= "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recovery.sam.sobrietycalculatorPro"> Sobriety Tracker Android</a> Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com   “Recovery Elevator – It All Starts from the Inside Out.  We can do this.”

RE 257: I Quit Drinking... Now What?

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It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life!  Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions. 

If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place.

This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. 

Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.

Recovery Elevator

Imagine life without alcohol, where the challenge isn't just quitting but rediscovering who you are. That's what Bianca, a 22-year-old from Austin, TX, shares in this episode of Recovery Elevator. Bianca, who took her last drink on October 3, 2018, opens up about her journey to sobriety and how she found joy in new hobbies and activities.She talks about the importance of engaging in tasks that make you lose track of time, whether it's reading a book or taking a walk in nature. Paul Churchill, the host, adds his insights on how to let these interests develop naturally rather than forcing them. Bianca also highlights the significance of hyper-documentation and taking responsibility for one's own recovery. She discusses how dealing with emotions physically, rather than bottling them up, has been crucial for her.Nature plays a big role in her story too, helping her slow down and stay present. She even touches on her experiences with AA in Mexico and the liberating act of shedding shame. If you're looking for inspiration on how to embrace a fulfilling life without alcohol, Bianca's story is a must-listen.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 257: I Quit Drinking... Now What?

RE 257: I Quit Drinking... Now What?

RE 257: I Quit Drinking... Now What?

Monday 20th January 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Bianca's Path to Sobriety: Finding New Passions and Inner Peace