What happens when you say goodbye to alcohol and hello to a life of peace? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Rob shares his inspiring journey from his last drink on June 5, 2019, to over a year of living alcohol-free. At 55, living in Littleton, CO, Rob talks about the adventures and the inner peace he's discovered along the way. From motorbike adventuring to hiking in the great outdoors, he's found new passions that bring him joy.

Rob opens up about his past struggles with drinking, moving from rural Indiana to Denver in 1978, and how his life has transformed since quitting alcohol. He dives into the importance of a supportive community, highlighting how joining Recovery Elevator gave him a sense of belonging and accountability. Rob also tackles tough topics like dealing with resentment, overcoming shame and guilt, and the power of meditation in his recovery.

He shares how separating himself from negative thoughts helped him focus on healing and finding purpose. Rob's story is a testament to the possibilities that await when you choose sobriety. Tune in to hear how he handles social gatherings sober, the benefits of meditation, and the endless opportunities that come with an alcohol-free life.

Listen to Rob's inspiring journey to sobriety on Recovery Elevator. Discover how he found peace and purpose without alcohol.

Rob's Road to Sobriety: Finding Peace and Purpose Without Alcohol

Rob took his last drink June 5, 2019. With over one year away from alcohol (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).   Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You…..   When we say no to alcohol, we are saying yes to a better life. Once the alcohol is left behind some people pick back up old hobbies, others go off to do things they thought they would never do. Give yourself some grace when you quit, and you are trying to figure out what you like to do now. Go for it, the possibilities are endless.   Is how we are choosing to spend our time after quitting drinking bringing us peace? It becomes our responsibility to protect our peace and also seek peace.   [6:22] Odette introduces Rob.   Rob is 55 and lives in Littleton, CO. He has been married to his wife for 30 years, they have 2 grown boys. Rob likes adventure sports, specifically motorbike adventuring. He also enjoys hiking, being outdoors. He very much loves what Colorado has to offer.   [9:34] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?   Rob said he moved from rural Indiana in 1978 to Denver, CO and that’s when alcohol became a big part of his life. Stemming from his desire to fit into a new school as a kid, he began drinking. He also took a job at a warehouse where the older employees found it funny to corrupt the 15 year old preachers kid. His parents found out and they put a stop to it. He began leading a dual life, the adrenaline seeker mountain climber motorcycle rider vs going to church 5 times a week.   On November 11, 2012 his close friend Ted passes away from cancer. Rob didn’t know how to handle those feelings and after this he began drinking at home. By the end he was blacking out 3-5 nights a week.   [17:02] Did you ever think to yourself “I might have a drinking problem?”   Rob said he didn’t even have that thought. The mentality around the group he was in was “work hard, play hard”.   [17:32] After Ted passed, were you conscious of the fact that you were using alcohol to hide the pain?   Rob said that never occurred to him until he was in recovery.   [19:12] Tell me about after your wife left?   Rob said he gained enough clarity that night to realize the choice was alcohol or his marriage. He chose to fight for his marriage and that night was his last drink.   That next morning on his drive to work, rather than listening to his usual drive music, he listened to a podcast about recovery. That night he found an AA meeting as well.   [25:15] Tell me about the resentment you had and when you felt the shift.   Rob said it was a progression for him. He didn’t really find a home until he found Café RE in September 2019. He felt the connections become real.   [28:26] Tell me about those first few months after you quit.   Rob said at 4 months he had done a lot of the brain work. He was trying to connect to his emotions and doing real work on himself. Then in October 2019, a driver ran a red light and collided with the side of his car going 55 MPH. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. While physically ok, he had to/has to work hard to get back to himself and heal himself, again.   [35:00] Do you still get cravings and how do you handle them?   Rob said he does still get cravings. And when he does, he goes into his sobriety toolbox. The first thing he does is wait 20 minutes and then he has to figure out why the craving happened. If that doesn’t work he page 84’s his sponsor. This means: working the steps in your everyday life.   [39:16] Do you ever get push back from people when you tell them you don’t drink?   Rob said no one gives him push back.    [40:33] Rapid Fire Round    <ol> <li>What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?</li> </ol>   That first night at AA, I’m ok and I’m not alone.   <ol start="2"> <li>If you could talk to day 1 Rob, what would you say?</li> </ol>   10 deep breaths and give yourself a big hug.   <ol start="3"> <li>What are you excited about right now?</li> </ol>   Butt Burner Gold which is 1500 miles in 24 hours on a motorcycle.   <ol start="4"> <li>What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are thinking about ditching the booze?</li> </ol>   Stick around. Do the work. It’s worth it. One day you will wake up and see that it’s all worth it, you have this nice little life now.   You may have to say adios to booze...    If you got kicked out of public school for drinking and your parents put you into a parochial school and you show up to bible study drunk.   Odette’s challenge this week:   Close your eyes for a few minutes and think about the things that bring you peace. Drop them down and keep them close. Get in the habit of looking for this peaceful feeling.     Affiliate Link for Endourage: For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this <a href= "https://endourage.com/affiliate-partner/recoveryelevator" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> and use the promo code elevator at checkout.    Affiliate Link for Amazon: Shop via Amazon using this <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/amazon">link</a>.   Upcoming events, retreats and courses: <ul> <li>Recovery Elevator’s first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is for Café RE Members only. Not a member yet?! Sign up <a href= "https://recovery-elevator-sandbox.chargifypay.com/subscribe/yqhq6p9gmrr2"> here</a> and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.</li> <li>Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">here</a> and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.</li> <li>You can find more information about our events </li> </ul>   The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-is-Sht-Paul-Churchill-audiobook/dp/B07XFGVMQ9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=alcohol+is+shit&qid=1590430998&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!     Resources:  <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a> - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWac9dxkn3J93xJOka3L2g">Recovery Elevator YouTube</a> - Subscribe here! <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  -<a href= "mailto:info@recoveryelevator.com%20?subject=You%20don't%20have%20to%20quit%20drinking%20to%20quit%20drinking">info@recoveryelevator.com</a>   “Recovery Elevator – “Protect your peace – I love you guys”

RE 293: Does it Bring you Peace?

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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

What happens when you say goodbye to alcohol and hello to a life of peace? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Rob shares his inspiring journey from his last drink on June 5, 2019, to over a year of living alcohol-free. At 55, living in Littleton, CO, Rob talks about the adventures and the inner peace he's discovered along the way. From motorbike adventuring to hiking in the great outdoors, he's found new passions that bring him joy.Rob opens up about his past struggles with drinking, moving from rural Indiana to Denver in 1978, and how his life has transformed since quitting alcohol. He dives into the importance of a supportive community, highlighting how joining Recovery Elevator gave him a sense of belonging and accountability. Rob also tackles tough topics like dealing with resentment, overcoming shame and guilt, and the power of meditation in his recovery.He shares how separating himself from negative thoughts helped him focus on healing and finding purpose. Rob's story is a testament to the possibilities that await when you choose sobriety. Tune in to hear how he handles social gatherings sober, the benefits of meditation, and the endless opportunities that come with an alcohol-free life.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 293: Does it Bring you Peace?

RE 293: Does it Bring you Peace?

RE 293: Does it Bring you Peace?

Monday 28th September 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Rob's Road to Sobriety: Finding Peace and Purpose Without Alcohol