Have you ever felt like you’re just drifting through life, stuck in a fog? Kyle knows that feeling all too well. At 33 years old, from Michigan, Kyle took his last drink on May 31, 2020. With 82 days of sobriety under his belt at the time of this recording, he shares his raw and real journey on this episode of Recovery Elevator.

Hosted by Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen, this episode dives into Kyle’s transformation from living a life clouded by alcohol to finding clarity and purpose without it. Kyle opens up about the challenges he faced, including battling depression and anxiety, especially during the pandemic. He talks about the importance of community and how building healthy relationships has been a cornerstone in his recovery.

One of Kyle’s key messages is that humans aren’t meant to be happy all the time, and that’s okay. He emphasizes self-love and self-care as vital tools in maintaining sobriety. This episode isn’t just about Kyle’s struggles; it’s also about the triumphs and the little victories that come with living alcohol-free. Kyle discusses alternative ways to achieve euphoria and how shifting his perspective helped him get unstuck.

His story is a testament to the power of asking the right questions and seeing things differently. If you’re feeling lost or stuck in your own journey with alcohol, Kyle’s story might just be the inspiration you need. Tune in to hear about his experiences, the tools he used to stay sober, and how he found a new purpose in life.

This episode offers hope and encouragement for anyone looking to break free from alcohol and live a more fulfilling life.

Kyle shares his journey from alcohol dependence to clarity, highlighting community support and self-care on Recovery Elevator.

Kyle's Journey: From the Fog of Alcohol to Clarity and Purpose

Kyle took his last drink on May 31 2020. With 82 days away from alcohol (at the time of this recording), this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).   <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/">Recovery Elevator RESTORE January 2021 Course</a>. We will be offering this starting 1/1/2021. We’re meeting 13 times in January via Zoom to give you the tools and accountability needed for an alcohol-free January… and hopefully more!  We’ll be focusing more on creating a life where alcohol is no longer needed. We’ve found that when we have healthy altruistic relationships with fellow human beings, the need for alcohol or any external substance drastically reduces. For more information and to sign up, use this <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/">link</a>.   Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You   Sometimes we get stuck. When Odette gets stuck, she repeats this simple phrase to herself. “Please help me see things differently.” Being shown the same scenario through a different lens helps to shift the perspective. Different questions help to see things in a new way and get unstuck. If you’re feeling stuck are you asking yourself the wrong questions?     [7:44] Odette introduces Kyle.   Kyle is 33 years old and from Michigan. He is married and has three young daughters. He works in the automotive industry as a program manager. For fun he’s been planning the future with his wife, he also likes gaming and running.     [10:49] Can you give listeners some background on your story?   Kyle said the first time he got drunk was when he was 14, but he didn’t notice a change in his drinking until he was in his 20s. He was taking on a lot at the time and failing a lot at things. He looked to beer to take the edge off which turned into drinking to black out every night. He tried quitting many times and this stretch is the longest he’s gone in 10 years.     [13:37] When did you notice you were using alcohol to cope?   Kyle said he realized this subconsciously early on but was trying to quit on willpower alone. He figured out the price for alcohol and the euphoria it brought was higher than he was willing to pay. Alcohol stopped being enjoyable at the end because he was just chasing something.     [17:25] What happened when you returned from Japan and you realized you couldn’t shake it?   Kyle said rock bottom wasn’t one individual thing. He realized he was letting his wife and kids down often. He would wake up ashamed. During a conversation with his wife, she mentioned a friend who worked with people with addiction issues. Kyle was given some reference material. He found other like-minded people and that’s really what helped him.     [21:23] Tell me about your attempts to stop drinking.   Kyle said he feels like he’s been in a fog for the last 10 years. He had a lot of vision and no energy. Every time he woke up and swore off alcohol, but 3 pm that day he was ready to drink. There was a lot of mental back and forth he experienced. He sees now that was only will power without understanding the science behind it.     [23:23] What was your mental headspace when you were trying to quit?   Kyle said he lacked a lot of self love, so he was frustrated with himself all the time. He had a good façade and came off as confident, but he wasn’t the person he wanted to be internally.      [24:15] How has this time been different for you?   Kyle said he is seeking help. Also, his family is a big influence about getting sober. He knows he will be there for them.     [25:16] What do you do when you get a craving?   Kyle said he sits with it and he thinks about the morning after, his future and what the drink can lead to.     [27:30] How has staying away from alcohol affected your anxiety & depression?   Kyle said it’s still there, but it’s not as severe. He now knows that drinking wont erase them and he deals with them.     [29:44] What does a day in the life of Kyle look like?   Kyle said it’s mainly juggling his career and his family.     [29:44] What does a day in the life of Kyle look like?   Jason said he makes amends a lot. He gives himself permission to be imperfect and to circle back. He practices and allows room for mistakes to happen. Being compassionate with himself. He also applies the ABCs     [30:10] Do you have any rituals in place to help you deal with cravings?   Kyle said he likes to keep his hands busy. He does see he’s more focused on the things he loves.     [37:16] Have you noticed a difference in your relationship with your wife?   Kyle said his wife really let him do what he needed and didn’t get in the way of him discovering his own path to sobriety. He has thanked her for letting him discover sobriety in his own way.      [41:20] Do you have any specific routines during the day / morning routine?   Kyle said he used to but now not really. He does try to find time to exercise because it’s a stress release. If he has extra time, read a book.      [43:43] Have you noticed your sleep has improved?   Kyle said living away from alcohol has improved his sleep. He used to drink to knock himself out. He’s noticed it’s much better now.          [44:43] Rapid Fire Round    <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">If you could talk to day 1 Kyle, what would you say?</li> </ol>   Show yourself a little self love and try to understand the science behind why you drink.   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What is your favorite NA beverage?</li> </ol>   Coffee, he’s trying to find a good energy drink.   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What parting piece of guidance can you give people thinking about ditching the booze?</li> </ol>   If you haven’t tried it and you’re thinking about it, just try it. Try to understand it.       You may have to say adios to booze if...    you mention this question to your wife because you’re struggling to come up with an answer and she gives you a list of ten.   Odette’s parting words:   Thank you. After many day 1s, she’s celebrating 2 years sober this week.    Upcoming events, retreats and courses: <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1"><a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/">Recovery Elevator RESTORE January 2021 Course</a>. We will be offering this starting 1/1/2021. We’re meeting 13 times in January via Zoom to give you the tools and accountability needed for an alcohol-free January… and hopefully more! </li> <li class="li1">You can find more information about our events <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/events/">here.</a></li> </ul>   Affiliate Link for Endourage: For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this <a href= "https://endourage.com/affiliate-partner/recoveryelevator">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>.   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"> 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>!     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%2520?subject=You%2520don't%2520have%2520to%2520quit%2520drinking%2520to%2520quit%2520drinking">info@recoveryelevator.com</a>   “Recovery Elevator – Everything that you need is already inside of you- I love you guys”

RE 304: You’re Asking Yourself the Wrong Question.

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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

Have you ever felt like you’re just drifting through life, stuck in a fog? Kyle knows that feeling all too well. At 33 years old, from Michigan, Kyle took his last drink on May 31, 2020. With 82 days of sobriety under his belt at the time of this recording, he shares his raw and real journey on this episode of Recovery Elevator.Hosted by Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen, this episode dives into Kyle’s transformation from living a life clouded by alcohol to finding clarity and purpose without it. Kyle opens up about the challenges he faced, including battling depression and anxiety, especially during the pandemic. He talks about the importance of community and how building healthy relationships has been a cornerstone in his recovery.One of Kyle’s key messages is that humans aren’t meant to be happy all the time, and that’s okay. He emphasizes self-love and self-care as vital tools in maintaining sobriety. This episode isn’t just about Kyle’s struggles; it’s also about the triumphs and the little victories that come with living alcohol-free. Kyle discusses alternative ways to achieve euphoria and how shifting his perspective helped him get unstuck.His story is a testament to the power of asking the right questions and seeing things differently. If you’re feeling lost or stuck in your own journey with alcohol, Kyle’s story might just be the inspiration you need. Tune in to hear about his experiences, the tools he used to stay sober, and how he found a new purpose in life.This episode offers hope and encouragement for anyone looking to break free from alcohol and live a more fulfilling life.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 304: You’re Asking Yourself the Wrong Question.

RE 304: You’re Asking Yourself the Wrong Question.

RE 304: You’re Asking Yourself the Wrong Question.

Monday 14th December 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Kyle's Journey: From the Fog of Alcohol to Clarity and Purpose