Joss, a 34-year-old from the Bay Area, opens up about her path to sobriety in this episode of Recovery Elevator. Her story is one of resilience, shaped by a sheltered upbringing and the profound loss of her mother. Joss candidly shares how she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace an alcohol-free life. As the seasons change, so do the challenges in recovery.

Joss delves into her fears about social events and how the pandemic influenced her drinking habits. But it’s not all struggles; she also highlights the unexpected joys of living without alcohol. From discovering non-alcoholic drinks that bring comfort to finding strength in online communities, Joss's journey is filled with practical strategies and heartfelt moments.

Her experience offers hope and inspiration to anyone starting their own recovery journey, showing that a fulfilling life without alcohol is not just possible but incredibly rewarding.

Join Joss on Recovery Elevator as she shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, offering valuable tips and hope for navigating an alcohol-free life.

Joss's Journey: Embracing Sobriety and Finding New Strengths

Episode 430 – Walking Into Summer   Today we have Joss, she’s 34 from the Bay Area and took her last drink on December 21st, 2022.   We still have room in our upcoming flagship retreat which takes place August 9th through the 13th in Bozeman, Montana.  This event is all about having fun, connecting, and learning the tools needed to be successful on your Alcohol-Free journey. You can find more information <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/bozeman/"> here</a>!   [02:21] Thoughts from Kris:   Spring has finally arrived in North Dakota!   With the changing seasons, it’s not uncommon to experience some different emotions surrounding our recovery. More outdoor social activities and parties can bring some unique challenges.   We sometimes worry what others might think about us and our choice not to drink. The phrasing “I care what people think of me” makes me feel a bit middle-schoolish, but humans long for connection and community. We are not really fearing the event so much as fearing that we don’t belong. Creating accountability with people we trust can help us navigate these times, and sometimes just passing on the event may be what we need to do for the time being.   Stay tuned for more tips gathered from our members at Café RE after the interview!   Better Help:  <a href="http://www.betterhelp.com/elevator"> www.betterhelp.com/elevator</a> - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [09:45] Kris introduces Joss:   Joss is 34 and lives in the Bay Area. She has two cats, is a hairstylist and enjoys running. She recently celebrated three months alcohol free.   Joss grew up in a very strict and sheltered Christian household. Her parents were very active in the church, and they spent a lot of time there and went to a private school. Joss first tried alcohol when she was 14 and her drinking increased a lot in high school. She battled with depression and never felt validated by her family, and they just pushed her toward God and church without giving her much opportunity to explore anything else. She jumped around schools a few times due to suspensions and expulsions.   She didn’t consider her high school years as being rebellious but more as a time to explore things outside of the sheltered life she was raised in. She really enjoyed music and started a band in high school.   Joss moved to New York after her mother suddenly passed away and says that time was when things got out of control. She reflects that a lot of the things she did while drinking too much could have ended very badly. Joss was dating someone who also drank heavily, so it quickly was their lifestyle. Eventually she grew tired of life in New York, broke up with her partner and moved back to the Bay Area where she continued to drink.   Dealing with the death of her mother was hard on Joss. She got settled into a friend group after moving home and they all partied a lot. She was working in the restaurant industry and found herself drinking before and after her shifts and progressed even more during the pandemic. During that time, she was starting to listen to podcasts and become sober-curious. After a particularly bad morning-after from drinking too much, she realized that enough was enough.    The first month of quitting found Joss staying sober through multiple triggering events. Her advice to others is if you feel like there is an event or reason that you don’t think you can quit drinking now – there will always be a reason to wait. Instead of waiting – just go for it!   Since quitting, Joss enjoyed going to AA and having that community. She has also found some groups online that she enjoys. She finds that stocking her fridge with alcohol-free drinks, sharing her intentions with her friends and leaning into comfort of all kinds is the key to her success. For Joss, all her relationships have improved, especially the relationship with herself.   <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">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> <a href= "https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes </a>   Recovery Elevator You’re the only one that can do this RE But you don’t have to do it alone I love you guys.

RE 430: Walking Into Summer

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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

Joss, a 34-year-old from the Bay Area, opens up about her path to sobriety in this episode of Recovery Elevator. Her story is one of resilience, shaped by a sheltered upbringing and the profound loss of her mother. Joss candidly shares how she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace an alcohol-free life. As the seasons change, so do the challenges in recovery.Joss delves into her fears about social events and how the pandemic influenced her drinking habits. But it’s not all struggles; she also highlights the unexpected joys of living without alcohol. From discovering non-alcoholic drinks that bring comfort to finding strength in online communities, Joss's journey is filled with practical strategies and heartfelt moments.Her experience offers hope and inspiration to anyone starting their own recovery journey, showing that a fulfilling life without alcohol is not just possible but incredibly rewarding.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 430: Walking Into Summer

RE 430: Walking Into Summer

RE 430: Walking Into Summer

Monday 15th May 2023

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Joss's Journey: Embracing Sobriety and Finding New Strengths

Episode Overview