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The run up to Christmas can be busy and chaotic; we need this month to rest and reset For the first time since starting my Substack, I didn’t post last week. I had no inspiration or motivation. The Christmas break so was nice. For the first time in a long time I had a nice relaxed break with no arguments, no fall outs, no drama and no illness. It was such a refreshing changing having on Christmas coming to terms with my mum’s brain tumour and operation, then a Christmas of de

If you struggle to moderate your drinking, a month off alcohol may not be the answer. For some people, real change means stopping for good

Britons are drinking less than ever before and what once felt odd is becoming normal If you’ve been questioning your drinking lately, it’s not just you. According to a recent report in The Guardian (originally in the FT , but it’s behind a paywall), alcohol consumption in Britain is now at a record low. More people are drinking less (or not at all) than ever before. What was once seen as niche or boring is gradually becoming normal. For years, drinking has been wrapped up in

My First Sober Christmas

From decades in hospitality and wine to freedom, healing and self-trust, Jo’s sober journey is one of courage, resilience and hope Now living in France, Jo Clarke ( La Guérisseuse Verte on Instagram - The Green Healer) has been alcohol-free since 28th December 2023. After years working in bars, hospitality and sommellerie, alcohol was deeply embedded in her life and identity. What started young slowly became physical dependence anxiety and a point where Jo couldn’t see a wa

Seven reasons why opting out of a drink can feel like letting the side down If you’ve ever said, “I’m not drinking tonight” and instantly felt like you’d just let the side down, you’re not imagining it. In the UK, drinking isn’t just a solo activity, it’s treated like a team sport. A group effort. A ritual. A badge of belonging. It’s bizarre when you really think about it, but also totally understandable. Here’s 7 reasons why: 1. We’re taught early on that drinking equals co

Leaving by 10:30pm, facing old memories and learning what social tiredness feels like without the blur of alcohol When I think back to how I used to behave at awards events, it honestly feels like I’m watching someone else, trying to hold it all together while drinking A LOT of booze. I still remember my very first awards night where I managed to knock a bottle of red wine all over the white tablecloth and then, in a stroke of genius, poured a bottle of white wine on it to “c

With more than half the country touched by addiction but so many too afraid to talk about it, Addiction Awareness Week reminds us why these conversations are important When I saw HRH The Princess of Wales’s message to The Forward Trust ’s Taking Action on Addiction Campaign in support of Addiction Awareness Week (HRH has been Patron of The Forward Trust since 2021), this quote stood out: “Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition

After years of chasing confidence at the bottom of a glass, Emma Bond discovered that the real magic was in showing up fully; for herself, for her family and for the life she truly wanted This week, I’m so excited to introduce you to Emma Bond, who has been alcohol-free since 1st January, 2023. Emma’s story is full of honesty, strength, grief, growth and the kind of self-awareness that so many women will see themselves in. Her journey started young, carried her through mother

The last two years left me carrying more stress than I realised and transpersonal coaching has helped me understand why everything finally spilled over I’ve been having some transpersonal coaching lately – it was new to me too! If you’re not familiar, it’s a specialised form of coaching that takes a holistic, integrative approach and supports deep personal growth and transformation. My sessions are with my reiki practitioner, Danielle, who is offering pro bono coaching so she

This week, imposter syndrome came knocking, but it turned out to be a sign I was exactly where I needed to be

Morning hangover jokes a might seem harmless, but they’re not

Lily Allen’s new album dives deep into heartbreak, resilience and sobriety. Here’s why her honesty and strength resonate so strongly with anyone on an alcohol-free journey.

Two decades after living for the London nightlife, I went to see one of my old favourite bands and realised how different freedom feels now. The music hasn’t changed, but I have

After years of drinking to escape boredom and loneliness, a breast cancer diagnosis and a series of blackouts pushed Nicola Wood to reassess her relationship with alcohol

A weekend away in Marrakech was a sober girl's delight

One in four of us fears a loved one drinks too much. Here’s why it matters and what you can do When we think about alcohol problems, it’s...

Sober October can be more than a month off, you might find you don't want to go back

20 sober terms and what they mean

Sobriety didn’t just change Danielle Moore’s life - it gave her a brand new one This week I’m so excited to share 26-year-old Danielle’s...