While most people were nursing hangovers on New Year’s Day, it marked two years off the booze for me. Since then, I feel like things are getting better and better. I no longer feel nervous, unsure of what drives me or makes me spring out of bed in the morning.
Something rather extraordinary has happened that I NEVER expected. It’s very humbling.
You see, people have started comming out of the woodwork and voluntarily confiding in me about their drinking problems. They are asking me things like:
- How did you do it? Answer: podcasts, a small group of amazing friends, research, Annie Grace, WordPress.
- Did you go to AA? No.
- Who helped you? Mostly my amazing partner. He doesn’t drink either.
In some instances, these people are friends. In two instances, these people were seriously heavy drinkers. One is now seven weeks alcoholfree and the other is just over one year. The others are somewhere in between.
In another instances, the people were acquaintances. For example, someone I barely knew but reached out to me after seeing a Facebook post I put out there on New Year’s Day saying I’d hit the two year alcoholfree mark. And that I was spending my booze money on a two week yoga expedition in Bali. She told me her marriage was on the rocks and she had to sort her drinking before it took its toll on her relationships.
Rest assured, I’m not pretending to be a qualified alcohol counselor or a trained professional in this stuff. I make this very clear to anyone who wants to chat about their relationship with alcohol. What I DO say is that I can offer up my experiences, my pain, my tools and my approach. It’s working for me but naturally I cannot guarantee it’ll work for anyone else. I invite them to take what serves them. And if they find other tools that resonate, I’d love to learn about these. I also say that I’ll do my best to answer their questions. I don’t have all the answers but being vulnerable and honest plays a huge part.
Anyway, wanted to share this with you as it’s been a hugely humbling experience. I never dreamt that people would approach me about their drinking. I offer to do what I can because it’s called paying it forward. It’s the very least I can do, considering all the people that supported me through this journey.
Wish you all a safe, rejuvenating and relaxing weekend.
Big hugs
NWIF xoxo
PS Aroha, is the Maori word for love. A very big part of New Zealand after last Friday’s horrific attack in Christchurch. Sending aroha to you all ❤️
You are already a winner, a counselor, and a consultant. An expert for that that can help people out of their drunkenness. You can never go back! Well done!
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I told you ages ago you were an inspiration! well done you and so nice you can now help people to get their lives back xx
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Hi lovely! Ah yes, I remember! Paying it forward is the very least I can do I think… if there is one small tool or piece of experience I can share with someone battling alcohol like I did, then it’s all been worth it. It gives me so much joy, seeing loved ones flourish as they say goodbye to alcohol. May be both continue to grow and do what we can to support others on their journey 😊❤️✨🙏🏼
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yes indeed my friend xx
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Sending Love right back at you❤️. Keep it up.
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Thank you Dwight 🙏🏼✨🕊
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Yes! Beautiful, NWIF!
It’s having an open heart, willingness to share!
🌸🙏
Wendy
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Thanks lovely. Open heart equals vulnerability … but I wanted to be totally honest about how tough it’s been. Just being authentic, you know?
Appreciate your love and support, as always, it means a lot ❤️🕊🙏🏼
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Just beautiful NWIF! I’m right behind you! I will vouch for the amazing world of saying yes to sobriety. My prayers are with you, your country and your people. You have a remarkable woman leading you and NZ clearly has it’s values and priorities in order. Sad to say the US will always place money and power above human life. Love you my friend. ❤
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Thanks so much for your kind words Elizabeth, your support means a lot.
I agree, Jacinda is an incredible role model, inspiration and tower of strength to us all. I hope in some small way, her actions and words could have positive effects on other countries.
Sending love 🙏🏼🕊✨
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I think your willingness to share you path is truly beautiful. That’s how we work to make the world a better place. Keep doing it!
🙏💗
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Thank you, your encouragement means so much. You are right, let’s keep doing it together. Sending love xx
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