Kelly took her last drink on October 27, 2017. This is her story.
Update on the Alcohol is Sh!t book! The book is out! Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
On today’s episode Paul talks about his idea of opening an in person, wellness retreat center in Costa Rica. And while he has been working to create space for this idea and concept, and believes that the body is on board, there is still some discomfort getting out of his comfort zone.
The fact is, we all have rough days, including Paul. He says it’s important to give the body permission to feel the feelings, and also to give the body permission to allow them to go.
If this retreat center is something you’d be interested in attending email Paul at info@recoveryelevator.com .
Paul also addresses the question of, when do you know it’s a good time, after quitting alcohol, to start tackling other substances, behaviors, thought patterns, etc.? Paul’s advice is to go slow and to be patient, your body will know when it is time.
SHOW NOTES
[15:15] Paul introduces Kelly.
Kelly is 54 years old. She is married and has 2 adult children. Kelly is a full-time social worker at a hospital, and she speaks Spanish. For fun Kelly would like to get back into collecting vintage clothing. She likes to read and is looking forward to getting into outdoor activities.
[19:30] Give us a background on your drinking.
Kelly started drinking in 9th grade, just your average high school drinker. By her 2nd year of high school she feels she was drinking more regularly. She didn’t think she has a problem with alcohol because she wasn’t like her father. In 1987 she moved, thinking that that would fix any drinking issues she had.
[31:05] What happened right before you quit drinking?
There were a lot of stresses going on. She was constantly afraid of being pulled over to started to us LYFT. There was a lot of risk taking. She started buying bigger bottles.
Her son started to go to meetings for his own addictions. One nigh he told Kelly he didn’t feel it was safe for him to live at home, because of her drinking. That was the last night she drank.
[39:15] Talk to us about how you are embracing AA and the other side?
For the first 18 months Kelly was only doing AA. But she was also reading a ton of books by/or about women alcoholics. She says the AA meeting have been helpful but that she is bothered by some of the steps.
[53:00] Rapid Fire Round
What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?
That I am as strong as I am.
What is your favorite alcohol-free drink?
I like kombucha, and I like coffee.
What are some of your favorite resources in recovery?
I like Russel Brands’ Recovery on CD. I listen to him in the car. AA meetings, I do like 3-4 a week, and the Big Book.
What is on your bucket list in an alcohol-free life?
Eventually liking the outdoors. Getting outside more.
And what parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?
Listen to any voice inside that is telling you that something is wrong.
You might have a drinking problem if...
You are 23-year-old woman that has gout.
Upcoming retreats:
Asia Adventure – January 20-31, 2020
You can find more information about this event here
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Honey
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