Jody took her last drink on October 20, 2015. 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 shares with the listeners the many (12) steps, and team members, it takes to put a podcast episode together. And listeners…you are part of the team!
Paul also covers an article he came across that talks about the relationship between alcohol and antisocial behavior is well documented. You can find a link to the article here.
The question is, can we blame our bad behavior on the alcohol? The study in this article says no. Alcohol, according to the study, does not change your personality. Drunken you has the same moral compass as sober you.
[10:20] Paul introduces Jody.
Jody is 30 years old and lives in Orlando, Florida. She is a flight attendant and a mindset and transformation coach. Jody is not married and does not have any kids, yet. She loves to travel, read, cook, and do yoga.
[13:25] Give us a background on your drinking.
Jody was introduced to alcohol her freshman year of college. She found that alcohol helped her social anxiety. After graduating from college, she thought she would leave the binge drinking behind. That didn’t happen. She continued to drink and smoke and have blackouts, and this frustrated Jody.
[17:15] Can you dive deeper into your frustration?
She moved back home and that addiction followed her. It helped her find people that made her feel normal. Once she decided she wanted to become a flight attendant she knew she would have to stop smoking because they drug test you. So, she did, and she got the job. During this time Jody started drinking more and drinking alone.
[22:40] Get us up to speed, did you try to moderate, was there a rock bottom moment?
When she started drinking alone, she tried to make rules and moderate, always breaking the rules. The voice inside got really loud and she started to believe that the world would be a better place without her. She felt her problem was too big. This is when she started to listen to the Recovery Elevator podcast. She got a new therapist and at the age of 27 she identified herself as an alcoholic, a word she does not use anymore.
[24:30] Tell me your thinking on not using the word alcoholic anymore?
Jody feels very passionate about this…this feels it’s a very dangerous and harmful term to use.
[27:40] Bring us up to October 20, 2015.
Jody says she was just sick and tired or being sick and tired.
[28:20] What happened after that?
Jody says she’s pretty much did it on her own. She took it one day at a time. Jody structured her days and it helped her stay sober and grounded.
[29:15] In the first couple months did you experience cravings, and how’d you get past them?
Jody says she made a really firm decision that she didn’t want to drink and she didn’t experience cravings.
[30:20] Share with us your biggest life lessons during the last 4 years.
Jody’s first year was dedicated to loving herself. Year 2, 3, & 4 was all about mindset. She changed the way she viewed what had happened and how alcohol was viewed in out society. This ultimately made her leave AA.
[33:40] Tell us about being a Mindset and Transformation Coach.
About a year ago Jody decided she wanted to do something to help others that want to be alcohol free. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
[38:25] You are loud and proud on social media, what has been the response?
Jody says her posts are never about her, they are about the people that need to hear it. About sharing her story for those that need to hear that message.
[43:30] Where can people get in contact with you?
You can find Jody on Instagram here.
[44:00] Rapid Fire Round
What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?
Realizing I am not my addiction, I am not what I have experienced.
What is a gift that sobriety has given you?
Being fully present at all times.
What is your favorite alcohol-free drink?
Recently I had a spicy AF jalapeno margherita.
What are some of your favorite resources on this journey?
Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind, Alan Carr’s The Easy Way to Quit Drinking for Women, this podcast, and anyone that is loud and proud on Instagram.
What is on your bucket list in an alcohol-free life?
I want to help as many people as I can through coaching.
And what parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?
Be open, and committed. Stay curious.
You might need to ditch the booze if...
If you use the layering technique in your recycling bin.
Upcoming retreats:
Asia Adventure – January 20-31, 2020
You can find more information about this event here
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Jody via Instagram @jodyventura
You Can’t Blame Alcohol for Acting Like an A-hole Anymore, Say Scientists
https://www.inverse.com/article/58809-alcohol-study-does-it-change-your-personality
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