What is First and Sober?

I made the choice to live sober on June 18, 2017.

Professionally, I knew I would never reach my potential if I kept drinking.

Each day I would wake up anxiety -- shame-filled, sluggish and unmotivated. I'd swear off drinking forever, struggling to focus on the workday.

By 4pm, my vow to quit was forgotten. I'd open the wine or beer bottle and the cycle would continue.

Creativity doesn't bestow itself on the hungover.

Anxiety-ridden people don't energetically pour themselves into projects.

In short, alcohol was keeping me from achieving.

My business gained traction the year I got sober. I worked with groups of female entrepreneurs who helped me see that LinkedIn was a sweet spot for me, allowing me to leverage my gift of storytelling. I found a rhythm in business without the fog of alcohol hanging over me.

Personally, abstaining from alcohol was a rediscovery of self, tapping into my childlike wonder and artistic side for the first time in decades.

At the same time, I found myself face-to-face with long-buried feelings, leading to trauma responses and big emotions, which trickled into my professional life.

Suddenly fully awake, I had to learn how to trust co-workers, to work as part of a team, and to let go of control.

I had to choose to stay in a situation that was uncomfortable and strained and embarrassing.

Introspection and therapy gave me insight.

Mentors and colleagues gave me grace.

Self-love and strength gave me the ability to humble myself and own my behavior.

Sobriety gave me the chance to experience it all.

Sobriety for you doesn't have to be about abstaining from a substance, it can be about living with intention and presence.

It can be about authentically communicating with yourself and others.

It can be about never believing you've arrived, knowing there's always more to learn and more ways to grow.

It can be about humility, introspection, and passion.

First and Sober is a fresh start, every time you choose it.

All you have to do is make the choice.

About First and Sober

First and Sober is about living life with presence. For some, that means first getting free from the hold alcohol has on their lives. For all, it means getting real about living each day wide awake and on purpose. If you believe you have a problem with alcohol you can't overcome on your own,?please reach out for help.