#mystorychangetosurrender Jenn

What is your story? Tell us about your story from the beginning to where you are now?

I began my alcohol free life on January 1st 2020. I was tired. I was tired of being tired. I challenged myself to a “Dry January.” My first 30 days alcohol free, became WAY harder than I ever imagined. My soul, my heart and my gut realized this meant alcohol was beyond toxic in my life.

I am 40 years old. Proud mama to my 3 amazing kids. I happily married my soul mate and partner in life almost 3 years ago. Kyle, and his 3 amazing kiddos, completed our blended family. We absolutely love our home in Cleveland, Ohio.

I look back at the last 7 months of being alcohol free. Truthfully, life has been incredible. I realize now that alcohol is selling a false reality. We don’t become happier, or more relaxed when we consume it. It is such a tricky drug. It sells itself everywhere and to everyone. I was drinking socially every day. Some days 2 glasses of wine. Other days, a bottle and a couple of draft beers. I was drinking everywhere I went. Parties, dinners, brunch, celebrations, funerals, movie theaters, after kids sports, on my bike, you name the place.. I was most likely drinking at it.

It wasn’t until New Years Eve, the most “celebrated” night of the year... I felt it was time to try a life without alcohol. I didn’t have a rock bottom. It was just time for a change. A challenge.

Today, 7 months and 3 days later.. I am healthier, happier and more focused. I am the best version of myself. I certainly don’t have all the answers to this life. I will tell folks..don’t knock it till you give yourself a chance to be free. Today is just another day in this new lifestyle. It’s one day at a time.

What was the most challenging part about your journey? And what helped you get through?

The most difficult part of this journey, was the very beginning. The first 30 days. Day 8 and Day 21. I questioned my future. I asked myself questions, “Will I ever drink again?” “How will I go to social events?” “What will people think?”

It was new. It was the fear of the unknown. The first 30 days, became the hardest time period. I found my husband’s support and positivity, crucial in understanding this. He motivated me, every day. We read Annie Grace’s book This Naked Mind. Together. Her knowledge and information, propelled me into a place that wanted to stop drinking.

What support systems helped you in your recovery?

My husband definitely offered love and encouragement daily. A friend of mine, who recently was AF passed along other books. My family and the sober community on Instagram.. all became a very healthy support system.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting their recovery journey?

It is so important, to recognize that alcohol is the most addictive drug on the planet. For those folks, questioning or debating their relationship to drinking.. my advise is simple. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time. Find new daily routines. Routines really helped me organize my days. Less focus on “happy hour,”more focus on being present.

Try setting a side 20min a day. Wake up early, before the day begins. Sit. Breathe. Start a journal. I have started making our bed every morning. I challenged myself to making my bed every day for 30 days. Small goals. Simple. Give yourself praise. Don’t try and change everything at once. I definitely craved milkshakes, so I eat them. I drank diet soda. The goal was to stop drinking alcohol. Be gentle on your life. Realize, if it was easy it wouldn’t be worth trying.

Before and After

If you would like to share your story please email us at changetosurrender@gmail.com.