From
Cloudy
to Clarity.

For a long time my life felt weighed down by shame, harsh self-criticism, constant underlying anxiety and overall cloudiness. It affected the people I love and chipped away at my self-esteem. 

 

On the outside, I was praised for my healthy lifestyle, passion for fitness and wellbeing. Internally, however, I was admiring others for being able to drink normally and live an apparently fulfilling life. I felt so alone and questioned whether it was just me? I had been struggling mentally to moderate for years and had stopped drinking alcohol for chunks of time, thinking that this time I had it sorted!!!

 

Alcohol pulled me further away from the person I wanted to be; my wellbeing goals always felt out of reach. My daily exercise ritual and fitness levels produced little results, despite gruelling sessions. I had lost my sense of self and the pretence that I was getting by harder to uphold. I felt utterly exhausted from avoiding the reality of my struggles with alcohol and sad as I watched my world getting smaller as I travelled downwards on the booze elevator.

 

I discovered Janey Lee-Grace's book, ‘Happy, Healthy, Sober’ and I felt things change. I felt seen and saw that others felt the same, too. The clouds felt lifted and the sense of relief was euphoric. The clarity I have gained since October 10th 2022 has literally changed my life -  I now trust myself and take up space in my own life. I’m proud to be a positive role model to my adult children, set boundaries and be more present and connected in my relationships. Plus my fitness is the best it’s ever been, aged 52!

 

Ultimately, I feel a huge sense of freedom and clarity around myself and my needs, and looking back, I’m braver than I have been in decades.