In hindsight, May was busier than I thought it would be. We were able to have a small celebration for Sam and we made it through “wedding week” by spending much-needed family time at our favorite lodge in Minnesota. My daily gratitude posts on Instagram proved to be just what I needed to keep my focus on the blessings in my life rather than the cancellations we endured.

I made my final post on May 28, unaware of the situation that had unfolded just hours south of our peaceful cabin in the woods. As we drove home, back into reality, it seemed wise to quiet myself and to enter June with the intention to listen and learn.

The drive home is seven hours if you’re in a hurry and we weren’t. We stopped along the way to grab food from the cooler in the back of the truck. We talked about the week, recounting stories about the kids and my sister-in-law and her husband. We agree that we need more of these kinds of vacations in our future… more days filled with quiet, family, and nature.

We listened to music until we reached the twin cities and then switched to the news, so we could safely move through on our way home. Quickly the commentators’ opinions became too much and I found myself longing for a glass of wine to take the edge off our abrupt return to reality.

To my constant amazement, the Google fairy seems to be able to read my thoughts and share my secrets with Facebook. As I unlocked my screen to escape yet another press conference, I was annoyingly nudged with suggested posts questioning my sobriety (or as it were… lack thereof. Vacation=wine, right?)

By the time we reached Ames, I had swiped FB away no less than 5 times… each time I reopened, a lovely lady named Jenn was there to share her story. I had started to question my ability to stop drinking.
I could do it… right?

I mean, I’ve done it before… hadn’t I?

“Well sure you have”, says the devil on my shoulder… “Remember that one week in July several years ago when you decided to try a new diet? Remember? You made it a WHOLE WEEK, including a holiday.”

Of course, you know the rest of the story. I got caught. Hook, line, and sinker… I signed up for a 21 day Reset with Sober Sis, led lovingly by Jenn Kautsch. I signed up, not because I think I have a problem… I only drink when I’m happy or sad… celebrating or mourning… wired or relaxed… you get the picture. But really, I chose this program because:
A. I’m a big fan of group coaching
B. She seemed so genuine
C. My heart was in need of a victory
D. I can do anything for 21 days. Right?!?

Well, in case you’re still here and you’re wondering, it turns out I can quit drinking for 21 days. Today is actually day 32! And I’ve even made it through a hurried move, some special dinners, and gatherings with friends on the deck. Next challenges? A wedding this weekend and a road trip to help my son and his Bride to-be relocate.
And that group coaching thing… it’s way more important than I ever believed. Through the last several weeks, I’ve been blessed to build new friendships with women just like me. They are women from all over North America… hard-working, single, married, successful, beautiful, strong… and all lost for a more sustainable solution to life’s grand moments than a glass of liquid comfort.
I’ve learned a lot about my sober self too:

• I like sleep! I’m good at it when my body’s not crashing into a wine induced sugar-low at 3 am

• I don’t need 2 hours of quiet time and a pot of coffee to cure the morning bitches

• I like a tidy home and it’s super awesome to wake up to a clean kitchen

• I am NOT in the throes of menopause! Not one hot flash since day 4

• I have cheekbones (and wrist bones and just ONE chin)

• I remember what I read… and what I say… and the promises I make
  

And much more important than all of the above and the reason I’m going to go a while longer…

I like myself and now I know I can BE Happy AF (alcohol free ;) in case you were wondering)

The lead ingredient of my new favorite drink can be found HERE. Pour 2 oz. shrub over ice in your favorite wineglass and top with Blackberry Bubly. Check out Curious Elixirs No. 1 & 4 while you’re on the site… super yummy if you’re looking for something to toss in your cooler!

As always~ Be Happy

xoxo

Kim