In the journey of life, we often encounter moments that test our resilience, challenge our resolve, or simply make us uncomfortable. Whether it's facing a craving, navigating a difficult meeting, or bracing for a family dinner, having a toolkit of effective coping strategies is invaluable. Enter the I.M.P.R.O.V.E method, derived from the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), offering a roadmap to not just survive but thrive in any situation. I - Imagery: Painting Your Desired Outcome The power of visualization cannot be overstated. Close your eyes and envision the scenario u ..read more

How to Order Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Ease Navigating social gatherings and bar scenes can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you're taking a break from alcohol. But fear not, because ordering non-alcoholic drinks at a bar or party with confidence is not only possible but can also be quite enjoyable. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to confidently order non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring you feel comfortable and satisfied in any social setting. Know Your Options Understanding the Variety: When it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, the options are endless. Gone ..read more

In a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, we all seek moments of clarity and motivation to propel us forward. Welcome to our sanctuary of inspiration, where words have the power to ignite flames of hope, courage, and perseverance—and occasionally, they make us chuckle. Here you'll find a delightful blend of timeless wisdom and quirky humor, distilled into poignant quotes from thinkers, leaders, and visionaries across the ages. Whether you're seeking solace in times of difficulty, a dose of laughter, or a spark to fuel your ambitions, join us on this journey as we explore the transfor ..read more

I recently skimmed through my journals from the beginning of my sober journey. One passage caught my attention, and I thought to myself, “Hey, that’s pretty good!” And I thought I’d share it with you. Here it is just as I wrote it with maybe one or two tweaks ... June 9, 2020 So today marks 107 days hangover-free. I do miss the initial hit and warmth and calm that the first sip affords me. I think about that almost every night as I make a mocktail. But I know that if I have that one sip, I’ll want to chase that feeling, and that will lead me down a pitiful path. So I guess my relationship ..read more

What Baseball Teaches Us About Life I've been a baseball fan for as long as I can remember. I learned to keep score at my brother's high school games when I was eight years old. The roots of my connection to the sport run even deeper, as my grandfather, who played in what could be deemed the minor leagues during the 1920s, shared colorful stories with us. Among them, he recounted the time when the New York Yankees visited Oklahoma on a promotional tour, and he had the incredible opportunity to pitch to none other than Babe Ruth. Recalling the experience, he used to humorously remark, "That bal ..read more

Any of you that have ever had a hound dog in your life will surely relate to this…years ago Sophie Mae Hound entered my life. She was a 5-month-old black and tan coonhound. But her skills were definitely more refined than just mere raccoons. She would bark and bay at anything that moved in the yard! The neighbor’s yard. The driveway. The road.  South Carolina (I live in North Carolina)…well, you get the picture.  She was also well known for her digging proficiencies…who needs a pole auger or well driller with a hound dawg around?    Drinking with a ..read more

How Feelings Forge Long-Term Habits In the quest for personal growth and self-improvement, forming healthy habits is often a common goal. Many of us have heard the old adage that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but is there any scientific evidence to back this up? According to recent research, the link between repetition and habit formation might not be as straightforward as we once believed. Instead, it appears that positive feelings coupled with celebration play a crucial role in wiring new behaviors into our brains as lasting habits. The Traditional View of Habit Formation For years, the ..read more

Ten Alcohol-Free Mocktail Swaps for Classic Cocktails Ready to raise your glass without the guilt? Say goodbye to the morning-after regrets and hello to a night of delicious, guilt-free indulgence! In this blog post, we're unveiling the secrets to creating mocktail magic that rivals your favorite classic cocktails. Join us on a journey of flavor, fun, and a touch of wellness as we shake up your typical night out. Let's turn alcohol-free dreams into reality – because who says you can't mock the night away with style? 1. Old Fashioned Elegance Transport yourself to a serene oasis with this Old ..read more

I lost my mom in 2019 when I was still drinking. I can remember exactly what I had to drink after her memorial service – two margaritas and a very large vodka martini. I didn’t want to grieve. I wanted to forget. Recently, I lost two very special people in my life within two weeks of each other – one like a father to me, the other like a sister. This time I didn’t want to forget like I did in 2019. I wanted to grieve. Funny how our minds work and how a few years can make such a difference. Stay with me as I share my journey from that dark place to where I stand today – a journey filled with he ..read more

"HAPPY YEW NEAR! I mean, NAPPY YEW DEAR! Let me try again...YAPPY HEW NEAR! Dangit! HAP-PEEEE...NEWWWW...YEEEEAR!" Finally, I got it! That was me a few years ago attempting to wish you a Happy New Year. Whether I was with a group of friends or I celebrated alone, one thing was for sure: I was imbibing. A lot!   So, how do I spend my New Year’s Eve now?  I have options, but there is one thing I know for sure: I will be spending it without the company of alcohol. And I am so grateful for that! No matter if I am spending time with friends or watching the lighted ball fall at Times Squa ..read more