A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation

Over the past nearly three years, in addition to saying goodbye to alcohol, I've discovered something that has truly illuminated my life, something that touches my mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and nervous system health… Surrounding myself with people and activities that LIGHT ME UP! ❤️‍🩹🧠💡🤩

One of my favorite activities is paddleboarding, and my first SUP adventure of 2023 unfolded in May, nestled by the serene beauty of Emerald Lake in Pennsylvania.

This idyllic retreat was organized by the wonderful Bridget Carlton of Yoga by Bridget, a woman whose vibe and energy resonated with me from the moment I stumbled upon her on Instagram last Fall, when I was looking for local yoga studios. 🧘‍♀️ The first video that I watched on her page was talking about this retreat (as soon as I heard her describe it, I knew that I really wanted to go, and it’s pretty cool that I was able to make it happen ☺️).

We started a virtual friendship, and then I surprised her by showing up to her yoga class in real life (IRL)!

After that first yoga class, we chatted for a while, and she shared that even though alcohol hadn’t been playing a big role in her life, that during the pandemic in 2020, her intuition told her to give it up entirely.

At that same time, her intuition also told her to take yoga teacher training, and the combination of those two decisions changed her life in a big way. 🙌

Now, Bridget helps people calm their minds and bodies through yoga and her amazing retreats.

Hearing Bridget’s story was music to my ears because I knew that she was someone I could really bond with. 💞

Don’t get me wrong - I have plenty of friends who consume alcohol, but going forward, I just feel like I won’t be able to make really deep and truly meaningful relationships with people who consider it a priority. It’s just too big of a misalignment for me.

I firmly believe in the phrase, “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with,” so I’m picky about who I let into my inner circle. 😌

The journey I’ve been on up to this point is more than just a choice not to drink. It’s deeply connected with who I am as a person, my values, and the personal growth I’ve experienced. This process has not only allowed the fog of alcohol to leave my mind, but it’s also created clarity and a deep understanding of myself. It has gifted me the ability to prioritize my values in my daily life in ways I couldn’t when I was drinking. It’s a whole new, beautiful world that I’m so grateful for.

The Memorial Day Weekend Retreat was a full mind-body-soul experience, filled with many soul-nourishing activities, delicious food, and the company of incredible women.

We enjoyed SUP adventures, meditated, journaled, indulged in beautiful meals provided by @preparedmealsli, sipped on fruit-infused water, savored hot cacao evenings, took leisurely walks, and immersed ourselves in yoga practice.

It was a heavenly escape from the everyday grind. 🙌

Spending time with these amazing women was a balm for my soul and a soothing tonic for my nervous system. 🏄‍♀️🧘‍♀️🥗📝😍💖🙏🏻

However, it was during a meditation session by the serene lake that an unexpected twist added a deeper layer to our connection. 🌊🏄‍♀️🧘‍♀️📝

Our meditation in the grass initially flowed with tranquility and serenity. We relished the experience of meditating in the lap of nature. But, as if life wanted to throw us a curveball, our peace was disrupted. A group of people arrived, bringing loud music and boisterous chatter with them. We were forced to share our meditation space with this lively bunch.

Meditating among such distractions was challenging, and it undeniably altered our meditation experience.

Yet, what transpired after our meditation was even more intriguing. We seized the opportunity to journal our thoughts and emotions, followed by sharing our reactions to the unexpected intrusion.

The diversity of reactions among the women in our group was eye-opening. It sparked a profound conversation that united us in ways we hadn't anticipated.

Here's what I wrote in my journal that day:

Meditation on the grass.

I noticed even with my eyes closed, the changes in light, sometimes bright, sometimes flickering because of the wind moving the tree branches above me. I was trying to focus on the birds but then a group of noisy party-goers were playing loud music, and it really bugged me at times. I tried to ignore the music and return to the birds.

I think the music sometimes felt rude and maybe triggering to me, because it reminded me of my past party days.

A life I never want to return to.

Despite our initial annoyance at the disruption, we eventually recognized the positive side of the situation.

Those people were merely a group of friends, celebrating life, and sharing joyous moments together. They were embracing life, just as we were.

It struck me that none of us should pass judgment on what they were doing.

Life has its unpredictabilities, and sometimes it feels like your space is being invaded.

Reflecting on my own past, I realized there were probably times when I annoyed others with my loud music and drinking.

Journaling and talking with the group helped me gain a new perspective. While I was irritated in that moment, my thoughts shifted. I let go of my irritation and wasn't troubled by it anymore.

Life offers lessons in unexpected places! It’s an incredible journey filled with moments that can transform you.

So, if you're tired of letting alcohol dim your light, together we can embark on a journey to Brighten Your Life. We can explore how to self-regulate your nervous system, embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, and elevate your life instead of seeking an escape from it. 🌟

When you take the alcohol out, 🚫🍷you allow the magic to come in. 🤩

If you’d like to explore yoga or experience one of Bridget’s retreats for yourself, visit her website, Yoga by Bridget, for all the details.

If you want to explore an alcohol-free life or would like to improve your health, it would be my greatest pleasure to help you on your journey.

I have two different coaching options:

Gray Area Drinking Program

It’s challenging to change your drinking habits - especially when they’ve crept up and have been happening for a long time.

That’s where I can help you. I work holistically, focusing on your gut health, neurotransmitters, and dysregulated nervous system to calm, soothe, and get everything back in balance. I teach you coping mechanisms to deal with the cravings and give you all the tools you need to live an alcohol-free life.

Learn more about my Gray Area Drinking Coaching Program

Health Coaching Program

Are you experiencing sickness, fatigue, depression, pain or weight issues? If so, then your body isn’t working as it should. There are many reasons for these health issues, and sometimes working with a Health Coach can help.

As your Health Coach, I support you through diet and lifestyle changes to help you feel the best you can and live a brighter, happier life.

Learn more about my Health Coaching Program

Take the first step to brighten your life!

Book your FREE consultation to learn more about my Health Coaching and Gray Area Drinking Coaching programs and how I can help you.

Remember…

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE ALCOHOL-FREE, and SUNSETS ARE THE NEW HAPPY HOUR!

Kristin ❤️ x