Transformation in Action
The illness of alcoholism is nothing to be ashamed of.
Stigmatizing it is.
Transformation options…
As I have mentioned before, one of my missions is to eliminate the stigma of alcoholism. Because I am talking more openly about my own alcoholism and am talking to people outside of my AA world, I have become more aware of people in different recovery communities. I am finding that there are more options for transformation now than ever. More people are getting sober, one way or the other, and I couldn’t be happier.
Authors on tour…
I have had the pleasure to recently hear Holly Whitaker (Quit Like a Woman) and Laura McKowen (We Are the Luckiest) talk about their books. Both authors were joined by local author and dynamo in her own right, Annie Grace (This Naked Mind). These women are making huge leaps and strides for the recovery community. I cannot express my gratitude and enough for these women and what they are doing for us. I get excited about the new culture that is evolving. Both bookstores were crowded, more in attendance than were anticipated, with (mostly) women who in various stages of recovery were anxious to hear from these amazing women talk about their respective journeys.
Local influencer…
I have also had the great pleasure of meeting and getting to know a local force in Denver, Matt Salis (soberandunashamed.com), who is doing great work crushing the stigma of alcoholism with his podcast, newsletter and involvement in the recovery community. Matt and I will be collaborating on a project or two in the future, so stay tuned!
The stigma is being crushed…
According to Webster, a stigma is something that detracts from the character or reputation of a person; a mark of disgrace or reproach. Before it became abundantly clear that I should stop drinking, the disgrace that I felt when I thought of what people would think of me if I did was what kept me drunk.
How do you break the stigma of recovery?
I AM NOT ANONYMOUS
(that’s how)
Alcoholism is not a choice…
Alcoholism is not a character flaw. I know I didn’t wake up one morning and declare that I wanted to follow in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and carry on the family tradition of alcoholism.
The phenomenon of craving…
Years before my drinking evolved into full blown alcoholism, I could never understand why my father couldn’t stop at two drinks. I asked him many times and never got an answer that wasn’t defensive and angry. After I got sober, I learned about the phenomenon of craving. For me it felt like a gnawing in my gut, an itch I couldn’t scratch in my core. The only thing that helped was another sip, and another, and another one after that. It’s kind of like when your starving, and then you eat and feel satisfied. Now imagine if you just ate all that food and you felt hungrier? Replace food with alcohol, and there you go.
The mental obsession…
An active alcoholic will obsess over their next drink. What will it be, where will it be, WHEN will it be?? All they can think about is getting some relief from that itch they can’t scratch. When they finally give in and have that drink, all of the negative consequences from the day, week or month before disappearing into thin air. And once the mental obsession is taken care of, the physical, phenomenon of craving kicks in. It’s a viscous cycle.
I’m an alcoholic and I’m not ashamed!
If I can inspire one person to consider not drinking today, then my life’s purpose will be realized. I think about living now, not drinking, and I owe it all to the people who have helped me along the way.
Are you ready for recovery?
I’m here to tell you that getting sober was THE BEST THING I’VE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF!!
You will have fun again. You will laugh and party and travel. Your life is not over – it’s just beginning!
Interested to find out if coaching & recovery is right for you?
My name is Nancy McKay and I love to help women discover the gift of recovery. I guide them as they transform their lives, once and for all. Women work with me because of my experience overcoming major life challenges. I found my courage and strength and I guide my clients to discover theirs, too.
If you’re looking for a coach that will inspire, motivate, empower you ~ AND that knows how you feel – we should talk.
Here’s what one of my client’s had to say:
“Nancy provided coaching during a challenging time in my life. She listened and shared insight to help me gain perspective. Working with Nancy was amazing! I will be forever grateful.”
Your Life. Your Choice
If you’d like to shift your thinking, schedule a FREE Discovery Call by clicking the button below.
