The Sober School turned 10 this month, and over the weekend I threw a party in Birmingham to celebrate.
Students from all over the world travelled to the event to mark this milestone together.
The party got me thinking about everything I’ve learned over the past decade of helping women put down the wine glass.
So I wanted to share some of my biggest takeaways with you in a video I filmed during Saturday’s event.
It’s a bit rough and ready, but it’s the behind-the-scenes stuff that’ll give you a sense of what The Sober School is really all about.
Key points
Don’t think too far ahead
When I launched The Sober School in 2016, I had no idea where it would end up. I certainly never imagined I’d be hosting a party like this, celebrating ten years with a room full of women who’ve transformed their lives.
The same is true for your alcohol-free journey. You don’t need all the answers before you begin. You can’t figure out how you’ll handle that holiday in three months because you’re literally going to be a different person by then – thinking, knowing, and feeling different things. Future you will have the skills to handle what comes next. You just need to start.
It’s hard to be what you can’t see
Standing in that room full of sober women was powerful. These are friendships forged online and magnified in person. People who understand each other’s journey because they’ve walked the same path. There was no chit-chat about the weather here – just meaningful connection with people who get it.
So don’t do this alone. Surround yourself with people who’ve done what you’re doing and are a few steps ahead. The women who have the most success are the ones who stay connected to a great community.
Your sobriety creates ripples you’ll never see
At the party, I reminded everyone of something important: so many of them were the first person in their family or friendship group to stop drinking. They had to go first… but since then, others have followed.
Your kids, grandkids, partners, friends – they’re all watching. No matter what they say to begin with, they’ll feel the benefits of you changing your life later on. The ripple effect of your sobriety stretches much further than you realise.
Alcohol-free living is the ultimate lifestyle upgrade
In ten years of coaching women, I haven’t seen any evidence to the contrary. Not once! Ditching alcohol is not about settling for less. When you go about it the right way, alcohol-free living adds more to your life than you’d ever find at the bottom of a bottle.
Standing at the party, watching women hug, chat, and celebrate together – all completely sober – was proof of that. This is what’s possible. If you’re curious about what life could look like without alcohol, I hope to see you at The Sober School one day. It might just change your life.
Ready to create an alcohol-free life you love? Click here to learn more about my Getting Unstuck course.
