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.
24 responses
BRAVO! I loved the video and I will be there in Jan ‘ 27!
I can already see the ripple effect of others who have improved their lives with AF living. Keep going!
Thank you Deanna! ❤️
How fabulous! Thank you from another Birmingham (state of Alabama, USA). A lovely video, filled with the absolute truth about alcohol-free living, to continue to support and inspire us folks who have indeed put down ye olde wine glass (for me, now 2-1/2 years sober).
Congratulations all!
I love this – thank you for confirming the truth from another Birmingham! Alcohol free living is the best, wherever you may be in the world. 🙂
Congratulations Kate and the Sober School I was very happy to be part of your community and it helped me get where I am now in a life of sobriety. Congratulations
Ah, you’re so welcome Sarah. The party was all about celebrating the community that developed in The Sober School, so I hope you got a taste of the joy and warmth from the party video. 🙂
Goosebumps. Head to toe.
Thanks so much Barry! ❤️
Dear Kate
I just want to thank you just as I did on Saturday in Birmingham for the last three years of AF living that Ihave enjoyed. At least it will be on 13th February 2026. I signed up for your extended intense getting unstuck course which lasted for at a few months. It was a big expence and a big gamble. Your magic worked for me at last ✨️. The last 3 years have been the best ever . I shall be 70 in July and have been a Grandma for 2 years now (my catylistx for wanting change and to make my daughter proud of me. I had had a successful career in Hospitality – however the first 7 years retirement didn’t feel that great so I finally decided to ditch the wine. I am now living my best life. I came to Birmingham to personally thank you. I have so much admiration for what you have done for us ladies and the team you have grown.
It’s not easy but it’s worth it big time. Congratulations to you ❤️ you are an Angel ❤️. A credit to what you have achieved – proud to have met you.
Thank you so much for installing me with belief in me! Not the bottle!
Sue Powell xxx
It was absolutely wonderful to meet so many inspirational, but humble women in that room on Saturday. Alcohol steals not only time and money from us, but the joy and contentment that we deserve. I’m so pleased you can now truly enjoy your retirement and grandchildren in the way you choose. Thank you for your kind words; they really do move me deeply. ❤️
Well Done, Kate. I smiled all the way through watching that video. It was so lovely to see a party in full swing with happy, smiling women enjoying themselves and making friends with a glass in their hands, but no booze, no hangover, no regrets. It just makes me realise I’m doing the right thing not drinking. The ripple effect is true, im sure I’m a better role model to my kids and friends. My husband still comments about me being boring and how I used to be fun. But that’s a reflection on him as he staggers around and falls asleep on the settee. Im free!!! Thank you Kate xxx
So glad you enjoyed the video and it was a fabulous party with not a drop of alcohol consumed! What other people say about you not drinking says more about how boring their life is and says nothing about you. Keep going Sarah, you deserve that freedom. 🙂
I just watched your blog video. I was balling the entire time (The good kind of balling). What a legacy you have given yourself, your team and your students. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication, support and goodness. I
I cannot say enough about what a wonderful person you are and what you have accomplished for women around the world. I could go on and on……..
Thank you so much Patricia, your words mean a lot to me. ❤️ Alcohol free living is truly a lifestyle upgrade and one I wish for every woman who’s struggling.
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary Kate!
I’ve been watching your videos for 5 years…! They have been an inspiration and I love them landing into my inbox.
While I haven’t done your course, I’ve recommended you to so many of my friends.
I’ve changed my relationship with alcohol and have you to thank for that.
With best wishes from Australia,
Mel Wilson
I’m so pleased my videos have inspired you to change your relationship with alcohol Mel. Many thanks for letting me know they resonate with you. 🙂
Congratulations on making such a powerful and life-changing business and community! Ten years of changing lives for the better is a wonderful achievement. I wish I could have been at the party! Thank you again for helping me create my own life-changing AF lifestyle – the best thing I ever did! Graduate of January 2020 Getting Unstuck course. Nikki x
Congratulations to you too Nikki for changing your life and for those around you – the ripple effect is real! 🙂
Congratulations to Kate and all the Sober School ladies! I began my journey almost 6 years ago and while I’ve had stumbles along the way I’ve always got back on track and consequently have spent far more time sober than not and I’ve found that it’s a wonderful, empowering place to be! I’m alcohol free now and don’t ever see myself slipping back into that abyss. The love and support that is freely given by the members of the Sober School to our community, where woman encourage and build each other up is a priceless gift that we give to ourselves and the other members and I’m eternally grateful to all of my AF sisters. My fervent hope is to make the next meet up and have the opportunity to meet all these wonderful women in person. God Bless you Kate, for making it all happen.
Ah thanks Catherine and I’m so pleased you are now solidly alcohol-free. As you know, I believe it’s a total lifestyle upgrade and every woman deserves to rewrite their story and reclaim their life. I look forward to meeting you in real life one day!
Fantastic! I so appreciate your inspirational messages, Kate. It must be amazing to realize the impact you’ve made on so many, and to have celebrated TEN years (!) of making a difference. What struck me as I watched the video is the fact that all the lovely drinks were alcohol-free. Societally & culturally, the assumption would be otherwise. How terrific to see a group enjoying themselves & sharing on a genuine level without booze.
Absolutely Colleen! Not a drop of alcohol was consumed and the buzz in the room was amazing. Just goes to show you don’t need alcohol as a social lubricant or to have fun. 🙂
Kate, this video is fabulous and I only wish I could have been there!! I’ll be in the UK in May so maybe next time…
I’m going to share this video with my family and friends so they can see they are also part of the Sober School story ripple effect.
After 6 1/2 years sober, life has never been better: getting sober and then learning about ADHD in adult women, I understand now why addiction has been part of my journey through life. Using substances to replace dopamine, masking my real personality, fighting impulsivity and crippling procrastination – so many factors that I now understand about myself, and how much easier life is without booze.
Your story, your journey has been incredible and you have given new life to so many of us. The vibrancy in this video proves the effect you have had on so many women around the world. Kia kaha ~ stay strong. Nga mihi nui ~ with many thanks and best wishes.
Thank you Anna. Getting to know ourselves, and understand ourselves better, is a wonderful part of this journey. It means the world to hear that “Life has never been better.” People don’t believe me but you are truly experiencing the life style upgrade I talk about.