Clean Slate Coaching

https://thisnakedmindapp.com/posts/50890662?utm_source=manual

This Naked Mind Founded by Annie Grace, our mission is to create a global community where anyone can question their drinking and change their relationship with alcohol - without rules, shame or judgment. By downloading the This Naked Mind Companion App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to T...

A clip from my podcast interview with Annie Grace. I am a Certified Coach working with Christian Women to break free from or who want to take a break from alcohol! What an empowering way to start 2024! Join our AFS program- starts Jan 7! Comment yes for more information.

https://youtu.be/dxBXmi3SCuk
I was honored to be interviewed on the Annie Grace This Naked Mind Podcast. What a privilege to share my story to help bring healing hope to those needing to hear it. My word this year is "Confidence," Joshua 1:9"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".

EP 563: Naked Life Story - Suzanne Alcohol was such a small part of Suzzane’s personal life for so long. Throughout her teens, 20’s and even her 30s Suzzane had so many other priorities and ch...

Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the darkness. ⭐️
You may have heard that once alcohol is removed, what used to feel heavy and dark is a beautiful, brilliant technicolor bright. Always remember that stars shine the brightest in the darkness during your darkest times. Your most significant victory will come after you keep taking that next tiny step in this tough challenge. Love drives resilience and casts out fear. When I first became alcohol-free, I wasn't feeling so"lovely" for myself or many other things; alcohol was darkening my sky. I kept the love for my "why," and that was stronger than my fear. I wrote my "why" on a sticky note as a reminder. You can and will overcome, and you can learn to be with your fear of doing so. Your vision and purpose are more significant than your challenges. Side steps or data points are temporary, and I learned so much about my character and the strength and resilience hidden behind the mask of alcohol. So, keep believing, I believe in you, and keep having hope; you are closer than you think, and you will become all you are meant to be in the process, and please know I am cheering for you. You, too, are a star shining brightly ⭐️ 🌟 ~Suzanne.

This used to be our date night. Can you relate?

This is the area that I have grown the most in my alcohol-free journey. Now that I have taken the “gray area drinking glasses” off, I have fallen even deeper in love with my husband and my whole self. Humans are made to be connected. Our brains, bodies, and hearts are not designed to live in isolation; we need others for our survival. But sadly, plenty of people struggle with having and maintaining healthy relationships, especially when alcohol plays a role.
It takes two to tango, but many folks seem to lack awareness about their role in pushing people—even loved ones—away from them—the push/pull or tug of war. We want to be on the same side and team, and it's not a tug or a fight with the rope.
It is essential to understand that we all are 50% of the relationship, but we are 100% responsible for ourselves. I found that when I was drinking, I had...
The fear of, “I’m afraid you’re not going to love me if I stopped drinking, and that’s what we have that connects us.” “Will I become the boring one? It’s infused into our relationship”. Because we use alcohol as a coping mechanism, a way to suppress negative emotions, and a tool to connect with the people around us, there is a learning curve to making marriage work after quitting drinking.

Even if you have a solid and happy relationship, feeling defensive, resentful, misunderstood, unappreciated, isolated, secretive, or lonely is expected when you’re struggling to moderate your drinking after you take a break. At the same time, you're likely feeling much better physically, emotionally, and mentally without alcohol, its normal to go through a phase where you wonder if you and your spouse know how to communicate or have anything in common.
• Your partner might be your drinking buddy, so you must learn new ways to connect without alcohol.
• Or you might have drifted apart while drinking, so you need to reignite your relationship.
• You might have been drinking to avoid or tolerate things in your marriage that you’re not happy with, and now they’re front and center without a buffer.
• Or you may have let irritations, resentments, and frustrations grow over the years without resolution.
• Your partner might not understand why you are taking a break from alcohol or how to support you.
• And they likely don’t realize you need to reduce overwhelm and have them take on more household chores and parenting responsibilities while you readjust to the new normal.
• Your partner might worry that you’ll outgrow them or like them less if you stop drinking or feel insecure or jealous of the connections you’re making on this alcohol-free path.
These are some of the tools I used.
Communication is vital to make sure both spouses feel respected and supported. It’s important to validate each other’s feelings and experiences and to create a safe environment for both partners to be open and honest about their thoughts and emotions. I found my voice when I stopped drinking and discovered new and healthier ways of communicating and interacting with my partner, strengthening our relationship as it adjusted to the new normal.
It’s also helpful to create boundaries that both spouses feel comfortable with, such as not drinking around each other or in the same room. Additionally, it’s essential to spend quality time together doing sober activities that both partners enjoy, such as going for walks, playing games with kids or grandkids, or watching movies.
Also, it’s essential to remember that you are both in this together and that it’s important always to be patient and understanding with one another. Open communication, respect, and support make it possible to remain happily married while supporting each other in different paths.
The approach to having a happy marriage involves understanding, love, and patience when one partner is alcohol-free, and the other still drinks. Both partners should try to understand each other’s perspectives and needs and strive to practice unconditional love and respect. I always kept in mind that it’s fair to ask a request but to stay away from demanding and placing blame or shame.
The partner who is abstaining from alcohol should focus on self-care and should make sure to express their feelings and opinions without judgment. The partner still drinking should be mindful of their partner’s feelings and not pressure them to drink or make them uncomfortable. Both partners should practice communication and listening skills to ensure their marriage is based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust. Additionally, it can be helpful to practice forgiveness and not allow resentment to fester, especially if there is a need to seek professional help.
All my Love,
~Suzanne 🫶

Today is a new day; if no one has told you yet, today you are seen, heard, and loved. I am so grateful we are on this journey together. Here now, breathe, now take the next step. You've got this. I am cheering for you. 🫶🌵🌞