Alcohol Free Day 3,287. Nine years.
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A year of community. Last summer I met Amy Parsons of
@myelderberryfairy & Erin Hall of
@drylush_atl . I celebrated my 35th in NYC, connecting with Sam from
@thirdplacebarnyc , Ed from
@proofnomore , Cullie from
@barnun.life & Abby from
@hekatenyc . December brought Anna & Tony from
@drinkblueroo & the incredible Bryttany Hyde of
@thelittlesoberbar . In January at Lowcountry Dry Fest, I connected with Jessa Frances of
@untoxicated.world , Kayla of
@napschicago , Jon from
@nation_beer & reunited with Jane Harmon from
@amethystnaspirits . Real connection takes time, but itโs absolutely worth the wait.
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A year of professional growth. In November I finished up a side quest & became a certified Mixologist. As I struggle with imposter syndrome, earning that title was a big deal. That boost in confidence lead to things like being interviewed in magazines & podcasts. I played bartender at galas. I demoed products. I was invited to speak at events. Each opportunity reminded me that Iโm not just recovering, Iโm building. Iโm beginning to see myself as someone with something real to offer.
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A year of anger. I donโt talk about this much. Iโm not a wellness girly who did a 30-day challenge & never looked back. Iโm in recovery because I had no other choice. At 26, I was looking at an early grave or a prison sentence. It stings when I see creators promise โjust swap your drink with Xโ as if healingโs that simple. I call bullshit. And I ache for those who believe it.
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Behind the milestones was a steady undercurrent of pain, reflection, and persistence. Sobriety didnโt make life easy; it made it possible. I keep showing up, not because itโs easy, but because someone like 26-year-old me might need to know itโs possible. Whoever you are, wherever you are on this spinning rock, whatever your relationship with alcohol: I am grateful to have you in this space. You are welcome and cherished. I love you.
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๐ซถ๐ผ Chelsea
#nonalcoholic #alcoholfree #zeroproof #sobercurious #mocktail #mocktails #mixology #mixologist #wedorecover #recoveryispossible #recovery
