Ep 106: From Gray Area Drinking to Gray Haired Living

Have you ever thought you were too old to change? That old saying, “you can’t teach an old dog a new trick” can have us doubting our ability to embrace this alcohol-free life.

Today, I want to introduce you to 3 ladies who have not only ditched booze but who have learned that the best years are our ‘golden years’. And, living alcohol-free means true freedom; to embrace new beginnings, to explore deeper and more meaningful relationships and to challenge ourselves to live life to the fullest!

Here’s one thing I learned recently; the reasons we drink in our 50’s and 60’s are often interwined with the reasons we drank in our 30’s and 40’s. Life doesn’t stop and wait for us to catch up, it keeps delivering the good, the bad, and, sometimes, the ugly moments. If alcohol has been a part of your life for many years, it can feel daunting to imagine living without our go-to, our crutch, or even our best friend.

So, how do we face our biggest fears around NOT drinking and take those first steps forward? My guests today will share their own path to self-discovery and to changing their relationship with alcohol.
Michelle, Maryann and Angela get real about motherhood, caregiving, marital intimacy (yes, sober sex!), and discovering the beauty of an alcohol-free life!

Michelle Rene’ Cunniff is a This Naked Mind Certified Coach and empowers women to drink less and live more.  A former grey area drinker herself, Michelle’s life was full of family, friends, a corporate career and at the end of the day, her deserving glass(s) of wine. In 2020 she discovered This Naked Mind book, a science-based methodology that inevitably led to Michelle being curious about her beliefs, especially about alcohol. This transformation has been so remarkable that Michelle is committed to helping other successful/driven/grey area-drinking women find their freedom. You can connect with Michelle at Michelle Rene Coaching

Angela Sheridan is a certified alcohol freedom and life coach passionate about helping others achieve greater peace and joy in their lives. Angela’s own personal journey of growth and transformation has taught her the importance of radical self-care and the incredible impact it can have on our well-being. Angela’s approach is grounded in authenticity and inspiration, as she draws from her own experiences to offer practical guidance and support to anyone looking to make positive changes in their life. You can connect with Angela at Mind Shift Coaching

Maryanne Petkac is a This Naked Mind Certified Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher. The path to become a TNM coach was a journey full of self-reflection and discovery; difficult at times, but necessary to uncover her truths. It wasn’t until she removed the security of the facade she had built up around her that Maryanne was able to be her authentic self and live fearlessly and unapologetically. No longer needing alcohol to get through life’s circumstances, Maryanne is now able to face any issues with her newly-discovered inner strength, confidence, and shining exuberance. You can find more about Maryanne at Creekside Coaching

 

To hear more inspirational stories like these, hit subscribe so you never miss out!

Latest Episodes

The Good Mood Revolution

The Good Mood Revolution

Are you ready for a Good Mood Revolution? I know I am!  I think we can all use a bit more joy and happiness in our daily lives. I sat down with Matt O'Neill, author and podcast host of The Good Mood Revolution. We had an enlightening conversation about the 8 Negative...

Living Alcohol-Free; 9 Years of Lessons

Living Alcohol-Free; 9 Years of Lessons

My journey continues beyond learning how to become AF and yours will too. I think the most striking difference between becoming AF and living AF is the shift in focus and time. I have experienced and witnessed what is possible when alcohol is out of the way. Time...

Celebrating 9 Years AF – A Look Back

Celebrating 9 Years AF – A Look Back

On October 18, 2015, I woke up with a slight hangover and a mountain of guilt. I had let myself down, again, but I had also let other people down. I felt like a horrible person, someone I didn't recognize. I had finally had enough - enough of letting alcohol be the...

Kindred Spirits with Marlys Aspinwall

Kindred Spirits with Marlys Aspinwall

  What if you stopped drinking and followed your passion for a new AF business? That's exactly what happened to Marlys Aspinwall and her husband Chuck. In 2021, after she found herself drinking too much during COVID, Marlys decided to take a break. Her husband quickly...

Let’s NOT Talk About Alcohol

Let’s NOT Talk About Alcohol

Are you tired of talking about alcohol and drinking and not drinking? I get it, just as we can experience recovery fatigue, I believe we can also burn out by talking about alcohol too much. Yep, I want to invite you to NOT talk about alcohol.  Let me explain why I...

You Are Your True Self

You Are Your True Self

Midlife is often a time of big transitions. Giving up alcohol can also create monumental shifts. As we move through these transitions, we sometimes leave parts of ourselves behind, and sometimes we leave others behind. My friend and fellow coach Aimee Ames has been on...

What Are You Paying Attention To?

What Are You Paying Attention To?

There's a saying, "You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with". The wisdom behind this statement is the urgency. We recognize that we have a limited amount of time to rub shoulders with people who inspire us and challenge us to grow. And, it can prompt...

Your Sober Adventure Awaits with Michelle Plante

Your Sober Adventure Awaits with Michelle Plante

What's on your bucket list? Chances are it includes at least one place you want to travel to. But traveling sober? Many of us are nervous and might even avoid the idea of planning a sober vacation. After all, if you are like most of us, travel and alcohol went...

How To Make Peace with the Voice in Your Head

How To Make Peace with the Voice in Your Head

If you have ever wondered if other people talk to themselves, the answer is yes. In one form or another, everyone has a voice in their head. This voice has a lot to say, and we listen. According to Ethan Kross, author of 'Chatter', if you have ever replayed a...

Looking for more?

Let’s connect on Social Media!