Becoming Alcohol-free is not easy; it is a journey that takes us to unexpected places such as redefining relationships, perusing mocktail recipes and figuring out what to do with an extra 2 to 5 hours a night. But, along the way, we get to find ourselves again. We get to venture deeper into our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. We start to trust ourselves and we slowly start to believe that everything is not only going to be alright, it’s actually going to be better.
Meet my friend Cheryl Hendry. Cheryl was several months along on her AF journey, challenging herself and learning lots of tools to navigate these new thoughts and emotions. And then she got sick. At first, Cheryl thought it was her gallbladder. A series of tests led to more tests and then a routine CT scan. Later that day, Cheryl received a call from her doctor: Cancer.
In our interview today, Cheryl shares her journey fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma. We talk about the support she found from her alcohol-free community, her firm foundation, and her doctor’s question that prompted an outpouring of gratitude. Cheryl also tackles the question, Is Cancer A Gift?.
Recently Cheryl shared a list of “6 Reasons I No Longer Drink”. I asked if she would read it on the podcast, and I also want to share it here:
- My body has fought hard for me and I refuse to do anything to slow it down. (I can never un-know the fact that I had hangovers that were worse than chemo.)
- Alcohol is a carcinogen – and I’ve been there, done that. I don’t need to do it again
- Alcohol cuts me off from my intuition and inner knowing – but it turns out that I do know what I need and want and I’m learning to listen to that inner voice.
- I sleep better – which has ripple effects in all sorts of ways; energy, physical health and mental health.
- Being AF gives me the headspace and motivation to work on all sorts of other things; exercise, self-compassion, nutrition, mindfulness. I’m more present and engaged in my therapy sessions, with boundaries and with my relationships. For me, alcohol truly was the big domino.
- I want to be the one who is in control of my life
If you want to address your health as you stop drinking, grab my free guide “5 Healthy Reasons To Take A Break”.
