Ep. 68 Six Key Questions Answered About an Alcohol Free Lifestyle

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Finding Joy in the Alcohol-Free Journey: Growth, Challenges, and Celebrating Wins

Many of us, when first considering an alcohol-free lifestyle, get caught up in a “diet mentality”—focusing on the number of sober days as a finish line: “If I just make it 30 days, maybe I can go back to ‘normal’ drinking.” But, as coaches Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin reveal in Episode 68 of the Feel It Alcohol Free Podcast, letting go of alcohol is about so much more than hitting a milestone. The true magic lies in what unfolds during the journey itself—growth, self-discovery, and learning to celebrate every step, not just the end goal.

Surprises Along the Way: Emotional Growth and Rediscovering Yourself

Both Ruby and Susan reflect that the most surprising aspect of their alcohol-free journeys wasn’t just the improved health or clearer skin but the profound emotional awakening that came with it. Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, has a way of numbing not just pain but also joy. Upon letting it go, many discover an emotional “flat line” they didn’t even know existed. Ruby describes feeling like she’d been on autopilot, disconnected from her feelings, while Susan echoes that she’d been numbing both the good and bad—feeling like a “zombie.”

This new awareness brings emotional highs and lows, but with it comes the opportunity for real emotional mastery and personal growth. By living alcohol-free, both coaches now feel more vibrantly alive—able to actually *feel* again, which is what inspired the very name of their podcast.

Challenges Faced: Letting Go of Old Identities and Fears

No transformation comes without its set of challenges. For Susan, one of the hardest hurdles was the fear of being “different.” Letting go of alcohol can feel isolating at first, as if you’re stepping outside of social norms or losing part of your identity—especially for Ruby, who worked in the wine industry for twenty years.

Both women share that being open and honest about their decision was daunting. Telling friends and family was especially difficult, not wanting to feel judged or to make others uncomfortable. Yet, they both found that developing an “elevator pitch,” whether it was about being on a diet or focusing on health, helped bridge those conversations. Most importantly, finding support in coaching and community made these challenges doable—and eventually, empowering.

Greater Self-Acceptance and Affirmation

The positive changes go much deeper than just not drinking. Susan shares that one of the most affirming outcomes is the ability to truly like herself again—to look in the mirror without shame. For Ruby, the shift came when others began to notice her “good vibes,” a reflection of her own renewed self-confidence and joy. Living alcohol-free allows for authentic connections—with yourself and with others—and a sense of pride in being present and real in every situation.

Dealing with Doubts and Navigating Special Occasions

Doubts and questions are part of every alcohol-free journey. It's normal to wonder if you can handle special events, vacations, or simply going on a date without a drink in hand. Both coaches emphasize that these “last dominoes” can be flipped by reframing old beliefs and preparing with alcohol-free alternatives—like sparkling water, non-alcoholic beer, or bringing your own special beverage to social gatherings. Over time, what once felt impossible becomes effortless and joy replaces anxiety.

Lifelong Growth, Not a Race

Most crucially, Ruby and Susan stress that the alcohol-free journey is not linear—it’s a process, more cyclical than straight, and filled with periods of growth, harvest, and rest. The changes compound over time—better sleep, improved relationships, more energy, and deeper joy in everyday moments make the effort more than worthwhile.

As they conclude, real joy isn’t about crossing the finish line—it’s about embracing each step, celebrating every win, and letting your authentic self finally shine through. Ready to experience your own alcohol-free transformation? Surround yourself with support, stay curious, and trust that the joy truly is in the journey.

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 Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching
Email: [email protected]