Alcohol-Free Legacy for Our Kids and Grandkids / EP 104

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How Transforming Our Relationship with Alcohol Impacts Generations—And Ourselves

Reflecting on Legacy: What Do We Pass Down?

As we welcome another year, it's a natural time to reflect not just on our goals, but on the legacy we’re building. In this episode Ruby and Susan dive deep into the concept of legacy, especially for women re-examining their relationship with alcohol. More than a conversation about personal change, the episode explores how our behaviors ripple out through our families—shaping the way future generations see themselves, cope with stress, and celebrate life’s milestones.

The Power of Example: Our Choices Echo Forward

We may think our personal choices are just that—personal—but as Susan shares, the reality becomes clear in the little eyes watching us. She recounts how her son’s curiosity about her own alcohol-free journey led to meaningful conversations. He asked questions about whether she would drink even in the most stressful situations, and ultimately, he decided not to drink himself. Whether this was due to her influence or his own inclinations, the possibility that her actions planted a seed is undeniable.

Healing Generational Patterns

For Ruby, legacy means not just moving forward but healing backward as well. She tells the story of her Aunt Mary, who died due to complications from alcohol-related illness. Though this tragedy was sobering, it took years before Ruby found the courage and commitment to become alcohol free. Once on her journey, the memory of her aunt became a source of strength—a reason to break the cycle for the generations behind and ahead.

There’s power in envisioning ourselves as a link in a family chain, Ruby suggests. By healing our own relationship with alcohol, we simultaneously release past generations from silent legacies and set future ones free from repeating our patterns. It's what she calls a “ripple effect”—where change travels both backward and forward in time. This isn’t just philosophy: Susan adds that these shifts are visible in their extended family, where alcohol now plays a reduced role at gatherings and new traditions are being formed.

Growth, Curiosity, and Self-Compassion: The Essential Tools

One profound throughline in this conversation is that change isn’t about erasing the past or pretending perfection. Both Ruby and Susan emphasize the importance of curiosity—gently asking ourselves, “Is this serving me? What legacy do I want to create from now on?” Instead of wallowing in guilt or regret for mistakes made, the focus shifts toward self-compassion and personal growth.

Journaling, reflection, and honest conversations with both ourselves and our children become tools for change. “Anyone can [grow]. We don’t stay stagnant throughout our life,” Susan explains. The real transformation often begins after removing alcohol: suddenly, there’s more space for genuine connection, listening, and emotional growth.

Creating New Traditions: Presence over Perfection

As Ruby poignantly reflects, “My kid didn't need a perfect mom—he needed a present mom.” In a world that still normalizes alcohol for celebration or stress relief, being the first in a family or friend group to say “no more” is a brave act. It’s about building trust, being emotionally available, and teaching healthier ways to manage anxiety or difficulties—skills that last a lifetime.

By sharing what works for them, like breathwork or mindful routines before bed, Ruby and Susan show that we have the power to equip the next generation with real-life tools that foster well-being and resilience. The most important legacy we can pass down isn’t perfection, but the permission to choose differently.

Moving Forward: Your Legacy Starts Now

What story will your children and grandchildren tell about you? Start with reflection: “What do I want my legacy to be?” As you grow, heal, and model new ways of living, you plant powerful seeds of change—ensuring that your legacy is not just what you leave behind, but what you live, every day. 🧡
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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

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

Grab your copy of our FREE WineFree Weekend Guide to help you on your alcohol free journey. https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/WineFreeWeekend