Ep. 83 When Is The Best Time To Change Your Drinking? Here's How To Break Free

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Why September is the Perfect Time to Start Exploring Your Relationship With Alcohol

 As summer winds down and a new season approaches, discover why the “back-to-school” energy of September offers a powerful opportunity for positive change—without the pressure of quitting “forever.”

The Turning of the Seasons: A Natural Time for Change

September is a month of transition. Summer gives way to autumn, routines shift, and there’s an invigorating sense of new beginnings. Just as students gear up for a new school year with fresh supplies and hopeful anticipation, adults often feel stirred by the change in seasons. This energy is a powerful ally if you’re curious about re-evaluating your habits—including your relationship with alcohol.

Many of us fall into patterns throughout summer: vacations, holidays, and sunny evenings spent socializing can lead to increased drinking. It’s common to promise ourselves that tomorrow will be the day we cut back or stop altogether. But as Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin share on the Sober and Lit Podcast, “tomorrow” rarely comes unless we consciously choose a starting point. September, with its crisp air and symbolic fresh start, might be just what you need.

Breaking the Groundhog Day Cycle

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a repetitive cycle with alcohol—making the same promises to yourself and waking up with the same regrets—you’re not alone. Both Ruby and Susan candidly discuss how easy it is to wait for a “perfect” time to change. There’s always an excuse: a birthday in January, Valentine’s Day in February, St. Patrick’s Day in March, and on it goes.

This endless cycle is exhausting. Susan likens it to trying to push a runaway train backward or coming home from vacation and being unable to leave the “good times” behind, which only entrenches those repetitive behaviors. The secret, they say, isn’t about waiting for motivation to strike or life to calm down. It’s about embracing the present and taking your very first step today.

“Start” Instead of “Quit”: Harnessing Curiosity

Perhaps the most empowering shift offered in the episode is changing your mindset from “quitting” to “starting.” Instead of focusing on the daunting thought of never drinking again, start by simply exploring your current habits. Ask yourself questions. Get curious. Notice how you feel at events, during stressful moments, or while unwinding.

This gentle curiosity takes the pressure off and invites self-compassion. You don’t have to have all the answers, or even make a sweeping commitment. You’re just collecting information, trying new things, and seeing what’s possible. Sometimes just deciding to notice your patterns—without judgment—is a radical act of self-care.

Real-Life Transformations: The Power of Small Changes

Real change doesn’t happen all at once. As the podcast highlights, even small experiments—like going alcohol-free for just the first hour of an event or swapping out your usual drink for a sparkling water—can spark profound discoveries. Ruby and Susan share client stories that illustrate how incremental steps lead to benefits that compound over weeks and months: better sleep, increased energy, improved mood and clarity, and even physical changes like brighter eyes and weight loss.

Crucially, these benefits aren’t only physical. Many people report feeling empowered, proud, and more deeply connected to their loved ones. The sense of accomplishment from following through on your intentions has ripple effects through every part of your life.

Tools for Change: Regulating Your Nervous System

One common reason people reach for alcohol is to manage stress. But alcohol isn’t the only tool at your disposal. In the episode’s “Feel Lit” segment, Susan guides listeners through the “self hug and physiologic sigh”—a simple, evidence-based strategy for calming the nervous system. By discovering new ways to soothe and support yourself, you make it easier to try something different.

Just as the leaves begin to fall, you can let go of habits that no longer serve you and explore healthier ways of coping.

An Invitation: Step Into Your New Season

September isn’t about “giving up” something; it’s about starting something new. With community, curiosity, and practical tools, you can harness this season’s energy to explore your relationship with alcohol without pressure or shame. Whether you join a program or simply try one new approach, the time to plant your tree is today—a single step toward a richer, more present life.

Remember: you’re not alone. Take the courageous first step, and see where the path leads by the holidays. This fall, let curiosity—not perfection—be your guide.
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JOIN FEEL LIT 21 LIVE in SEPTEMBER, 2025:
Get the details on the "Feel Lit 21 Live" -- 21-Day alcohol reset -- and how you can join Ruby and Susan for a powerful September start. https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-live
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Missed the September date? Join Feel Lit 21 ANYTIME:
So we created Feel Lit 21, a way for you to press your reset button and take a 21 day break from alcohol. Every day you will receive emails with videos, journal prompts, and the inspiration you need to embrace 21 days without alcohol that feels lit!
https://feellitpodcast.com/FeelLit21-sg

 Find community and connection on the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/feellitalcoholfreepodcast

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

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