21 Comments
User's avatar
Megan Adams's avatar

Thank you for sharing! I’m only two weeks in and can see some glimmers of hope but it’s still really hard. Its nice to hear others journeys that are further along than my own.

Catt Sadler's avatar

That’s a great start!! I hope you’re proud of yourself! 🤍🤍🤍

Caz's avatar

Hello Catt, I don’t often comment on people’s posts however I’m newly sober too. A book that really helped me understand why I drank and really helped me stop was Alan Carr, Give up drinking the easy way. It really works, not sure if you may have heard about it? Thanks for the inspo for changing my life and choosing it free from alcohol.

Catt Sadler's avatar

Hi Caz. I know of this book and started the audio version about five years ago but didn't get through it. I suppose I wasn't ready then. But I've heard great things! Maybe it wouldn't hurt to read now even though I'm 10 months alcohol free. Appreciate you being here and congrats to you! I'm here if you need anyone in these early days xx

Lora Cheadle's avatar

This is such an honest way to name the difference between rest and escape. The part about trying to feel chosen again after divorce really lands, because so much healing begins when the need for outside validation slowly turns back into self-worth.

The Indigo Diaries's avatar

Congrats Catt. I think about stopping a lot and it will come sooner than later for me. You inspire me. It’s not something I do a lot but it hides the layers of truth in my heart and numbs them. I need to untangle my heart and seek my happiness and find who I use to be before.

Catt Sadler's avatar

Thank you! “untangle my heart”…. Just wow. Beautiful. Knowing is the first part. When you’re really ready, then the decision will come. On your own time. ✨

Caytie's avatar

Congratulations! 4 years for me:)

Louise Wilhelmiene Hayes's avatar

I can relate to this in so many ways... “missing the escape is not the same as missing the drink”

Oh man do I miss the escape. I wrote about this so much in my book—the need to let myself take a break, and how drinking, and often the recovery from it, was a way to slow everything down, make my needs simpler, and give me time… but of course it was never what I truly needed, and it only backfired in the end. Finding joy and purpose in the every day, and allowing myself the chance to just rest, without justifying it (like yesterday when instead of a long sweaty walk after cleaning the house all day like I normally would make myself do, claiming it’s what my mind and body need… I chose to float, literally float (not swim!) in my pool for an hour instead.) I reset. I relaxed. I laughed. I stared at my fruit trees, and I felt better than ever.

Thank you again for sharing your truth.

Catt Sadler's avatar

I really appreciate how you often share your own experiences here Louise. I feel affirmed by you when I open up like I do and I’m sure other readers enjoy hearing from you also! Love your floating story 😊🤍🤍🤍

Tara's avatar

You’ve inspired me to read ‘The How’ with this piece today! This one hit different & opened my mind to another way of looking at drinking, and the reasons I continue to do it. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective! I’m starting from scratch here but I have hope! ♥️

Catt Sadler's avatar

I’m genuinely honored that my words have been thought-provoking and might lead to a positive change in your life! Thank you so much for sharing!

Sonnie's avatar

You are always so inspiring. I am starting my journey & it’s scary but hopeful. Your words have been helpful 🫶🫶

Catt Sadler's avatar

Sonnie I'm so happy you're here. Scary true - but know that the discomfort itself is where the growth lives. So proud of you!

Sara Trojanowski's avatar

Wow this is so beautiful and powerful. I’ve been alcohol free for 6 1/2 years and can relate to much of the same experiences you had. Thank you for sharing! 🤍

Laura Shea Coyne's avatar

Thank you for the insight of “not missing the drink…missing the escape” Even after 8 years, the escape calls to me at certain times. Even if it’s a whisper. When this happens, I pull out all of the tools I’ve collected over the years and ultimately strive to live a life I don’t need to escape from. ❤️

Catt Sadler's avatar

That’s it! The unlock. Trying to build a life you don’t need to escape from. Beautiful.

samantha's avatar

This was beautiful. New to the journey so everything is feeling quite overwhelming and unknown. But I will refer back to this again and again, that I have no doubt about.

Catt Sadler's avatar

You’ve got this Samantha. 🤗