Mocktails and Marathons - Live your best life, alcohol free

Hi, I’m Kristen, and I’m so glad you’re here!

I’m just a girl documenting her sobriety journey. I’ve come a long way from the morning vodka drinker that I used to be. I’m here to be your sober mom friend, the one that cheers you on, picks you up, is brutally honest, and shows that life really is better without alcohol. If you are questioning your relationship with alcohol, looking to cut back or cut it out completely, you’ll find stories that are relatable, tips that are practical, and how I’m living my best life without alcohol getting in the way.

Read my story here.

A sober woman and her family

Latest Posts

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How to Stay Consistent in Sobriety: Tips for Success on Your Alcohol-Free Journey

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Sober Travel Made Easy: 7 Tips to Avoid Alcohol at Airports

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Turning Triggers into Tools: How to Analyze and Manage Cravings

October 2, 2024
Sobriety

Why it’s Important to Track Your Triggers and Cravings in Sobriety

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I used to put so much energy into downplaying my d

I used to put so much energy into downplaying my drinking. I knew deep down it had become a problem, but instead of facing it, I became creative in hiding it. If I could conceal how much I was consuming, I thought I could keep drinking as much as I “needed” without anyone questioning me. Sound familiar? 🤔

In my head, if I could hide the amount that I was consuming, then I could continue to drink the amount that I needed without others around me questioning my consumption.

This worked great until my husband smelt it in the La Croix can or wasn’t always on board for a brewery trip. He knew where my hiding spots were and it became harder and harder to find new places to hide it.

These weren’t the first red flags 🚩 when it came to my drinking. Things progressively got worse from here.

Fast forward to now: I’m over 2 years alcohol-free. 🙌 If I can do it, I truly believe you can too. Sobriety has brought me so much freedom, peace, and clarity, and it’s possible for you as well. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about taking the first step, know that you’re not alone in this journey.

Follow along for more tips, support, and inspiration on living your best alcohol-free life. ✨

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #drinkless #iamsober #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #breakthecycle #notdrinking #notdrunk #greyareadrinking #soberoctober #drinkless #alcoholfreelife #alcoholfreelifestyle
#alcoholusedisorder #mocktails #alcoholic #soberinstagram #soberinspiration #soberliving #sobermotivation

I just don’t understand what they all have to ta

I just don’t understand what they all have to taste so bad. 🤢

And don’t get me started on the texture.

If you’ve found a greens supplement that’s tried and true, and doesn’t taste like I’m eating the grass in my backyard, drop it in the comments, please! 🙏

#health #greens #eatyourgreens

First off, yes, this one is alcohol-free We’ve

First off, yes, this one is alcohol-free

We’ve all been there, saying: “I’ll just have one tonight!” After all, wine is marketed as the perfect way to relax; here’s what’s really happening to your body when you pour that ONE glass:

1. Temporary Relaxation, Long-Term Stress

That calm feeling you get after a sip? It’s because alcohol is a depressant. But as your body it, you produce more cortisol (the stress hormone). This can leave you feeling more anxious stressed the next day.

2. Interrupted Sleep

Wine may help you fall asleep, but it reduces your REM sleep (the deep, restorative kind). Tha even one glass can leave you feeling groggy, tired, and moody the next day.

3. Dehydration & Brain Fog

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates you. This can lead to headaches, brain fog, and fat definitely not the refreshing reset you’re hoping for.

4. Sugar Crash & Cravings

Wine can pack a sugar punch! After the initial spike, your body crashes, leaving you craving mo sugar and carbs later on. This leads to unstable energy and unhealthy cravings.

5. Disrupts Your Body’s Natural Relaxation

Using wine to relax actually makes it harder fe ur body to unwind without alcohol. Over time, might rely on that glass of wine to de-stress, making it harder to relax naturally.

So what’s a healthier way to unwind?

Instead of wine, try:
🚶🏽‍♀️A short walk
🧘‍♀️Meditation or deep breathing
🫖Herbal tea
📝Journaling

These help you truly relax without the negative side effects.

I want to know: what is your favorite way to unwind. Comment below 👇

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety

I became a better person. A different person. A b

I became a better person.
A different person.
A better mom.
A better wife.
A better friend.

I followed through.
I gained trust.
I improved my health mentally & physically.
I feel comfortable in my own skin.

And, I am finally happy with who I am.

A completely different life, just from giving up one thing.

What was or is your biggest fear when it comes to an alcohol free lifestyle? Comment below 👇 and follow along for more.

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #drinkless #iamsober #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #breakthecycle #notdrinking #notdrunk #greyareadrinking #soberoctober #noalcohol #noalcoholneeded #mentalhealth #soberstrong
#alcoholusedisorder #mocktails #alcoholic #soberinstagram #soberinspiration #soberliving #sobermotivation

FAQ Friday: Finding your community. Swipe through

FAQ Friday: Finding your community.
Swipe through for some suggestions and the biggest benefits I’ve noticed with being a part of a sober community.

👇👇Add groups/communities that you have been a part of in the comments and tag sober instagram accounts that have helped you along the way!

Reflections from a sober retreat: This was my sec

Reflections from a sober retreat:

This was my second time meeting some of these women in real life, the second time I went on this same retreat. With the first, my husband and parents thought I had joined some cult and were slightly worried about my safety.

But, despite their concerns, getting together with a group of sober women who know your struggles and connect with you despite alcohol being your thing is life giving. I walked around feeling fulfilled, feeling renewed, feeling like I am exactly where I needed to be in this moment. Sobriety can be many things. It can be lonely, isolating, depressing and ugly. This was everything but.

For years I tried to get sober on my own, I was stubborn and thought I could figure it out. Spoiler Alert: I couldn’t . It wasn’t until I added the community aspect to my sobriety that everything clicked.

I think Laura McKowen said it best: one stranger who understands your experience exactly will do for you what hundreds of close friends and family who don’t understand cannot. It is the necessary palliative for the pain or stretching into change. It is the cool glass of water in hell.

The women I was with and continue to do this journey with give me support, advice, encouragement, empowerment, they’ve held me accountable, and pulled me out of the loneliness and darkness that can come with in our journey.

These were the first people to know me not as a drinker and they embraced me just the same. They showed me I could be fun and have friends without alcohol and for that, I am forever grateful.

So, this is your sign to find your people in sobriety. It could be AA, it could be an online support group, or it might be some close friends you already have. Lean into your community and know that you’ve got this.

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #zeroproof #drinkless #iamsober #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #community #sobertravel

Maybe it was an argument, an embarrassing night ou

Maybe it was an argument, an embarrassing night out, a night you can barely remember, or missed family time due to a hangover. The guilt of these times can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: you can release the past and you have to move forward.

Sobriety isn’t just about saying goodbye to alcohol - it’s about healing. It’s about letting go of the shame you’ve carried and forgiving yourself for the moments that don’t align with who you are today. Your past doesn’t define you. Your future does.

Here are 5 things to remember:

1. You’re not alone:
Feeling guilty about your drinking is incredibly common. So many others feel the same way - haunted by regrets when alcohol made them into someone they didn’t want to be. Remember this: you are more than those moments. Guilt shows you care but it doesn’t need to control your life.

2. Self compassion is key:
To move forward, you must start with self-compassion. Think of how you’d respond if a close friend confessed the same guilt. Would you shame her or remind her of her strength? Offer yourself that same grace. You were doing the best you could at the time. Now, you’re choosing a better path.

3. Take it Day by Day:
Releasing guilt is a process—it doesn’t happen overnight. Journaling can help. Write down what you feel guilty about, then reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrate every day you choose sobriety and take that as a sign of your growth. Each sober day is a step toward healing.

4. Make Amends—When You’re Ready
Sometimes, guilt stems from the people we may have hurt. Making amends can help release that burden, but not all situations call for direct apologies. In some cases, the best amends you can make is by changing your behavior moving forward—showing up sober for yourself and others.

5. Lean on a Support System
You don’t have to carry guilt alone. Talk to others who understand what you’re going through, whether it’s a sober community or trusted friends. Sharing your feelings takes away their power.

You are worthy of a guilt-free life. The past is behind you—now it’s time to build a future you’re proud of.

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #guilt #momguilt

I used to associate a drink with the start of my v

I used to associate a drink with the start of my vacation. (Anyone else?! 🙋🏻‍♀️) I LOVED finally getting through security and finding a place to grab a drink. It was a celebration and it took the edge off of flying. So, for me, traveling through an airport has always been hard. The bars and Lounges always have always been so tempting.

Here’s what’s in my bag to get me through an airport and why:

SNACKS
Keep your blood sugar levels steady by packing nuts, dried fruit or protein bars. Feeling hungry can sometimes trigger cravings, so having healthy options (especially protein) on hand is key.

HYDRATION OR DRINK POWDERS
Flying is dehydrating. So keeping your electrolyte levels up can keep your mind sharp and your body feeling good. Also, knowing I have something other than water that I can sip on is another layer of protection (for me) to keep me out of the bar areas.

ENTERTAINMENT
Movies, shows, podcasts, books, whatever it is, bring multiple options to keep yourself distracted from the temptation of alcohol.

WALKING SHOES
Most airports have plenty of space to walk around. Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress and make you feel good without the drink.

What would you add to this list? Comment below! 👇

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #drinkless #iamsober #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #breakthecycle #notdrinking #notdrunk #greyareadrinking #soberoctober #sobertravel #alcoholfreetravel #sobervacation
#alcoholusedisorder #mocktails #alcoholic #soberinstagram #soberinspiration #soberliving #sobermotivation

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Sobriety

How to Stay Consistent in Sobriety: Tips for Success on Your Alcohol-Free Journey

October 14, 2024

Staying consistent in sobriety involves more than quitting alcohol; it requires building a supportive lifestyle. Key strategies include creating a daily routine, surrounding yourself with positive influences, practicing mindfulness, setting achievable goals, engaging in healthy activities, and preparing for triggers. Consistency fosters mental clarity, personal growth, and healthier relationships, enhancing overall well-being.
Sobriety, Uncategorized

Sober Travel Made Easy: 7 Tips to Avoid Alcohol at Airports

October 10, 2024

Traveling sober can be challenging, especially in airports filled with temptations. Preparation is vital: pack healthy snacks, hydration essentials, and entertainment options. Establish a travel routine and have strategies for cravings, like mindful breathing and physical activity. Utilize sober spaces and stay connected with your support system for a fulfilling journey.

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