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 Talk About It: Admitting You Have a Problem with Alcohol for the First Time

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

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Why is it that we never blame the alcohol? Instead

Why is it that we never blame the alcohol? Instead, we blame the person who becomes addicted. Society is quick to label and judge those struggling with addiction, but we often overlook the fact that alcohol itself is an addictive substance. We need to shift the narrative—addiction isn’t a moral failing; it’s a complex struggle with a powerful substance.

Let’s break the stigma around addiction and recovery. Recognizing alcohol’s impact allows us to support each other with compassion, not judgment.

👉👉 What do you think needs to change for society to better understand addiction? Comment below.👇👇

Don’t forget to save, share it with a friend or follow @mocktailsandmarathons for more sober tips and alcohol free inspiration.

I was able to make it through most of the week wit

I was able to make it through most of the week without a drink. I hadn’t lost a job, a house, my family or had legal troubles. I wasn’t what most pictured an alcoholic to be. But if I had one, I needed another, and another and I couldn’t stop.

The justification that I built up in my head of not really having a problem because I wasn’t drinking everyday lead me down a dark path. It allowed me to give myself the freedom to drink to excess when I did drink because I could prove that I didn’t need it throughout the week. I was not drinking more days than I was drinking so that seemed like a win in my head.

The truth is though is that even when I wasn’t physically drinking, I was thinking about it. I was scheming, figuring out when to hide it, where to buy it, how to get more in my system, it was constant, and that was just leading up to the drink. After drinking, I’d wallow in self pity and anxiety over how much I’d drank, what I’d done, who I’d disappointed and the cycle never stopped.

I didn’t drink everyday, but I thought about it everyday and that was exhausting. Take it from me, even if you aren’t physically dependent on alcohol or don’t consume it on a daily basis, it’s okay to cut ties with something that isn’t bringing peace to your life. Alcohol was all consuming for years and finally cutting it out brought so much more to my life than I could have imagined.

👉👉comment below: what helped you realize it was time for a change with your drinking?

Don’t forget to follow @mocktailsandmarathons for sober inspiration and alcohol free lifestyle tips

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #sobersisters #iamsober #health #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #mentalhealth #alcoholusedisorder #mocktails #alcoholic #onedayatatime #soberinstagram #soberinspiration #soberliving #sobermotivation #justified #notdrinking #notdrunk #wedorecover

Swipe through for 3 questions to reflect on. Reme

Swipe through for 3 questions to reflect on.

Remember, whether you stay alcohol-free, practice moderation, or choose another path, this journey is yours. Own it. 💪

#sober #soberoctober #alcoholfreelife #alcoholfree #sobercurious #nodrinknovember #reflection

First off, give yourself a pat on the back, whethe

First off, give yourself a pat on the back, whether you completed the month with zero drink or you had more than intended, you still took the first step. Now that the challenge is over though, what’s next? Here are 3 questions to help evaluate your next steps to examine your relationship with alcohol.

1️⃣ How did you feel? Notice how your body, mind, and emotions responded during this past month. Did you feel more energized, clear-headed, or less anxious? Understanding these changes is key to appreciating how sobriety positively impacts your overall well-being.

2️⃣ What did you gain or learn? Did you discover new ways to cope with stress, find healthier habits, or enjoy social activities without alcohol? These insights can reveal your strengths and highlight what you can carry forward to support an alcohol-free lifestyle.

3️⃣ What does your relationship with alcohol look like moving forward? This question invites you to decide on your next steps. Do you want to continue this journey of sobriety, redefine moderation, or implement boundaries for special occasions? Getting clear on your relationship with alcohol sets the tone for the weeks and months ahead.

Why are these questions so important? 🤔 Because reflection is what turns a short-term challenge into lasting growth. Without it, it’s easy to slip back into old habits without fully realizing how much progress you made. By considering how you felt, what you learned, and your future path, you empower yourself to make conscious, informed choices.

So, before November sweeps you up in its holiday buzz, pause. Reflect. Journal your answers, share them with a friend, or drop them in the comments below. You’ve come this far—now it’s time to decide how you want your story to continue. 🌟

Remember, whether you stay alcohol-free, practice moderation, or choose another path, this journey is yours. Own it. 💪

Don’t forget to save this to refer back to, share it with a friend or follow
@mocktailsandmarathons for more sober tips and alcohol free inspiration.

#sober #alcoholfree #hangoverfree #sobercurious #quitdrinking

November vibes brought to you by @noboozebabes and

November vibes brought to you by @noboozebabes and @1000hoursdry

Here is your reminder: saying no is an act of self-care.

As the holiday season approaches, setting boundaries is key to protecting your sobriety and well-being.

Every ‘no’ is a ‘yes’ to your peace, growth, and commitment to an alcohol-free life.

Who else is ready to embrace boundaries this month? 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

Don’t forget to share and follow
@mocktailsandmarathons for more sober tips and alcohol free inspiration.

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #drinkless #iamsober #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #breakthecycle #notdrinking #notdrunk #greyareadrinking #nodrinknovember #notdrinking #boundaries #settingboundaries #zeroproof #peoplepleaser
#alcoholusedisorder #mocktails #alcoholic #soberinstagram #soberinspiration #soberliving #sobermotivation

Halloween used to be a night when the kids got tre

Halloween used to be a night when the kids got treats—and honestly, so did I.

Sure, there was candy, but there was also a lot of drinking. In our neighborhood, most houses would hand out candy for the kids and shots or beers to adults, and for me, that usually meant the night ended in a blur.

On top of that, I’d always bring my own wine and I’d wake up on November 1st feeling foggy and far from my best.

But now? Halloween feels different. It’s all about being present for the little things that make this holiday magical.

If tonight feels challenging, try to look around. See the kids running from house to house, costumes on, faces lit up with pure excitement. They’re laughing, they’re totally in the moment, and they’re not drinking a thing!

You don’t need alcohol to get in the Halloween spirit. Grab a handful of your favorite candy, soak in the sounds of laughter, feel the crisp air, and know you’re creating memories that you’ll actually remember tomorrow.

Plus, you’ll wake up feeling amazing, ready to kick off November without a headache or regret in sight.

Halloween is about the treats, the laughter, and the memories—not the hangovers.

👻 What are you or your kiddos dressing up as this year? Comment below—I can’t wait to hear! 👇

#SoberHalloween #AlcoholFreeLife #SoberCurious #HangoverFree #NotDrinking #AlcoholFreeHalloween #SoberParenting #SoberCommunity #Halloween #sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney #hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #sobersisters #iamsober #health #sobermom #sobersister #soberjourney #mentalhealth #alcoholusedisorder #mocktails

I romanticized drinking. The red wine at a steak h

I romanticized drinking. The red wine at a steak house on a date night. The margarita on the beach, the fruity beer at a brewery. Everywhere I went there was some sort of alcohol associated with that location that elicited a feeling of happiness.

All of these scenarios served me well for a while but when my alcohol use started to become a problem, that date night turned into bickering with my husband because I had been pregaming and turned incoherent after a few glasses of red. That margarita turned into me passing out on a beach and not enjoying or even participating in many family vacations because I was too drunk or hungover. The brewery turned into me embarrassing myself in front of friends because I would specifically seek out the beer with the highest ABV and chug so I made sure that I got enough.

Drinking had a place in my life. I had some good memories with it and it was present in a lot of good time. What my drinking turned into is something I don’t wish upon anyone.

I thought I could control my drinking for too long. I thought I could moderate. I couldn’t. I can’t. I held onto this idea for so long because of all of that romanticized idea I had in my head of alcohol being such an integral part of my life.

Turns out, all those things mentioned above are so much better without it. Removing alcohol allows me to actually connect on date nights, allows me to remember vacations and allows me to partake in new activities with friends. There is not one thing that hasn’t improved since removing booze. And when those longing thoughts sneak in sometimes, I am so grateful for that.

Anyone else? 🙋‍♀️

Don’t forget to share and follow
@mocktailsandmarathons for more of my sober journey, tips and tricks and alcohol free inspiration.

#sober #alcoholfree #mysoberjourney
#hangoverfree #sobercurious #sobercommunity #soberup #sobriety #recovery #sobersisters #iamsober #sobermom #soberparenting #notdrinking #alcoholfreelife #soberwomen #soberglow #soberaf #aflife #alcoholic #alcoholusedisorder #sobermotivation #sobermovement #mocktails #soberoctober #quitdrinking #newlysober #earlysobriety

I took every online test there was to confirm what

I took every online test there was to confirm what I already knew: I definitely had a drinking problem.

For all the “fun” I thought wine brought me, the misery ran deeper. Drinking became a relentless cycle I couldn’t escape. I held on, clinging to this illusion that alcohol was adding something special to my life. I wasn’t ready to surrender that promise of a life I thought it could give me, even though I felt like I was barely staying afloat.

I had to reframe my beliefs about what alcohol was truly doing for me. I had to give myself enough time away from it to realize that the joy and color I was searching for were always around me—in real, everyday experiences—not at the bottom of a glass (or two). I had to reach a point where I craved sobriety more than I wanted to keep drinking.

The truth is, life doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.

Everything I was searching for—peace, freedom, clarity—was waiting on the other side of alcohol. Choosing to be alcohol free was like a fresh start. It doesn’t come with regrets or lingering consequences; it’s genuine freedom.

You are not stuck. You are not alone. If you feel trapped, know that there’s a way out and a whole community ready to support you.

How is alcohol was holding you back from the life you truly want? Share your thoughts below or send me a message—I’d love to connect. And if you’re questioning what role alcohol plays in your life follow @mocktailsandmarathons. Let’s do this together.

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

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Sobriety

How to Ask for Help When You’re Struggling with Sobriety: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 31, 2024

Sobriety is a rewarding yet challenging journey that often requires support. Acknowledging the need for help is a sign of strength. Key sources of support include friends, family, mentors, and professionals. It’s important to be honest when asking for help, act before a crisis, and build a support network early on.
Sobriety

Ready to Explore Life Alcohol Free? 10 Common Questions Women Ask

October 21, 2024

The journey to sobriety raises many questions for women considering reducing or quitting alcohol. Common concerns include social life changes, mood improvements, weight loss, stress management, and available support resources. Ultimately, sobriety can lead to enhanced health, deeper relationships, and more fulfilling experiences, making the journey worthwhile and empowering.

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