Soberly Speaking: Jeanne Hirth on Women, Alcohol, and Recovery
Sobriety is the greatest gift I've ever given to myself.
What happens when the social acceptance of drinking clashes with personal struggles of addiction? In this episode of 'Full Potential, Now!', host Ted Izydor dives into this very question with Jeanne Hirth, the voice behind the blog Soberly Speaking. Before the main conversation, Ted chats with his daughter and her friend about their views on moms, partying, and the rise in drinking among women. This sets the stage for a deep dive into Jeanne's journey with alcohol.
Starting from her teenage years, Jeanne recounts how drinking became a part of her life, despite her early suspicions that it might be a problem. She shares candidly about her attempts to 'prove' she was okay through self-imposed spot checks, only to find herself back at square one each time. The discussion then shifts to the pivotal moment of recognizing the need for help and taking those first daunting steps toward treatment.
Jeanne's honesty about maintaining relationships with people who still drink while staying true to her sobriety is both refreshing and inspiring. She emphasizes the importance of being present and feeling everything life has to offer, a stark contrast to the numbing effects of alcohol. Ted and Jeanne also explore the concept of 'One Day at a Time', a philosophy that has been instrumental in her recovery.
Jeanne hopes her story will inspire others to seek help sooner rather than later, showing that it's never too early to choose a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.