Picture this: you're 33, trying to navigate adult life while feeling like a chameleon, constantly adapting to fit in. That's where Karla found herself before she decided to take her last drink on December 31, 2018. In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill chats with Karla about her journey to sobriety and the hurdles she faced along the way.

Karla opens up about how alcohol had become intertwined with her identity, making it hard for her to be her true self. She talks candidly about the importance of setting boundaries to protect her sobriety and the need to change certain aspects of her life to support her recovery. One of the most powerful parts of Karla's story is how she overcame the fear of missing out by finding genuine connections in sobriety.

Physical movement played a significant role in Karla's recovery. She shares how staying active helped her stay grounded and focused on her goals. Inspired by her own journey, Karla started a project aimed at helping other women find real-life connections and support in their sobriety. Karla's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and community. She reminds us that we can live fulfilling lives without alcohol by embracing who we truly are.

As Karla wisely puts it, "Trust that everything in your life is rigged in your favor, and there is no going wrong when you are honoring yourself and your power." Tune in to hear more about how Karla found her way to a sober, authentic life.

Karla shares her inspiring journey to sobriety on Recovery Elevator, focusing on authenticity and community support.

Karla's Story: Embracing Sobriety and Authenticity

Karla took her last drink December 31, 2018. With 583 away from alcohol, (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol free (AF).   Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start November 11th, 2020. It’s FREE for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up <a href= "https://recovery-elevator-sandbox.chargifypay.com/subscribe/yqhq6p9gmrr2"> here</a> and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.   Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding your Better You…..   Melanie Beattie says “What would happen if we let go of our camouflage of adaptation? What would happen if we owned our power to be ourselves? Would people still like us? Would they go away? Would they become angry?   There comes a time when we become willing and ready to take that risk. To continue growing, and living with ourselves, we realize we must liberate ourselves”   It’s very vulnerable to show up as our authentic selves. The more we pursue a life away from alcohol the more we walk to liberate ourselves. The humble confidence that shows up allows us to show up authentically. Remember, there’s only one you.     [7:10] Odette introduces Karla.   <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/karla_is_sober/">Karla</a> is 33, grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and has lived in San Francisco for the past 7 years. She is an executive assistant for a tech company in the Bay area. She lives with her partner (fiancé!) and her puppy. For fun she’s been working on some passion projects, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soberirl/">SoberIRL</a> is one of those!   [10:29] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?   Karla said she started drinking when she was 19. She was studying abroad and hadn’t yet made friends. Drinking was an easy way to make friends. She mimicked their style of drinking. Karla called herself a “weekend warrior” in her style of drinking. It didn’t occur to her until after she stopped drinking that her drinking was beyond what someone for her stature should. By the time she was 21 she knew she had a problem. Between brown outs and black outs she was piecing together the nights out with her friends.   The juxtaposition between Karla the party girl and Karla the high achiever was a push and pull she felt deeply, but she didn’t know how to stop drinking.   [18:07] Where you stuck in this cycle for a long time?   Karla said she began seeing an alcohol counselor around the age of 25. The recommendation was to stop drinking, which she wasn’t ready for because it was also her social life. In July 2018 she was able to get 45 days. Using that time, she sought out other methods of getting sober. Until her birthday and then she drank again. Finally, on New Year’s Eve she was so hung over from the night before she couldn’t go with her partner to a party, and that was it for her.   [23:29] Tell me about the beginning of your sobriety.   Karla said she still felt those first 45 days, she was being punished because she couldn’t drink. This time around she didn’t tell anyone she was restarting, and she wanted to try to be kind to herself this time. She gave herself the grace to accept that this is difficult. She taught herself that not every thought that came into her mind was true.   [28:51] How did you find your community?   Karla said at first it was all on Instagram. She followed <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/holly/?hl=en">Holly</a> on Instagram and drew a lot of strength from her because she saw similarities in Holly’s story. Also <a href= "https://www.jointempest.co/bridge-club">Bridge Club</a> through <a href= "https://www.jointempest.com/membership/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwit_8BRCoARIsAIx3Rj41iRFEwOdFm04Ul2-a3rzs3rsz-DxEtlpRLvUMR3bcyM15y8bdpNAaAmgwEALw_wcB"> Tempest</a> was the first time she sat with others who wanted to live this life the same way. Karla knew she needed to find sober friends. With 8 months sober she attended the Recovery Elevator Bozeman retreat in 2019 and she felt herself really start to open up and found the ability to have fun and live life sober.   [34:21] Tell me how you feel now being an advocate for other people looking to get sober?   Karla said she never thought she would be in this position. She wanted to share being an openly sober Latina as she couldn’t find any others. She wants people to see that they can have fun and be a normal human at the same time. (<a href= "https://www.instagram.com/karla_is_sober/">Karla_is_Sober</a>)   [37:22] Tell me about how you share so you can be the person you needed when trying to get sober.   Karla said she always felt because she was so high functioning, she couldn’t have a problem with alcohol. She told herself everything she was doing was normal. Karla wants to shed the shame and let people know that if alcohol isn’t serving you anymore, you can stop. Success doesn’t mean happiness. Karla wants people to know that people can turn their lives around and life can be so much more fulfilling.    [43:45] Do you get cravings?   Karla said not really at this point. It’s not a physical craving, it’s an emotional craving and it’s fleeting.   [45:41] Rapid Fire Round    <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What is your go to response when you go to a party and someone offers you a drink?</li> </ol>   No thanks!   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What’s your favorite NA beverage?</li> </ol>   LaCroix Pamplemousse   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had in the journey?</li> </ol>   PASS   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What is your favorite ice cream flavour?</li> </ol>   Mint chocolate chip   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What would you say to Karla on day 1?</li> </ol>   I love you and I’m so proud of you   <ol class="ol1"> <li class="li1">What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners that are thinking about ditching the booze?</li> </ol>   You know where alcohol leads you, get first-hand experience of a life away from it.   You may have to say adios to booze...    If the DoorDash driver knocks on your door for your wine delivery, but you don’t remember ordering it.   Odette’s challenge this week:   You are good enough. Step onto the dance floor, we are waiting you!   Upcoming events, retreats and courses: <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/10/20. It’s FREE for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up <a href= "https://recovery-elevator-sandbox.chargifypay.com/subscribe/yqhq6p9gmrr2"> here</a> and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.</li> <li class="li1">You can find more information about our events <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/events/">here.</a>  </li> </ul>   Affiliate Link for Endourage: For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this <a href= "https://endourage.com/affiliate-partner/recoveryelevator">link</a> and use the promo code elevator at checkout.    Affiliate Link for Amazon: Shop via Amazon using this <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/amazon">link</a>.   The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-is-Sht-Paul-Churchill-audiobook/dp/B07XFGVMQ9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=alcohol+is+shit&qid=1590430998&sr=8-1"> here</a>! You can get the Audible version <a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/Alcohol-is-Sht-Audiobook/B07XGDMXQF?qid=1569247192&sr=1-2&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=TY51EJJZJ0XQDPRMN0MA&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2"> here</a>!     Resources:  <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a> - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWac9dxkn3J93xJOka3L2g">Recovery Elevator YouTube</a> - Subscribe here! <a href= "https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes </a> <a href= "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recovery.sam.sobrietycalculatorPro"> Sobriety Tracker Android </a> Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -<a href= "mailto:info@recoveryelevator.com%2520?subject=You%2520don't%2520have%2520to%2520quit%2520drinking%2520to%2520quit%2520drinking">info@recoveryelevator.com</a>   “Recovery Elevator – Own your power to be yourself today, Own your power to be yourself today – I love you guys”

RE 298: Be Who You Are

Recovery

Sobriety

Alcohol

Personal Recovery Stories

Relationships

Self-Help

Mental Health

Society and Culture

Interviews

Faith-Based Recovery

Alcohol, Addiction & Recovery

Creativity & Innovation

Sexual Health & Wellbeing

Substance Abuse & Drug Recovery

Health & Wellness

Financial Empowerment

Family & Relationships

Comedy & Culture

It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life!  Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions. 

If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place.

This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. 

Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.

Recovery Elevator

Picture this: you're 33, trying to navigate adult life while feeling like a chameleon, constantly adapting to fit in. That's where Karla found herself before she decided to take her last drink on December 31, 2018. In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill chats with Karla about her journey to sobriety and the hurdles she faced along the way.Karla opens up about how alcohol had become intertwined with her identity, making it hard for her to be her true self. She talks candidly about the importance of setting boundaries to protect her sobriety and the need to change certain aspects of her life to support her recovery. One of the most powerful parts of Karla's story is how she overcame the fear of missing out by finding genuine connections in sobriety.Physical movement played a significant role in Karla's recovery. She shares how staying active helped her stay grounded and focused on her goals. Inspired by her own journey, Karla started a project aimed at helping other women find real-life connections and support in their sobriety. Karla's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and community. She reminds us that we can live fulfilling lives without alcohol by embracing who we truly are.As Karla wisely puts it, "Trust that everything in your life is rigged in your favor, and there is no going wrong when you are honoring yourself and your power." Tune in to hear more about how Karla found her way to a sober, authentic life.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 298: Be Who You Are

RE 298: Be Who You Are

RE 298: Be Who You Are

Monday 2nd November 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Karla's Story: Embracing Sobriety and Authenticity