The Earthquake In Colombia That Woke Me Up - James SwanwickThe Earthquake In Colombia That Woke Me Up - James Swanwick
Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
James Swanwick recounts a powerful earthquake in Colombia and how it prompted deeper gratitude, presence with his family and renewed dedication to helping others live alcohol-free. The story ties a frightening moment to questions about what truly matters and whether it’s time to change a relationship with alcohol.
23:14•11 Aug 2026
The Earthquake That Shook James Swanwick Into Gratitude and Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Sudden crises can highlight how quickly life can change and what truly matters.
- Focusing on others rather than on “me, me, me” can ease sadness and self-absorption.
- Simple daily comforts like food, water, electricity and a safe home are worth conscious gratitude.
- Putting the phone aside and being fully present with loved ones strengthens relationships.
- A wake-up call can be the catalyst to finally quit alcohol and commit to a healthier, more connected life.
“Life can change in a moment, in a heartbeat, can’t it? Good and bad.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this candid episode of Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, James Swanwick shares how a literal earthquake in Colombia shook much more than the ground beneath his feet. As he describes watching windows rattle, alarms blare and his wife running out holding their eight-month-old daughter, you’ll get a raw glimpse into those terrifying seconds where everything familiar suddenly feels fragile.
James reflects on how, just hours before, his mind had been caught up in minor frustrations about work and productivity. The contrast is stark: “Life can change in a moment, in a heartbeat, can’t it?” That sudden jolt pushed him to reassess what really matters – health, family, simple dinners at home, and the everyday comfort of running water and electricity.
He talks honestly about how easily self-absorption creeps in, even when his work centres on helping high achievers quit alcohol and learn to enjoy living alcohol-free. There’s a touching moment when he describes stepping into his daughter’s playpen and catching himself reaching for his phone. Instead, he chooses 45 minutes of full presence, just watching and engaging with her.
It becomes another reminder that “friendships, relationships, they’re all so important, aren’t they?” For those wrestling with drinking, James links this wake-up call to the decision to change: perhaps that same urgency can be applied to quitting alcohol, being more attentive to loved ones, and serving others rather than staying stuck in “me, me, me”.
His story doesn’t offer neat answers, but it does offer a strong nudge: if life can shift in an instant, what are you waiting to change today?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.