Episode Details

We explore the transformative journey from alcohol dependence to living an authentic and empowered life with our inspiring guest, Clare Pooley. Well-known in ‘Quit Lit’ circles for her best-selling book The Sober Diaries, Clare reflects on her personal journey with alcohol, the emotional rollercoaster of early sobriety, and how writing became her lifeline and therapeutic tool. Host Anna Donaghey leads this heartfelt conversation, celebrating Clare's bravery, resilience, and her journey to authenticity.

Tune in as we explore Clare’s pivotal decision to quit drinking, the impact of sobriety on her family, and the importance of vulnerability in fostering genuine human connections. Clare shares the highs and lows of her first year sober, the healing power of writing, and the remarkable way her story has inspired countless others on their paths to recovery. This episode offers insights and heartfelt moments that you won't want to miss.

Here are the highlights:

05:08 Published The Sober Diaries, which inspired worldwide readers.

07:39 Most memoirs by men; questions remained unanswered.

10:36 Morning drinking crossed a line.

16:31 Journal for yourself to clarify personal struggles.

18:53 Mindfulness redirects focus, writing can provide a mental escape.

21:51 Journaling helps express suppressed emotions, unlike drinking.

25:24 Realised pseudonym and anonymity was unnecessary, after a mum friend guessed she was the author of the blog.

38:04 Connection with diverse people combats addiction effectively.

41:48 Quitting drinking builds bravery and emotional resilience.

44:11 Authenticity means not everyone will agree.

I🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community information

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

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https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

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