Today we have Brandi. She took her last drink on July 17, 2019.  This is her story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE
Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Update on the Alcohol is Sh!t book!  The book was released 2 days ago!  Pick up your copy on Amazon here!  On today's episode Paul talks about one of his pet peeves…the word "ONLY".   For example, when someone says they have 'only' been sober for 3 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, etc.… We need to change this way of thinking, any amount of time away from alcohol is a major win.  The word 'only' equals limited, represents a lack of, and we want to be careful with this idea and energetic vibrations that encompass the word.  SHOW NOTES   [9:30] Paul introduces Brandi.    Brandi is from Franklin, TN.  She is 48 years old and works in healthcare.  She has a 12-year-old daughter and for fun Brandi likes to make her own greeting cards, write poetry, and ride horses.    [14:50] Give us a background on your drinking.   Brandi says she drank some in high school and college, but that she didn't really enjoy it.  She says it wasn't until she was 33-34 years old that she started to see alcohol as a problem.     In 2012 she started to notice how alcohol was impacting her life, her physical wellbeing, her job, and the people around her.  2 years ago, she was drinking about 2 bottles of wine a night, every day.    [23:00] Where do you think your self-loathing came from?   Brandi says it came from a lot of things; missed moments with her daughter; lost time; missed conversations.       [33:30] Tell us how the last 2 weeks have been?   Brandi says they have been good.  She felt a little of the pink cloud.  She's been trying to do things differently, like getting up earlier.  She started a morning routine that includes her affirmation books.    [39:00] What's your plan moving forward?   Brandi says she is going to be better at reaching out to people.  She plans on getting back to some meetings that she has gone to in the past.  Getting back to her morning routine.  She wants to slowly get back to the things she enjoys doing for fun.  Brandi says a big one for her is stepping outside her comfort zone.    [40:40] Rapid Fire Round  

1. What's a lightbulb moment you've found on this journey?

  How many times have I thrown wine glasses away.  

1. What is a memorable moment that sobriety has given you?

  Sitting with my daughter, watching Disney movies, just being goofy and she put on Elton John and we just started dancing.   

1. What is your favorite alcohol-free drink?

  Unfortunately, it's Diet Dr. Pepper, but lemonade takes a close 2nd.   

1. What are some of your favorite resources in recovery?  

  My friends that know me, my affirmation books.  

1. What's on your bucket list in an alcohol-free life?

  I used to travel; I want to go find a really cool place to take my daughter.  I want to do the things I used to do with her and start making memories.  Also, to get back into making my cards again and moving forward with dreams I had at making that part of my lifestyle.   

1. And what parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?

  Even if it's hard to step out, to reach out, it doesn't have to be huge, just that one little thing that will change your path.   

1. You might have a drinking problem if...

  Before you buy that next bottle of wine you have to figure out where you are in your rounds through your wine stores so you don't hit one too soon.     Resources: Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com   "Recovery Elevator – Alcohol is shit…and we both know it."