In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I reflect on one of my most humbling walks of shame—waking up after a night of drinking at Johnny O’Hagan’s. I had blacked out and found myself in bed with a young Irish guy, filled with shame and uncertainty about how I got there or how I’d get home. It was a painful reminder that alcohol had control over me, not the other way around.

I challenge you to ask yourself: do you have control over alcohol, or does alcohol have control over you? If you believe you have control, I challenge you to prove it. Don’t drink for a week, or skip that glass of wine at dinner, after a long day at work, or when you’re out with friends. See for yourself who truly holds the power—because the answer might surprise you.

In 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I reflect on the "Seasons of My Life" and how alcohol once defined my youth. I used to believe that fun and fulfillment required drinking—my life, especially in high school, revolved around chasing boys and alcohol. It seemed impossible to do anything without it. But now, 13 years sober, I feel truly free in mind, heart, soul, and body, no longer drawn to the party scene. I find myself asking, "What’s my favorite season of life?" and realize it’s this one—where I feel at peace and complete just as I am.

This is the one from 1994 when I was out in Arizona visiting my friends and we got invited to her girlfriends house to drink some wine, and WINE we did plus a whole lot more. I specifically told her not to leave me there and make sure I left when she was ready since she had to work the next day. Oh boy, I was in for a real treat when I woke up still there.

HELP! I had to get the hell out but how? I needed a ride but my friend was working, shit! Her hubby had to come and get me and found me pacing back on forth a what seemed like a busy 6 lane road at the crack of dawn. I felt like I had been run over and over and over.

In this episode, I share the story of how I moved from FOMO to JOMO. Back in college, I was so eager not to miss out on a party that I lied to get out of my shift at my family’s restaurant—only for it to backfire when my mom, my boss, found out. All that for a night of boozing! Now, I choose differently. I actually prefer not getting invited to those parties, so I don’t have to say no. Letting go hasn’t been easy, but it's better for me. Let them not invite me, let them judge, let them drift away. I’m embracing JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out—and finding peace in a life that truly fulfills me. Letting go and letting others live their lives as I do mine has been one of my best choices. XO

"Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol. Today, I’m going to tell you about the night I woke up on the fire escape—horrified, cold, and locked out of my own apartment, not safe. It was one of those moments that made me question everything about my relationship with alcohol."

"It was the middle of the night, and I wasn’t in my bed. I wasn’t even in my apartment. Instead, I woke up on a rusty fire escape outside, still drunk, disoriented, and terrified. I had no idea how I got there. All I knew was that I wasn’t safe, I couldn’t get back inside, and this wasn’t the first time alcohol had put me in danger. But it was a moment that changed things for me."

"So I want to ask you something: When you look at your relationship with alcohol, how does it affect your life? Have you ever paused to really think about it?"

"I know I did. I tried to list the positive things alcohol contributed to my life, but I couldn’t find five things. Could you?"

"Here’s the truth: I never could. For me, alcohol took more than it ever gave. It stole my safety, my peace of mind, and my sense of control. So, if you’re struggling with alcohol, I challenge you to make your own list. Does it really bring value to your life? If so, what are those five positive things?"

"Sometimes we try to rationalize our drinking by telling ourselves it helps us relax, have fun, or fit in. But for me, the negatives always outweighed the positives. If you’ve ever felt the same way—whether you’ve woken up somewhere you shouldn’t be, or just regretted a night of drinking—know that you’re not alone."

In this episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment from my sister’s wedding in 1986, where my life revolved around partying. At the time, I was underage but drinking heavily, which led to some pretty rough consequences the following day. It’s fascinating how, in the moment, we often don't care about how we'll feel tomorrow as long as we "party hardy" today.

I challenge you to take a look at how you celebrate—can you enjoy an occasion without alcohol and still have fun? I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely possible. Tune in for more insights and lessons from my journey to sobriety!

I recently made a heartfelt request to my friends for something deeply important to me—hosting a sober dinner party, marking the first time I’ve ever asked this of them. When they refused, I was hit with a wave of disappointment. It wasn’t just about the party; it was a moment of vulnerability where I hoped for their understanding and support of my sobriety. This refusal forced me to reflect on my relationships and the challenges of navigating friendships while staying true to my journey. Though it was a painful experience, it also led to valuable insights about setting boundaries and the importance of surrounding myself with people who truly respect my choices.

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, titled "Grand Haven Beach Party: Big Sis, Little Sis, and Spiked Punch," I share a story from my freshman year in high school when my sister, a senior, and her best friend became our "acting big sisters," looking out for us and making sure we had fun. The story takes place at Grand Haven Beach, where we attended a big sister/little sister beach party. It was a day filled with fun, sun, and beach punch—alcohol included. Through it all, my admiration for my sister shines as I reflect on how much I've always looked up to her.