In this episode of Mindful Sobriety, Amanda discusses the critical role of self-trust in recovery and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of rebuilding self-trust through practical steps and mindful practices, encouraging listeners to start small and be consistent. The conversation highlights the journey of self-trust as a process of remembering one's true self and cultivating inner peace.

Sound Bites

• "Self-trust allows us to stay grounded."
• "Start small, trust grows from consistency."
• "Lean into love instead of fear."

Takeaways

• Self-trust is essential for recovery and personal growth.
• Lack of self-trust can lead to inner chaos and shame.
• Rebuilding self-trust involves making and keeping small commitments.
• Mindful pauses can help in recognizing fear versus love in decision-making.
• Daily affirmations can reinforce self-trust and positive thinking.
• Consistency is key to rebuilding self-trust over time.
• Journaling can help identify areas of misalignment and promote self-awareness.
• Compassion is crucial in the journey of rebuilding self-trust.
• Self-trust is a journey, not a destination.
• It's important to show up for yourself in every moment.

Chapters

00:00
Rebuilding Self-Trust in Recovery

04:14
Practical Steps to Rebuild Self-Trust

10:30
The Journey of Self-Trust

11:51
Mindful Sobriety Pod Intro .mp4

11:52
outro_ready to publish_riverside.mp4

In this powerful episode of Mindful Sobriety, Jane sits down with author and advocate Chris Jansen to explore the deeply personal journey behind her book Grace Yourself. Chris shares her experience navigating addiction, the struggle with moderation, and how sobriety became a path back to joy, freedom, and authenticity.

Together, we unpack the transformative power of grace, self-compassion, and community, and why self-worth is the foundation for lasting recovery. Chris speaks candidly about the danger of limiting beliefs, the liberation in rewriting your story, and why addiction is not a moral failure.

Whether you're on your own path of recovery or supporting someone you love, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and empowerment. You are worthy. You are not alone. And healing is always possible.

✨ What You’ll Hear:

• Why grace is a radical act of self-love
• The harm of moderation for some and the freedom of abstinence
• How to reframe limiting beliefs and reclaim your narrative
• Why community is a cornerstone of sustainable sobriety
• The cultural shift happening around alcohol—and how we can lead it
• A reminder that you were born worthy

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Chris Jansen and Her Journey

01:49
The Inspiration Behind 'Grace Yourself'

06:08
Understanding Self-Worth and Addiction

10:22
The Concept of Grace and Self-Compassion

15:13
Chris's Relationship with Alcohol

20:49
Finding Freedom in Sobriety

23:04
Understanding Limiting Beliefs About Alcohol

25:46
Rewriting the Narrative: Changing Your Story

28:58
The Power of Community in Recovery

31:11
Navigating Different Recovery Paths

36:08
The Importance of Agency and Choice

39:48
Cultural Shifts Around Alcohol Consumption

41:39
Recognizing Inherent Worth Beyond Addiction

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Meet Chris!

Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a USA Today bestselling author and board-certified performance and mindset coach. With a master’s in counseling psychology and experience on Tony Robbins’ elite coaching team, Chris helps high-achieving perfectionists overcome self-sabotage and thrive under pressure. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Thrive Global, and more. A California native, Chris lives with her husband Scott and enjoys skiing, golf, horses, and outdoor adventures.

Connect with Chris at chrisjanssencoaching.com or follow her for more inspiration on Instagram! Grab your copy of Grace Yourself today!

In this conversation, Suzie Jary shares her journey from a career in dance to becoming a licensed clinical social worker, emphasizing the importance of community, spirituality, and personal growth in recovery. She discusses her experiences in the theater, the role of sobriety in her professional life, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Suzie also reflects on the challenges of acceptance and loss, the power of self-inquiry, and the hope that comes from resilience in recovery.

• Suzie's journey into social work was influenced by her personal experiences with addiction.
• Community and support are crucial in the recovery process.
• Sobriety can coexist with a fulfilling professional life in creative fields.
• Education plays a vital role in becoming a licensed counselor.
• Spirituality can be a guiding force in recovery.
• Different recovery paths work for different individuals.
• Acceptance of loss is a significant part of healing.
• Self-inquiry and humility are essential for personal growth.
• Hope and resilience are key themes in recovery.
• Finding the right community can make a significant difference in one's journey.

• "Go where it's warm."
• "I always was seeking that."
• "I didn't get my way."

Have you ever received frightening news from your doctor?

Did it spur you into action?

Today Jane sits down with alcohol-free speaker, podcaster and life coach Melissa McGovern, also known as The Sober New Yorker, to share her transformative journey from gray area drinking to a vibrant, alcohol-free life. Melissa opens up about how grief and personal loss influenced her drinking habits, the pivotal moment when a doctor’s warning about her liver health became a wake-up call, and the profound changes she experienced after choosing sobriety.

The conversation explores the power of community in sobriety, the unexpected joys of traveling alcohol-free, and the ways in which quitting drinking has strengthened her relationships—including her marriage. Melissa emphasizes the importance of trusting the process, seeking support, and embracing the possibility of a life richer and more fulfilling than she ever imagined.

This episode offers inspiration and encouragement for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or seeking a fresh perspective on what’s possible in an alcohol-free life.

TAKEAWAYS

• Sobriety is not just about quitting drinking; it's about reclaiming your life.
• Loss and grief can significantly impact drinking habits.
• Community support is crucial in the journey to sobriety.
• Health warnings can serve as a wake-up call for change.
• An alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to improved physical health.
• Building alcohol-free friendships can create deeper connections.
• Traveling sober can enhance experiences and connections with others.
• It's important to trust your future self in the journey of sobriety.
• Embracing sobriety can strengthen relationships and improve family dynamics.
• Finding joy and fulfillment in life is possible without alcohol.

WHAT WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introduction to the Alcohol-Free Journey
03:03 Living in New York City: A Unique Perspective
05:41 The Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
08:10 The Impact of the Pandemic on Drinking Habits
10:51 Facing Loss and Its Consequences
13:43 Turning Point: A Decision for Change
16:19 Seeking Help and Medical Guidance
19:06 The Road to Recovery and Transformation
21:52 Finding Purpose and Motivation
24:25 Honoring a Friend's Memory Through Change
26:04 Embracing a New Life After Alcohol
27:09 Finding Community and Empowerment
29:20 The Depth of Alcohol-Free Friendships
30:27 The Journey to Sobriety: Timing and Acceptance
31:29 The Power of Social Media in Sobriety
32:23 Building New Habits and Routines
33:49 Empowerment in Midlife: A New Perspective
35:46 Healing Through Retreats and Travel
41:43 Marriage and Relationships in Sobriety
47:17 Advice to My Younger Self

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Learn More About Melissa!

Melissa considered herself a classic gray area drinker who from the outside seemed to have it all together. Her drinking ramped up in the pandemic when she lost her best friend and a routine visit to the doctor revealed some startling blood test results. She decided to turn her setback into a comeback, ditched the booze, made drastic behavioral changes and completely turned around her health in just three short months. She felt so good that she kept going and today she is a certified alcohol free mindset coach helping women like herself make the badass choice to live and thrive in an alcohol free life. She has made NYC her home for the last 30 years and now proudly goes by the title "The Sober New Yorker". When she isn't helping revolutionize the world, you can find her taking in a Broadway show, walking in Riverside Park, or spending time with her two grown children and husband John.

Connect with Melissa on Instagram @thesobernewyorker or find her at thesobernewyorker.com!

recovery, addiction, personal journey, mental health, sobriety, alcohol, hope, support, resilience, transformation

In this episode, Brian McManus shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. He discusses his early life, the normalization of alcohol in his family, and the gradual realization of his unhealthy relationship with drinking. Brian recounts the downward spiral that led him to a dark place, contemplating suicide, and ultimately seeking help. His recovery journey, marked by courage and support, transformed his life, allowing him to help others facing similar struggles. Brian emphasizes the importance of hope, community, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety while navigating life's difficulties.

Takeaways

• Brian's early life was steeped in a culture of alcohol.
• He recognized his unhealthy relationship with alcohol during college.
• The normalization of drinking in society can obscure the severity of addiction.
• Brian's turning point came when he contemplated suicide.
• Seeking help was a courageous step in his recovery journey.
• 12-step recovery provided a sense of community and support.
• Brian's experience in prison was a pivotal moment for his recovery.
• He found purpose in helping others struggling with addiction.
• Recovery is an ongoing process that requires resilience and support.
• Brian emphasizes the importance of hope and the ability to change.

"I crossed that line." "I can recognize that today." "I was given a second chance."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Brian McManus and His Journey

04:53
Early Life and Relationship with Alcohol

09:34
The Turning Point: Recognizing Problematic Drinking

15:55
The Descent: Consequences of Alcoholism

22:05
The Road to Recovery Begins

27:54
Life After Recovery: New Beginnings

33:49
Reflections on Recovery and Hope

35:20
artsEntertainment-transition-low.wav

35:31
outro_ready to publish_riverside.mp4

In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica shares her journey through addiction, domestic violence, and recovery. She reflects on her childhood, the search for acceptance, and the impact of her relationships. Jessica discusses the turning points in her life, including the loss of loved ones and the realization of her need for change. Her story highlights the importance of gratitude, support, and resilience in the recovery process, ultimately leading to a renewed sense of purpose and connection with her son.

recovery, addiction, domestic violence, gratitude, childhood, motherhood, mental health, personal growth, resilience, coaching

• Proud of small accomplishments in recovery.
• Gratitude plays a crucial role in recovery.
• Childhood experiences shape our self-worth.
• The search for acceptance can lead to unhealthy choices.
• Domestic violence often intertwines with addiction.
• Loss can be a powerful motivator for change.
• Support systems are vital in recovery.
• Gratitude can be found in the smallest things.
• Motherhood can be a driving force for recovery.
• The journey of recovery is ongoing and transformative.

00:00
Finding Gratitude in Recovery

03:05
The Journey of a Recovery Coach

05:38
Childhood Reflections and Their Impact

08:22
The Struggles of Early Relationships

10:44
The Descent into Addiction

13:20
The Cycle of Abuse and Addiction

15:35
The Reality of Trafficking

18:09
The Loss of a Guiding Light

20:35
The Turning Point: Seeking Help

23:01
The Complexity of Domestic Violence

25:29
The Search for Identity and Acceptance

28:06
A New Chapter: Reaching Out to Family

29:51
Navigating Domestic Violence and Its Consequences

33:59
The Aftermath of Loss and Guilt

37:17
Turning Point: The Decision to Change

42:59
The Journey to Recovery and Reunification

47:45
Building a New Life in Sobriety

51:09
Finding Gratitude and Purpose in Pain

51:10
artsEntertainment-transition-low.wav

51:21
outro_ready to publish_riverside.mp4