There were obviously many reasons that led me to my decision to give up alcohol, but three stand out as "mic drop" moments for why it was time to quit — and they might surprise you! Well, two of them at least.

If you are a regular drinker who wants to cut back or quit drinking, it's important to be mindful of the reasons to give up alcohol because they all add up, weigh on us and drive us to make the decision to quit.

They remind us why we're doing what we're doing, and we need that in the beginning because that's when it's the hardest.

I hope that hearing my reasons and my mindset inspires you to adopt a sober or sober-curious lifestyle.

Next time, I'll talk about why it's so hard to give up alcohol and what you can do to overcome these challenges.

In this episode, you will get to know me, Mel Stephens, as I share a bit about who I am and my why for giving up alcohol.

You will also discover what this podcast is all about and what you can expect from future episodes.

Welcome to the Sober & Strong Podcast!

I’m Mel Stephens, and this show is for women over 40 who are sober or sober-curious and ready to prioritize their health in perimenopause and beyond.

I’m on a mission to inspire and support women in creating healthier lifestyles without alcohol. It’s about embracing habits that serve us and letting go of the ones that don’t.

Each week, we’ll cover topics on how going alcohol-free can transform your health — from improving sleep and managing stress to balancing hormones and boosting energy. Plus, we’ll dive into lifestyle habits like strength training, nutrition and stress management, that are essential for women in this stage of life.

I’ll share practical tips, real stories and actionable advice because I want you to wake up every morning feeling stronger and healthier than ever.

This is what the sober and strong lifestyle is all about.