Sober Girls Yoga A Note from the Editor

Dear Community,

It's been 1,504 Days since I quit drinking Something I’ve noticed about myself is that right when my yoga retreats end - I crave alcohol I desire it so badly I can’t figure out what it is - a shock to the system? A withdrawal from community? A big exhale after working 24/7 for an extended period of time?

I think to myself, “well I could just have one No one ’ s going to know ” The irony being that the work I do all hinges on me being sober. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be running sober yoga retreats around the world if I were still drinking.

This last week I had a vacation for myself planned after my 3 week yoga teacher training in Bali - it was four days at a resort in the Maldives This would have been my biggest trigger and moment where I’d be likely to drink. I seriously even thought about it. Then a series of interesting travel events led one of my retreat guests to end up coming with me to the Maldives. She is five months sober today!

Having a sober buddy to travel with was the determining factor Instead of reaching for a drink, we reminded each other of how glad we were to be sober. We unwound and relaxed our nervous systems in various ways: we went fishing, we laid by the beach, we did yoga On the very last night we happened into the beach bar and discovered they had alcohol free sparkling wine on the menu - and popped a bottle to celebrate her five months sober We also came across this sign in a local bar!

The things I’ve learned are:

The desire to drink will always be there, even at four years. Post-retreats are my triggers I need to have a post-retreat plan in place to help me stay alcohol free.

Having a sober buddy to travel with is a great idea Plan activities while on vacation to help me stay sober, like sunrise walks and yoga classes during happy hour.

Try to choose a location where there will be alcohol free activities, events and alternatives you can engage with.

Each moment like this is a learning opportunity, and I am proud to have gotten through another few days sober “You can’t buy happiness - but you can get a Mocktail and that’s kind of the same thing!” Grateful to be 1,504 days sober. What strategies have helped you on your alcohol free journey?

Love, Alex