Today I Am Sober

Did you read in last weeks show notes that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer? Nope, perhaps you missed that news. Sadly that’s all I’ve been able to think about since my diagnosis on 5th February. That’s why we were off air during February. To keep this podcast going I do need your help, financially! If you can, please consider becoming a patron - find out more here: https://www.patreon.com/todayiamsober every penny counts.Since my diagnosis I’ve changed.  Physically - bye bye left boob, hello ‘one tit’ wonder Emotionally - I’ve realised I’m far more resilient than I’ve ever given myself credit for Spiritually - I’m absolutely convinced God has got my back and I will survive Warning! I recorded this episode late one night post diagnosis but pre-mastectomy. I haven’t listened back to it. I’ve no idea what I said. But as ever, if this episode helps one person (other than me) then I’m happy. Enjoy, and please do let me know what you think about this episode over on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober 

Jared Longhorne is like me, a recovering alcoholic staying sober one day at a time. Today we chat about all things rehab and recovery, but specifically how he’s hoping to help other recovering addicts through his concierge business. Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Jared Longhorne:Website: http://www.telconcierge.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/telconcierge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/telmembers Twitter: https://twitter.com/telconcierge Apologies to my regular listeners for going off air in March. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020 (eek!) so I took the month off. Tune in next week for a cancer update!   

Today’s episode is about the power of silence and how connecting with yourself through meditation can give you a spiritual awakening or as Sally Brockway calls it a “love experience”. We've had several women come on the show and talk about the inner critic, this really nasty bully that's inside of us that tells us horrible things and they've given us some tactics to overcome them. Sally is the founder of WOWl PR and she has a phenomenal while PR school, so for any of you that when you own businesses, please do check her out. It's phenomenal. I'm actually a member and I love it. But Sally’s not here to talk about PR today. Instead we’re having a chat about how she’s overcome that horrible, nasty self critic that was inside of her and the journey that she’s taken in 2019 to get you to the point where you are today. Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Sally Brockway:Website: https://fallingtogether.blog and https://www.wowpr.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wowpr Twitter: https://twitter.com/wowpruk

Is getting fit in 2020 one of your ambitions? Today I'm joined by Lisa Moore of Fit For Moore. Lisa is a personal trainer and health coach and what she doesn't know about getting fit simply isn't worth knowing. I’ve invited Lisa on the show because I haven't done what I said I was going to do three months ago, check out episode 1 with Dr Katherine Hickman. I said I was going to lose three stone in weight. Now I haven't lost a single kilo or pound because I haven’t created a tiny habit. So I wanted to chat with Lisa about how our heads can sometimes stop us from achieving what we want to achieve. Lisa and I delve into some of the things that can hold us back and what we can do to set ourselves up for success if we too want to get fit. Connect with Liz W: Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Lisa Moore:Website: http://www.fitformoore.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitForMoore/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fearlessandpowerfulwoman/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-moore-1044421/

Do you have a problem that you intuitively know needs fixing at an emotional level? Today’s guest Sally Garozzo believes that if you can feel it you can heal it. Sally has led a really interesting life. The first half of Sally’s life was all about finding joy through singing and songwriting. After her singing career Sally has been on a self-development journey and she's now a Rapid Transformational Therapist.  Listen in and discover what RTT is, how it can help you, whether it's for you or not, and what to expect. Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Sally Garozzo: Website: https://www.sallygarozzo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sallygarozzomindmentor/ Instagram: @sallygarozzomindmentorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygarozzo/ Here's the link if you want to listen to Sally's beautiful singing: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tzZd7cdl3dwJ0gAWcXFm1?si=e5m_m86lThuVco8imMi0og

Do you want to quit drinking? In this episode I’m joined by Jen Sugarmeyer as she shares her story from the pits of hell into recovery. Jen took back her own power back over an addiction that almost claimed her life and shares her 5 step process ‘Reset’ which is also the name of her upcoming book. We also chat about how to date yourself. I’d love to know how you’re going to treat yourself! Me? I’m buying pink roses every week in 2020 (well apart from during the tulip season!).From fear to fearless, Jen took her scars and shattered pieces and took back the life that was taken from her.  Broken and ashamed, Jen led a double-life before everyone’s eyes, and was slowly dying inside. Afraid of the repercussions of asking for help, admitting she had a problem, and taking the time to unravel years of damage, for over two decades Jen couldn’t manage to break the cycle of addiction in her life.  Her pain came not only from her own abuse, but the physical and mental abuse she endured in an abusive relationship. In and out of jails and hospitals, Jen’s life was entirely unmanageable- she was only able keep her corporate life isolated, but she knew she was playing with fire.  Jen knew it wasn’t long until her hidden life would be exposed at the office - her inner demon was getting stronger and stronger and she was losing control of her progressive disease.    Lying to cover her physical and emotional bruises, Jen was at her breaking point….until her life changed. It was none of Jen's lows or her bottoms that changed her life - it was the kind words uttered by someone who genuinely cared that made her realize that she was worth fighting for - and that’s what she did. Jen embarked on the fight of her life - for her life - and she shares her strength and encouragement to help you claim the life you deserve! If you are in need of change, if you have lost power over an area in your life, if you are living a double life and afraid your worlds are going to collide, Jen’s new book ‘Reset’ out in Spring 2020 is just for you.  Join her VIP waitlist to be the first to find out when it’s released here: https://www.jensugermeyer.com/reset-vip/ Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Jen Sugarmeyer: Website: https://www.jensugermeyer.com/ Jen’s New Book: Get on the VIP waitlist here: https://www.jensugermeyer.com/reset-vip/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensugermeyer/

Today I'm talking about the top 10 books that have helped me during my recovery and I'm going to share with you what they are and why I love them and why I continue to read them now. I would love, love, love to know what books you've read that have helped you on your journey in sobriety. Many of mine are actually AA books but there are also lots of non-AA books that have really helped me.  Please tell me of any book that has helped you in your recovery. Let me know what it is by DM’ing me over on Instagram @todayiamsober or email me directly liz[at]todayiamsober[dot]co[dot]uk.

Are you being bombarded with emails from retailers with huge discounts in the Boxing Day sales? Do you love clothes, but not the clothes in your wardrobe and are perhaps looking for a new item to add? Then join me for this conversation about all things clothes with Loulou Storey, a Style Coach who founded the Style Agency ’The Styling Storey’ 4 years ago. If you’ve ever struggled with the whole “smart/casual” dress code, then Loulou has a super simple explanation that may just change the way you view smart/casual for ever! Loulou and her team help women all over the world to reclaim their confidence and identity by transforming the way they dress, ensuring that her clients don't just look but feel incredible everyday. She was recently featured on ITV with Tresemme’s latest campaign, #poweryourpresence sharing her story of how clothes empowered her on her recovery from depression. Loulou and has worked with some of the biggest retailers, such as Karen Millen to launch their personal shopping offering and is currently training the next generation of stylists to style their clients beyond ‘first impressions counting’ and instead focus on ’style as an empowerment tool'. She has also worked with Triumph lingerie, Kitri, Me & em and Soho house as well as regularly appearing on the BBC where she is passionate about spreading her message of mindful, confident style.I loved this conversation, and as a result have completely re-configured what my wardrobe looks like. The white section is too big (too many of those white tops!) so I'm on the look out for something bright and cheerful to add to my wardrobe in the sales.  I'd love to know what you're going to do as a result of listening to this episode. Let me know, using the links below to connect. Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Loulou Storey:Website: www.thestylingstorey.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loulou-storey-5a77a927/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louloustorey_stylist/  

Did you hurt your family in your drinking days? I know I did. Especially my glorious big brother. If you’d have asked me at the time I would have said I loved him dearly. But my intentions certainly didn’t match my actions. Since I got sober our relationship has changed. Thanks to his forgiveness & ability to trust me one more time and my ability to  behave like a grown up (most of the time) we are now closer than ever before. If you’re just starting out in recovery it is possible to repair your family relationships too. To get in touch DM me over on Instagram @todayiamsober or email me directly liz[at]todayiamsober[dot]co[dot]uk. This one is for you big brother. Love bontyluna x

Have you ever felt like you should be happy? That you’re blessed in so many ways. But. And here’s the thing. You can’t find the joy today. In this episode I share the ways I change my state when the negative committee in my head are having a field day, or I just feel like my life is heavy. How Liz W Finds Joy When There Doesn’t Appear To Be Any! 1. Listen to upbeat music. Smile like you mean it by The Killers always raises my mood! 2. Write a gratitude list 3. Ask how someone else is 4. Call a close-mouthed friend 5. Pray 6. Celebrate loved ones 7. Keep your head and your hands in the same place 8. Do personal inventory Don’t discount the fact that if these joylessness has been going on a while, it might not be you feeling down in the dumps, but perhaps depression. Please don’t self-diagnose, please talk to your GP. Get a medical opinion. There’s absolutely no shame in needing medical help to improve your mental health. It doesn’t mean your program of recovery isn’t working. Full disclosure, if you do purchase through the Amazon book link below I will receive a small payment. This doesn’t increase the price you pay for the book. Here’s the book from Dr Tim Cantopher “Depressive Illness: The curse of the strong”. https://amzn.to/2qPcCl6 I’d love to hear what you do to change the way you feel without resorting to negative & potentially addictive behaviours. DM me over on Instagram @todayiamsober or email me directly liz[at]todayiamsober[dot]co[dot]uk.

Are you an introvert?  I am. And I’m joined by Gemma Stow, host of the podcast Introverts Inspired, as she shares how she’s turned her introversion into a super power.Be prepared, Gemma and I are good friends in real life. So our conversation heads into unchartered territory, feminism and the upcoming general election.Listen in and hear Gemma share a super simple practical strategy for you to work out what matters most to you to uncover your values. Try it. It works!Connect with Liz W:Website: http://todayiamsober.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayiamsoberpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayiamsober/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/today_sober Connect with Gemma Stow: Work with Gemma in 2020: http://bit.ly/12Coaching Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgemmastow/

Getting sober for me changed everything, including my relationship with my husband. What used to be acceptable was no longer acceptable. I tried changing him. It didn’t work. Instead of trying to change him, I focussed on making myself happy. Fortunately our marriage has survived my sobriety, but what if your relationship doesn’t? Is it time to visit a solicitor? Please don't.  My good friend Emma Heptonstall, The Divorce Alchemist, joins me today and we talk all about making the decision to leave. Emma is a former lawyer, a family mediator and a divorce coach. She works with women mainly to help them make smart emotional and financial decisions on divorce.Her first book, How to be a Lady Who Leaves is an Amazon best seller, and is available to buy directly from Emma, or on Amazon.  If you choose to buy her book and I strongly recommend you do if you’re considering divorce, when you buy with the link below I’ll receive a small commission to help with the costs of running this podcast.  You won’t be charged extra!To find out more about Emma visit https://www.emmaheptonstall.com/ Buy “How to be a Lady Who Leaves” on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2R5ZxhX You can download Emma’s free Smart Woman’s Divorce Guide here: https://www.emmaheptonstall.com/divorce-coaching/smartwomansdivorceguide/

Isabelle Griffith is a woman with such calm energy I simply had to have her on the show. As someone who's always rushing around I hoped that by chatting to Isabelle some of her calming energy would rub off. As I know from my journey in recovery you don’t get more sober by sitting next to the most sober person in the room and the same is true of energy.In this episode Isabelle shares how we too can use the power of pause to enjoy the journey. Transformation takes time but you have to start somewhere, and Isabelle recommends simply pressing pause.I’d love to know what you think of this episode and when you’re next going to press pause.Isabelle has kindly offered a free workbook of her '5 step PAUSE formula to turn your inner critic into an inner ally' which you can download here in exchange for your email address: http://bit.ly/2NrzIqz Connect with Isabelle: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LIGHTUPANDTHRIVE/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/isabellewiesgriffith Website: http://www.lightupandthrive.com/ Podcast: The Mindful Path

John Lamerton is a “routine freak” - or so his wife says and after chatting with him I tend to agree (in the nicest possible way!). John loves a routine and his new book “Routine Machine” explores how you can too. In fact John promises that you can get results!One routine I’ve maintained for 2,240 days is waking up sober. Did I do it through John’s book? Nope - it wasn’t written then (I read another great book with 164 pages). But it’s the one routine I’ve maintained every single day and one I often don’t give myself credit for. You see it’s become so ingrained in me that I simply don’t drink. Being sober is normal for me today. Now am I being oblivious to the fact that I may drink one day? Absolutely not. I know I’m only ever an arm’s length away from a glass of Pinot. But today I have a choice. It was a hard-won one. It was very costly and I don’t mean financially! Today I am sober.  I don’t have to drink when I feel happy, mad, sad or bad. I simply have to ensure that when I feel irritable, restless or discontent (or my emotions run high) I do something about it. I talk to someone and tell them what’s going on with me. God (or my dog) works for me if I can’t talk to another human.  I usually have to write it down and look at it (some would call that journalling, I don’t, I call it looking at the facts!). A friend reminded me that if I can do that, I can do anything. And so can you. Anything is possible.And that’s one of the things I discuss with John. What do you do if you want to create a new routine, but you’ve tried before and failed. Perhaps you’ve tried to write a book and haven’t got more than 100 words down (or is that just me). Or you want to lose weight/buy a house/get fit/eat healthily/insert anything else here you want to do. No matter what routine you want to bring into your life it is possible to change. If I can stop drinking, surely I can lose that 3 stone that’s been with me far too long!If John “a normal bloke from Plymouth” can completely change his life and become a “routine machine”, so you can we.Listen to our chat about routines and let me know what you think.#TriggerWarning If you’re a stationery addict like me beware...whilst listening to this episode you may feel the need to go shopping, buy some cool stickers (gold stars optional) and release your inner child by making a sticker chart to celebrate your success. Be sure to give us a review on Apple Podcasts I really do read them. In fact @Teddifantastic kindly gave me one and I posted on our Patreon site a thank you. It’s here @Teddifantastic if you’re reading this: https://www.patreon.com/todayiamsober Here’s the details of John’s book:“Routine Machine: How successful people improve their morning routine, daily habits and guarantee themselves results” by John Lamerton is available in all good book stores.  If you buy the book from Amazon using the link below the Today I Am Sober podcast will receive a small commission directly from Amazon as a thank you for your purchase. Who knows, perhaps we’ll be able to buy a new microphone or sound-proofing so that the audio quality gets better!Buy the book now: https://amzn.to/2qVfVGU Connect with John: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/routinemachines/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lamerton-b42b9013b Website: www.routinemachine.co.uk PS I’ve been busy working on our website todayiamsober.co.uk (well 2 hours at the weekend!) I hope you like it!

On this episode we're talking all things, boundaries: what they are, how to create them and what to do when they're not serving you. Now I want to warn you and make something super clear. You don't have to have therapy to sort out your boundaries because you may listen to this episode and think, Arrghh, Liz needs therapy! Perhaps I do need some more therapy, but perhaps you may think: “Oh my God, I need therapy too!” Emma wanted me to make sure that we were super clear with you, just in case it doesn't come through the show, that you do not need to have therapy to sort out your boundaries. When your emotions start to bubble up, we're going to keep to the facts. The other thing I have to warn you is that if you're not Gen X like Emmo and I are, you may be a millennial or Gen Z (you were born after 1995) there's all kinds of references in this podcast that you simply might not get for that. I don't apologize. We are women of a certain age and we grew up with certain technology that for those of you that are a lot younger than us will think: “Oh my God, how did you manage?”. Well guess what kids, we did! Enjoy the show. Connect with Emma: www.emmalangton.com Instagram: emlangtoncoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-langton/ Twitter: @emlangtoncoach If you’d like to support the podcast, and help me improve the dodgy sound quality. Yes @Teddifantastic I know it needs work :-) then please consider becoming a patron of the show at: https://www.patreon.com/todayiamsober

Have you ever felt like you’d sometimes you’d like to be someone else? Perhaps you feel there are parts of you that don’t feel ‘lovely’? I know I certainly have. I’m joined by Nicola Arnold of Enkindle Life Coaching who is a women that’s unashamedly herself. I simply love her. In this episode I hope you too can discover how you can be unashamedly you. Connect with Nicola: enkindlelifecoaching.com Twitter: @enkindlelifeco1 Instagram: enkindlelifecoaching

When it comes to feelings and connecting with yourself, the first person I think of is Katie Phillips.  Katie has dedicated her life to teaching others what she had to learn. She is a dedicated student of her own 'Self-Love Affair Process', committed to continually growing and evolving while being supported by the core principles of conscious awareness, compassion and gratitude so that she may experience a life that feels truly daring and mighty. In this conversation we chat about all things self-love. Ready to love yourself? Want Katie's free mini-course which will show you how? She would love to send you a LOVE BITE every day for 7 days. You will receive one email every day containing bite-sized self-love tips and tools which are easy to digest yet pack a powerful, transformational punch! CLICK HERE > http://bit.ly/tiaskatie < to get Katie's 7-part video training called Love Bites. THE SCHOOL OF SELF LOVE : https://theschoolofself.love/ The curriculum is what they ‘should’ have taught you at school - how to deeply know and love yourself so that you have the confidence and self-belief to create a life that feels purposeful, fulfilling and fun. Instagram: theschoolofself.love Twitter: @daremightythings LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-phillips-b6043833/Facebook: The School of Self Love Page: https://www.facebook.com/daremightythings/

Carey Davis-Munro doesn't pull any punches when it comes to healthy eating. I was shocked to learn that eating bacon is as bad for you as smoking three cigarettes.  This episodes isn't about bad food, but about how you can change your eating habits by introducing healthy and nutritious food.  As the woman behind 40 Ocado recipes, Carey knows her stuff. To find out more about Carey visit: https://www.eatnourishflourish.com/ If you'd like to support this podcast, you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/todayiamsober

I love a good declutter. I always feel like I’ve cleared space for new energy into my life. Sometimes we have to let go of the old to welcome in the new. So who better than to share some top tips on how you can declutter than my Canadian friend, Heather Clark, who runs a business helping people like us clear space in our lives. To find out more about a special weekend offer that Heather is running this October 2019 visit: http://bit.ly/heatherdeclutter Alternatively connect with Heather at www.homeandofficedetox.com If you're enjoying the show please consider supporting us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/todayiamsober

Ever felt disconnected from yourself? Not knowing what you want? Me too. After years of numbing my feelings with the Pinot, since getting sober I still feel a bit disconnected from my intuition. Anne-Louise joins me and shares some super simple ways you can connect to your intuition.  These suggestions may sound too simple, but since recording this episode I've been practicing asking myself what I want, in the moment, and I've been guided in ways I never thought possible. So pop in your earbuds and let me know what how you get on. Want to connect with Anne-Louise? Here's where you can find her: https://annelouiseharbutt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheIntuitiveLeadersLounge/  

Dr Katherine Hickman shares how you can create lasting change through Tiny Habits. When I first heard about this I thought it was a bit bonkers. But having chatted to Katherine I've changed my mind. Personally, I'm praying that by popping on my trainers every time I turn off my Mac I'll eventually get to run 5K. The journey starts with the first step right! Once you've had a chance to listen, I'd love to know what new Tiny Habit you're going to start. Want to connect with Dr Katherine?  Here's where you can find her: Twitter: @kchickman Website: https://www.joyfuldoctor.com/page/104842 Please note that this show is not a replacement for professional medical advice. If you're struggling, please get help. There's always someone willing to listen. And if you want to chat with Liz W, drop me an email (details available on the Today I Am Sober website).

Today I Am Sober is a podcast which celebrates the joy of being sober. It provides useful & actionable tips on how to bring even more joy into your recovery. Hosted by Liz W a successful corporate woman who secretly needed 3 bottles of Pinot Grigio a night then 6 cans of Red Bull to function the next day at work. She checked into rehab on 26th September 2013 and hasn’t had a drink since. As she says every morning & night, with gratitude, “Today I Am Sober”. Liz left her corporate role in 2016 and has since been self-employed. Liz is on a mission to show that living a sober life with joy is possible and that ANY woman can be an alcoholic and recover.  #AlcoholismDoesntDiscriminate