To continue our Top Recovery Bloggers of 2018 series, this week’s featured blogger is Annie Grace, who also authored the book This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness and Change Your Life. In addition to her book and blog, she continues to reach those on the recovery journey through her programs, workshops, and podcast.
We’re honored Annie took the time out of her busy schedule to let us interview her, which we’ve posted below (with permission).
PR: Tell us a little about yourself and This Naked Mind
AG: My name is Annie Grace and I wrote the book This Naked Mind. The book is truly unique in that it addresses (and changes) our subconscious beliefs about alcohol and when we can subconsciously let go of the beliefs we have, we are more easily able to find freedom from drinking. A good example of a belief might be that alcohol relaxes me or helps me have fun. When we unravel those we really change our mindset.
PR: What is your favorite part about being sober?
AG: My favorite part of living alcohol-free is the fact that the noise in my head around drinking has gone away. That constant dialogue saying, “How much will you have”’ “will you drink too much?”, “How much did you drink?”, “when is it time to drink again?”, “This would be so much more fun with a drink”, all those thoughts are gone, and it is a very peaceful place.
PR: You seem to have a draw toward helping others, what would you like to share with others who are just starting their journey?
AG: I would love to let people know that they have options. And not all the options will make them miserable. I also would love to let people know that while change can be hard (and scary) life on the other side just keeps getting better and better.
PR: Do the challenges that come with remaining sober get easier?
AG: Certain things do – such as talking to friends, or strangers, about the fact that I don’t drink is much easier today than when I first stopped drinking. Other things – like bad days – still happen. But overall yes, the challenges get much easier.
What are some things you do to overcome those challenges?
AG: Acceptance is the biggest piece of advice I can give. Realizing that you will have bad days and becoming alcohol free will make huge amazing changes in your life, but it won’t fix everything and that is ok.
We are programmed to run away from our feelings, especially the negative ones, yet it is in allowing our feelings to be and accepting them (rather than numbing them) that we really grow.
Anything else you’d like to add?
AG: Two things.
First, you are not alone. A huge majority of people question their drinking and if you are wondering about your own drinking you are not in the minority – but actually the majority.
And second, there is nothing wrong with you. Alcohol is addictive – by getting addicted to it your body and brain acted in the exact way they were supposed to. You are not the problem. Alcohol is simply an addictive substance to human beings. [However, while] it’s not necessarily our fault, our lives are truly our responsibility and we do have the power to change.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Annie Grace for allowing us to interview her, and for her dedicated writing, honesty, and support of those on the recovery journey.
