Through The Glass Recovery Podcast

E95: Powering Through Alcohol Cravings and Triggers

It doesn’t matter if you’re a few days sober or ten years sober – cravings happen. At their best, they are annoying. At their worst, they sneak up on you when you least expect it and smack you upside the head and suddenly everything is spinning and you don’t know which way is up. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new stack of tools to add to your sober toolbox, and you’ll realize that cravings aren’t actually something to fear or feel bad about at all.
“You won’t feel this way forever.”
Besides learning how to beat alcohol cravings, we help you work through:
Coping with FOMO when it shows up as a trigger
Creating and using a sober toolbox
Surviving even the hardest cravings without giving in
Breaking the habit of situational triggers
Alcohol and social situations
Giving yourself permission to put your sobriety first
Cognitive dissonance – the argument inside your brain
Finding the courage to talk about the hard things
Recognizing the physical symptoms of triggers before it gets out of hand
Romanticizing the old days
Understanding that cravings aren’t a sign of a failing recovery
“Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.”
Katie talks about the toolbox that she uses to help her stay sober. Here’s her list of tools:
Call my sponsor
Call my husband
Go to a meeting
Take a walk with my dog
Call/text sober support people
Watch recovery Tiktok
Write a prayer to put in my God box
Set a 10 minute timer
Meditate/breathing exercises
Pray and let go of my will
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Robbie started his sobriety journey due to being sick of the same old story he would put himself though. He found his cannabis and alcohol use getting worse as the years went on. He used them to cope with everything and anything. Robbie is now nine months sober, and couldn’t be happier with his decision to take on this new journey. Robbie co-hosts Golden Hour Adventures podcast and can be found on Instagram @runshills605.
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Katie B is 42 years old from Dallas, Texas but currently lives in Everett, WA. She has a handsome husband of 7 years with 1 16 year old son,  Jakob,  and 2 bonus kids, Layla, 15 and Isaac, 20. For the last 2.5 years she’s worked at the same rehab facility where she got sober. Her sobriety date is March 16th, 2016 after 28 1/2 years of active addiction and alcoholism. 
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Matt is a 38 year old father of 2 from Burnt Hills, NY who works in State government. He’s an avid outdoorsman, and his favorite times are those he gets to spend with his children playing games, reading, and coaching his son’s sports teams. Matt has attempted both inpatient and outpatient treatment multiple times in the past 5 years,and last year had the opportunity to experience residential sober living at Release Recovery in Westchester County. He encourages people who are still struggling to reach out and know it’s ok to ask for help. You can find Matt on Instagram @shamman780
Watch Matt’s story on YouTube here.
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Get in touch with Julie & Steve:
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
Find us on: Instagram Facebook Tiktok

E94: How Do I Know If I Need to Stop Drinking?

Do I really need to stop drinking? Do I really have a problem?
So many people google these questions that there are dozens of quizzes to help you decide whether your drinking is really bad enough that you need to stop. So our conversation today is about exactly that - how did you know that you really needed to stop drinking? And how do you deal with the idea of quitting forever, once you make the decision?
Listen to this gripping and poignant conversation we have with Melissa (aka The Sober New Yorker) and author and motivational speaker Martin Lockett, about how their journeys got them to the point of choosing to stop drinking, and what they wish they had known before they got to that point. Each of them shares their journey to recovery, and while their stories could not be more different, commonality is found beneath the surface, when we realize how important connection and compassion are when it comes to sharing our stories.
This episode is unlike any other we've ever recorded. As we end Season 2, we want to thank each of our listeners for sharing this adventure with us. Be sure to follow along on social media as we explore new ways to deepen the sense of community that Through the Glass is fostering, and we'll be back in September for Season 3, with all new episodes and guests so that we can all continue to grow and learn on this path we call recovery.
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Martin Lockett is a writer and speaker whose words have impacted thousands of people, even before leaving prison. He served almost 18 years for manslaughter, caused by an accident one New Year’s eve where he drank excessively and drove through a stop light, colliding with a car carrying three people. Upon learning that the two people who died that night were volunteers in the drug and alcohol recovery community, Martin chose to honor them by dedicating his life to helping others through addiction counseling and drinking and driving prevention.
Now released, Lockett continues his mission and message by helping those in need of counseling for mental health and substance use disorders and sharing his powerful story at DUI victim impact panels, high schools, conferences, and highway safety classes across the country. 
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
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E93: Shame, Guilt, and Regret After Quitting Drinking

To move through shame, guilt and regret after quitting drinking, it's first necessary to understand the difference. Only then can we learn how to deal with each emotion in a way that is helpful and healthy. In this episode, we are joined by Brittany, co-creator of The Mocktails Made Us, and Joel, founder of The Sober Sessions, to chat about how we deal with shame and regret in a way that allows us to move forward and continue to thrive.
In this episode:
Last change comes from love, not shame
The book "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself"
Finding the courage to have hard conversations
Making amends - not the AA way
Coping with parenting regrets
Dealing with shame using journaling
The value of guilt and regret - because they aren't "bad" emotions
Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
 Instagram 
Facebook 
Tiktok

E92: Recovering Authenticity: Why Being Authentic Is The Foundation of Sobriety

What if we told you that authenticity is the foundation of lasting sobriety? That being vulnerable enough to allow your true self to be seen by others is where recovery starts? In this episode, we're joined by Eliza, CRO of Pretaa; Chelsey, founder of Lighthouse Recovery; and Gary, host of The Begin Again podcast; as we explore the links between authenticity, vulnerability, connection, and addiction.
In this episode:
Authenticity is an ongoing process, and it evolves as we do
Vulnerability - openly speaking about our flaws and mistakes - is how the shame lifts, and how we find connection
Authenticty is tied to shame, which is tied to self worth
The value of journaling to develp self awareness
Fear is at the foundation of inauthenticity
Recovering out loud
Finding your identity and your purpose
What do you really enjoy? How to figure it out.
Feeling "not good enough" and how authenticity changes that
Finding your authentic recovery path
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Eliza Foltz is in long-term recovery after struggling with opioid addiction for over a decade after a sports injury. She is the CRO at Pretaa, a behavioral analytics company that improves the continuity of care for those with SUDs or behavioral health challenges and aims to predict relapse and notify caregivers so they can provide the right intervention at the right time. She lives outside of Boston, MA with her husband (also in recovery), two children, and bulldog, Bean.
Learn more about Pretaa at their website: www.pretaa.com and follow Pretaa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/70412213/ 
You can also follow Eliza on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliza-foltz-a97000134
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Gary Menkes is a dedicated advocate for sobriety and personal transformation. Sober for 18 years, Gary has triumphed over childhood trauma and an early tumultuous and troubled past, using these experiences to flip the script and to fuel a passion for helping others. Now, Gary hosts The Begin Again Podcast that provides inspiration, support, encouragement, and practical advice to those on their journey to sobriety. Through candid conversations and insightful interviews, Gary aims to inspire and empower individuals to overcome their past and build a brighter future.
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Name: Chelsey Kai Laterra
Age: 48
I am living in southern Rhode Island (3 year's) my husband is from here.  I was raised in Boulder  Colorado.  Born in Connecticut so I feel like I came back to my roots.
I am a Certified Recovery Advisor, I work for Aware Recovery Care for in-home addiction treatment.
My Website is: chelseykailaterra.com
I started a Facebook, Twitter and instagram pages,
5 years ago to inspire, support, and hold space for people.
I hold two private Facebook groups under Lighthouse Recovery Page, called Lighthouse Recovery Group and Yoga of the 12-steps. 
I have had continual sobriety for almost 9 years,  July 7th, 2015 is my sober date. 
I volunteered in the Eagle County Jail system back when I was in Colorado for two years and bought AA Meetings in there for the women.
My background is Yoga 200 YTT, Meditation training, Yoga of the 12-Steps training. 
I love the outdoors grew up camping and backpacking since the age of 5. 
I have climbed 16 14,000 peaks in Colorado. Six of them were on my sober anniversaries!
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
 Instagram 
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E91: How To Have Sober Fun This Summer

With summer upon us, it seems everyone is wondering is to have sober fun - without missing alcohol! The warm weather seems to bring its own set of triggers. We invited Rich and Shana to join us this week, to talk about how they've learned to not just survive summer, but to truly enjoy it.
In this episode:
How mocktails can still make summer events feel special
Preparation: how to know you're ready for whatever it is you're wanting to do
JOMO - letting others be your reminder for why you're glad you're sober
Working through the fear of upcoming situations
Sharing your goals with others for increased accountability
Painting a new picture: it's always looked the same, but now is your chance to decide how it will look going forward
Sober travel - how to make it fulfilling
The value of an adrenaline rush when you're sober
How to make sure you still have fun, so you don't feel like you're missing out
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Meet Shana Epps, a warrior who battled alcoholism for most of her life. After struggling through various traditional methods like rehab and counseling without success, she finally discovered her unique toolbox nearly three years ago. Since then, she has been thriving in her recovery journey. With two decades of experience in the treatment industry, Shana's passion lies in helping women and mothers struggling to not only achieve sobriety but also to craft a fulfilling life in recovery. Drawing from her own experiences, she founded Controlled Chaos, a fittingly named business where she serves as a certified sobriety, health, and wellness coach. Shana also leads a supportive women's group where you can find tips and support regarding all things life and sobriety.  Additionally, she hosts a podcast where she delves into conversations about recovery journeys and life beyond addiction under the Controlled Chaos umbrella. You can book a free sobriety start call with her, or become part of her women’s group, on her website www.controlledchaoscoaching.com. For those seeking inspiration and insights, tune in to Controlled Chaos: A Recovery Podcast available at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2287816/share 
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
 Instagram 
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E90: Emotional Intelligence and Addiction: Everything You Need To Know

Emotional intelligence (or "EQ") is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, evaluate, and use emotions. Described this way, it's easy to see the link between emotional intelligence and addiction. Dealing with challenging emotions is the number one cause of relapse, and for many of us who struggle with addictive behaviors, we never developed the skillset necessary to cope with these emotions in healthy ways.
We've invited Nick (The People DisPleaser); Mike, founder of Sober Press, and sober author Ginelle to share what they've learned about emotional intelligence. Anyone who is actively in recovery from addiction knows they need to develop their EQ. Listen to this podcast episode all about the value of emotional intelligence, and how to develop the skills and mindset necessary to stop the emotional struggle.
In this episode:
Learning to recognize feelings and emotions
How Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown helped us learn to name emotions
Using somatic exercises to develop intuition, aligning the heart and the mind
Finding the courage to learn and practice vulnerability
The value of talking to others, either in the recovery community or in counseling
Kindness and honesty as emotional skills
How our natural reactions evolve over time
Recognizing the physiological and emotional value of crying
Learning to allow feelings to be exactly what they are
How feelings and emotions are influenced by others
the 5 parts of emotional intelligence
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This week’s podcast guests are:
Nick, the People DisPleaser
Mike, creator of SoberPress
Ginelle, author of Make a Home Out of You
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
 Instagram 
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E89: Cognitive Dissonance and Addiction: Changing the Narratives About Alcohol

When your subconscious, underlying beliefs conflict with what you've learned to be actually true (cognitive dissonance), it becomes very difficult to permanently overcome addiction. But what does that mean? How does it work? And most importantly, how do you fix it?
In this sobriety podcast episode, we've invited Angie B, director of Peer180 RCO in Grand Junction, CO, and Matt, co-creator of The Mocktails Made Us, to share their experiences with rewriting old narratives surrounding alcohol. They share what beliefs they used to carry, and how they've worked to rewrite them, so that they can thrive in long-term sobriety.
In this episode:
The belief that you can't trust yourself
Changing it up - using skills learned from trauma to serve others
Allowing others to share their perspectives and differing beliefs
Breaking out of societal norms
The belief that drinking is what you're "supposed to do"
Asking for help - it's not weak!
Expressing emotions, even when you were taught not to
Understanding the link between cognitive dissonance and addiction
Reframing conflict to be something you welcome, instead of something you fear
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Matt is one-half of "The Mocktails Made Us" duo alongside his girlfriend, Brittany. As an alcohol-free couple living in Las Vegas, they advocate for the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, proving that if they can avoid alcohol in "Sin City," it's possible anywhere.
After spending 20 years in a destructive cycle of alcohol use, Matt had his last drink on New Year's Eve 2022, initially committing to a dry January. Feeling great thereafter, he decided to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle permanently. Join Matt and Brittany on their journey @themocktailsmadeus on Instagram and on their "The Mocktails Made Me" podcast at https://rss.com/podcasts/themocktailmademe."
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Angie B. Grew up in Detroit, Ml, spent 3 years in Minneapolis MN and moved to Grand Junction in 1987. She loves being in the Grand Valley-away from the cold!Angie has a Bachelor's Degree in Operational Management. She spent 10 years working with the National Council on Alcoholism/Drug Abuse and her next 15 overseeing the Mesa County AmeriCorps Project.  She started with Peer 180 Recovery Community Organization as a Board Member in 2020, Volunteered as Exec. Director Nov. 2020 and was hired as Exec. Director in May 2021.  A Recovery Coach herself, she has since become an Academy Trainer in order to help others get their foot in thedoor. In May 2022 Peer 180 acquired the old Union Station Building to rent and has become a Recovery Community Center.Angie is in long term sustained recovery- 43 years and has maintained a recovery assistance home for 25 of those. Her passions are riding her Harley, her dog (Clutch), camping, organizing recovery events, helping others and developing a Flower Farm to retire to.
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
 Instagram 
Facebook 
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E88: Grief and Alcohol: Navigating Grief in Sobriety

Grief and alcohol don't mix. We all know this... and yet, when grief strikes, it's hard not to want to numb the pain. We get it.
In this sober podcast episode, we gathered some very special people with poignant stories together to share what they've learned about navigating grief sober. Polly has lost not one, but two husbands. Dave's step daughter passed away suddenly last year when he was 8 months sober. And Corina shares about the grief of divorce, along with the grief of losing loved ones.
Listen as they share their stories in this very honest, open conversation about why grief and alcohol don't belong together, and how to move through grief in healthier ways instead.
"The tools we use for sobriety aren't just for sobriety - they're tools for life."
In this episode:
The fear of facing grief, and how it leads to even more alcohol use
Everyone experiences grief differently, and that's okay
Drinking only postpones the feelings that eventually must be felt
Allow space for things that make you smile amidst the grief
Grieving relationships - friendships, divorce
Dealing with the anger and bitterness that come with grief
Facing the fear of the unknown after experiencing a loss
Learning to surf the waves of grief, similar to surfing the waves of cravings
Using the tools of sobriety to cope with grief in healthy ways
If you're facing tough emotions and could use some more guidance in doing it sober check out these other podcast episodes:
Cope With Emotions (Without Alcohol)
Managing Negative Emotions in Recovery
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Corina is currently living her best sober life with her partner Greg and their rescue animals (2 former street cats from Egypt and a wild puppy monster from Edmonton’s SPCA). She works locally as a special education teacher and spends her free time enjoying nature walks or bike rides along the ocean or on the many trail systems nearby. Her healing journey in sobriety has come with beautiful gifts including authenticity, acceptance, compassion, and peace with others as well as herself. As the adventure continues, she gratefully looks forward with to more opportunities for discovery  believing that “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 
— Brené Brown, Rising Strong
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Hello world!I am Dave. After an over 20 year drinking career it was time to retire. I am growing and learning about myself everyday. Presence with family is my favorite gift recovery has given me. I didn’t know it also came with a community of beautiful people and connection. My hope is to inspire and support others with sharing my story through Instagram and fb. Follow my journey, @djsobershorts.
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
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E87: Talking to Your Kids About Your Addiction

Talking to your kids about your addiction is hard and it's scary, but it's also necessary. When you're a parent and you're working through addiction and recovery, it's a challenge to know how much to share, and how to share it, with your children. In this groundbreaking episode, we have a conversation with Matt and Rachael about how we've approached talking to our own kids - of all ages - about our recovery. This is also a very personal episode, because Julie's teenage daughter Cora joins us, to share with our listeners what it's like from her perspective.
If you've got kids, this episode is a MUST listen.
In this episode:
Preparing for the hard questions your kids WILL eventually ask you
Allowing our kids to share what they experienced, without getting defensive or upset
The value of letting your kids see your flaws
Making your kids feel safe enough to ask for help
Creating a space where families can talk about addiction and recovery without shame or fear
How sharing our experiences with alcohol can affect the decisions they make when they're confronted with it
Co-parenting with different viewpoints
Resources are available to support your kids, if you don't feel capable right now
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Matt, a 39 year old father of two from Burnt Hills, New York is14 and a half months sober.  He always believed he would get sober but at the same time feared it may never come.  The past five and half years have been a battle with alcohol that he wishes upon no one.  Along the way he has had the constant support of his family, friends and so many he has met along the way to help him achieve sobriety.  He wants to thank you all for sticking with him through all this. 
He’d like people to know that substance abuse and mental health issues do not discriminate and that if you are struggling there are people out there who want to and who will help you.  Matthew Perry always said to people who are struggling “It’s not your fault”, but this Matthew believes it’s your responsibility.  It’s your responsibility to acknowledge, accept and treat it every day, just like you would any other disease. 
Be kind to those who are still struggling.  Sobriety is hard, but it’s worth it.
shamman780 – instagram
Ben Meyer Recovery Foundation Youtube Video
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My name is Rachael and I’m a proud to say I’m in long term recovery from both drugs and alcohol. My recovery date is 7/30/2017. I have chosen not to be anonymous and to use my voice and passion to help others like me find a solution. I am a harm reductionist and a certified peer support specialist in 2 states as well as recovery advocate. I am passionate about helping and inspiring others to better themselves which is why I created my page  Addict with Purpose. https://www.facebook.com/addictwithpurpose/
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Connect with Julie & Steve:
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find us on:
 Instagram 
Facebook 
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E86: Losing Friends When You Quit Drinking: Here's How to Deal

I would love to waltz in here and tell you all your friendships are going to be even better when you get sober. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Losing friends when you quit drinking is one of those challenges that nearly everyone has to learn to cope with, and it can be a very real struggle. It's painful to lose friendships, or even to watch them change as we move into this new, alcohol free phase of our lives.
We've gathered three fantastic guests to join us on this episode, to share what they've experienced and also what they've learned. Jason (Sober Gangster); Lisa (Hart2Heart Coaching); and our good friend Monica get real about how they're navigating a whole new social experience, sans alcohol. Have a listen - you'll walk away knowing you're not alone, and with some new ideas and perspectives to help you on your own journey of sobriety.
In this episode:
How your circle shrinks as you get older, and especially in recovery - and how that's a natural process
Exploring how your standards change as you begin the work of emotional sobriety
Dealing with surface level, superficial friendships
Being intentional with where you put your energy
How to be a real friend
Navigating friendships with people who aren't sober
How to find people that are on a similar path
Surprising fact: losing friends who ARE in your recovery circles is quite common
Grieving lost friendships
How to build a core community - no matter how long you've been at this
Understanding that recovery changes us - and our friends have to learn to work through that, too
How to use the internet to find people to build connections with
Want to hear more about friendships? Check out this episode from last season!
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At 18, I entered prison. At 19, facing a potential 10+ years for parole violation, a pivotal decision changed my life. In a jail cell on October 12, 1996, at 3 a.m., I swore off mind-altering substances. The 21st encounter with handcuffs pushed me to break free. Living clean and sober for 27 years, I’ve found genuine freedom—earned through work, willingness, and honesty. Sobriety, my most gangster feat, opens doors to a life beyond imagination. – Jason Williams aka Sober Gangster
https://www.instagram.com/sober.gangster
https://www.facebook.com/Sobergangster
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Hi, I’m Monica! I’m 54, reside in southern New Jersey, USA, and I am over 3.5 years sober. On Dec. 31, 2019, I woke up with my last hangover. I was finally done making life harder on myself, hurting my relationships, and slowly killing myself. I’ve learned that sobriety is a never-endingjourney to becoming the person you were meant to be. It’s been incredibly hard, at times, but the gifts that sobriety have given me are much bigger than any hurdles I’ve overcome. I’ve worked to heal from my past, strengthened my relationships with my kids and husband, built a thriving massage practice, and made forever friends in recovery. I wouldn’t trade my sober life for anything.
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My name is Lisa Hart Anderson. I am a sober woman in her 5th decade reinventing her life in this beautiful world of recovery. I am a Certified Recovery Coach where my passion is to help others stay on the sober path and find joy and fun again in this new life of sobriety.I have been married 33 years, have 3 grown sons, and embracing the empty nester world as I continue to help and encourage others. Throughout my life, I have been an educator, mentor,instructor and coach. It has always been in my heart to teach, guide and inspire with compassion and empathy.Insta and TikTok- hart2heartcoachingWebsite -harttoheart.coach.
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Let’s connect!
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.
You can also find Julie and Steve on:
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