True Story
31 August. 2022

When in doubt... roll out your mat
30 August. 2022
Yoga has been really important in my recovery. It’s more than just being bendy, it makes you think and yet, it also takes you out of your head. I’m not the skinniest, I’m not the most flexible, but it works for me. This morning I did some #sunsalutations in the garden with my dog for company. Makes such a difference to my day!!
@soberme_claire Yoga has been really important in my recovery. It’s more than just being bendy, it makes you think and yet, it also takes you out of your head. I’m not the skinniest, I’m not the most flexible, but it works for me. This morning I did some #sunsalutations in the garden with my dog for company. Makes such a difference to my day!! . . #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #sobertruths #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #soberinspiration #sobervibes #onedayatatime #yoga #soberyogi #yogainthegarden #yogacornwall #yogawithmydog ♬ I Got U - Duke Dumont" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/I-Got-U-6927279708367276034?refer=embed">♬ I Got U - Duke Dumont
August Bank Holiday
30 August. 2022


Kite flying

Dog walking

Steam train spotting

Two birthdays


No hangovers. No blackouts. No regrets. One argument

but we can’t be perfect there’s six of us in the house!

Happy Birthday
28 August. 2022






Time to Ourselves
27 August. 2022


Social Media
27 August. 2022

Hospital Corridors
26 August. 2022


Sober Shop
26 August. 2022

Yoga Time
25 August. 2022


Steam Trains and Stanley
24 August. 2022

Tuesday Trainer Pic (Again)
23 August. 2022


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I was feeling properly frustrated on the way home, and with my five year old jabbering on next to me in the car, I decided to tell him before I exploded that it wasn’t him I was irritated with, just lots of things that were making me feel grumpy. I’m not sure whose idea it was, but the next thing I knew we were counting to three and shouting our frustrations out. Not once, but three times. I think he’d still be doing it, but he made my ears hurt! Whatever fools we looked, it made us both crack up which was great and I felt so much better

If you need to let some frustration out, then I really suggest it, only make sure you’re not somewhere people can hear you!

Beauty
23 August. 2022




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Parenting
22 August. 2022

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This is me with my mum and dad, making the best of a visit in the hospital. I’m glad I can help them now, it’s good to be useful!


Taking Things Personally
22 August. 2022


Dear Drinkers
21 August. 2022


Thanks @sassysobermum


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Why aren’t you drinking? How long are you stopping for? Can’t you just have one when you’re out? Did you have a problem then? Go on, just have a drink. What will you do for fun now? I could never stop. Don’t you think you’re being a bit over the top? Just have a break from it. Reset yourself and then come back to it. Do you think this is forever then? I’ve cut down massively actually. I can easily drive on a night out if I want to. Why would you stop completely? Just save it for special occasions. Surely you will be drinking at my wedding/birthday/hen do/Christmas? Being sober wouldn’t be for me. I love drinking too much. Are you still doing that thing where you don’t drink then? How’s not drinking going - bored yet? Can I get you a proper drink? Go on, have a wine with me. Just for old times sake. I miss drinking you. You’re so boring now. Surely you’ve proved you can control it now. Why don’t you just have one and then drive home? Are you pregnant? Why don’t you just moderate?
Can I just not bloody drink and it be ok

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Jeez.
Remember folks, peoples reactions to you not drinking reflects their own relationship with alcohol and not yours.
Those that squawk the loudest tend to be the biggest (and most problematic) drinkers.
Keep your resolve.
Have a lovely day all
Stanley
21 August. 2022

Panic Attacks
21 August. 2022

My family get it. I mean, they don’t understand why I’m like it, but then neither do I. They rally around me without smothering me and check I’m okay. They know talking to me or asking if I’m okay doesn’t work because it’s just another thing when I’m already on overload. They’re there, and that’s what matters.
Later, I tried to apologise. I know I don’t have to, and they don’t expect it, but I feel like I need to explain myself, even though in many respects, I don’t understand myself at all. It’s like I’ve momentarily lost control of my body, and then afterwards, when the adrenalin has subsided, I cry and feel exhausted. It’s embarrassing. No one is trying to change me though, they accept me for who I am. My husband even told me I should stop worrying abut trying to change things I can’t control. With those words, I felt a huge relief. It’s like I was fighting against a part of myself when I should have been accepting it. I may not like it, but it’s there, so I suppose I should get used to it.
It’s so easy to be kind and supportive to others, but it’s so much harder to do it to ourselves. I’m going to try to accept myself a little more. Let’s see if that makes a difference! If you've got any tips for dealing with panic attacks let me know, because I seem to forget everything when I'm in the middle of one!

Shop Announcement
21 August. 2022

Hospital Heist
20 August. 2022

Leaving this here for you
19 August. 2022




Stay strong!
You got this!
I believe in you
Results Day
18 August. 2022




Swimming the worries away
18 August. 2022



Appearances
17 August. 2022

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No one really knows whats going on for anyone else, even when we’re well meaning, we can get it wrong. We’re people after all. I assume other people don’t have faults, and imagine I’m the only one, but likewise, I forget sometimes that other people have worries too, often I’m so caught up in my own that I forget. Again, that doesn’t mean I’m bad, I’m just a person too.
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We spend so much time being kind to other people, and thinking about them, don’t forget to be kind to yourselves too!

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Brace Day
17 August. 2022



He hates me taking selfies with him, so this is a rare one!
Perceptions
16 August. 2022

Stick with it, one day at a time, and it will get easier.
Much love,
Claire
In the Office
15 August. 2022

Rosettes
15 August. 2022

Yum
14 August. 2022

Other People
14 August. 2022

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There are situations even now, that I won’t put myself in. It’s not because I’m afraid I’ll drink again, because I’m not. It’s more that I don’t want to be surrounded by people that do. At times, we’re on separate paths, and that’s okay, it’s like, I wouldn’t go to a gym just to watch people work out, so why would I go to a pub to watch people drink? I’m realising more and more that I’m okay with that.
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Before, when I was invited to something, I wouldn’t have been so honest, I would have tried to go, and either got grumpy or stressed out because it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I’m learning it’s okay, that I don’t need to be afraid of upsetting people, because my thoughts and feelings matter too. It’s my choice not to drink, a good one that I stand by, and if I want it to stick, then I have to defend it, and not be ashamed. So that’s what I’m doing. I can’t believe I’ll have been doing it for six years next month. There was a time when six days was impossible.
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My advice is to just do you. It will get easier. It will be challenging too, and not everyone will understand, but unless they’ve walked in your shoes, we can’t expect them to. Trust me, those that matter will stay, and in the long run the journey will be so worthwhile.
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Take care of yourselves x
In Need of Some Sober Inspiration?
14 August. 2022




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All are available on Amazon, or for a signed copy, visit my Etsy page.
Behind the Scenes
14 August. 2022
Just a little bit of laser engraving, watch to the end to see the finished products.
💖 . #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful ♬ Stories - Lux-Inspira" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Stories-7030730469670946817">♬ Stories - Lux-Inspira@soberme_claire Packing up items to post out tomorrow. Check out my Etsy shop for more sober gifts and cards
Available Now!
13 August. 2022
Are you sober curious? Maybe questioning your relationship with alcohol? I've been working on this. I'm so excited to share it with you! Okay, so buying a journal won't magically make you sober, but it will give you a focus, for the good and the bad moments. Journals are a simple and effective way to keep you on track and I've used my knowledge as a qualified sober coach to help keep you focussed. • If you're dipping your toe into the pool of sobriety who knows, this might be just what you are looking for!
original sound - SoberMe_Claire" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7131274519578200838">♬ original sound - SoberMe_Claire@soberme_claire Are you sober curious? Maybe questioning your relationship with alcohol? I've been working on this. I'm so excited to share it with you! Okay, so buying a journal won't magically make you sober, but it will give you a focus, for the good and the bad moments. Journals are a simple and effective way to keep you on track and I've used my knowledge as a qualified sober coach to help keep you focussed. • If you're dipping your toe into the pool of sobriety who knows, this might be just what you are looking for! . . #soberweekend #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration #sobervibes #sobersaturday #nohangoversunday #sobersummer #booktok #bookstagram #quitlit ♬
Last Night
13 August. 2022

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We avoided the heat of the day and went down to the beach after work, around 7pm. We built sandcastles and swam in the sea as the sun went down, not all of us, just me, my husband and two of our four kids. We talked and laughed. Around 10pm we made our way back to the car, because it was getting dark, and the midges were beginning to bite, not because I wanted a drink. We came home and ate a very late dinner, and then went to bed. I was relaxed, I didn’t ruin the night because I wanted to drink or because I had got drunk. I remember everything, the coldness of the water, the sand between my toes, and how happy I am to be with my family. Nothing gets in the way anymore. There’s no panic over what I might have said, or might have done, because I was 100% there. I’ve said it before, but the simple things matter so much more now, because I slow down long enough to see them.


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Have a great day, where ever you are!
Etsy Packaging
13 August. 2022
Packing up items to post out tomorrow. Check out my Etsy shop for more sober gifts and cards 💖
💖 . #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful ♬ Stories - Lux-Inspira" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Stories-7030730469670946817">♬ Stories - Lux-Inspira@soberme_claire Packing up items to post out tomorrow. Check out my Etsy shop for more sober gifts and cards
Friday Night
12 August. 2022


My Friday nights certainly look different now, but I am not complaining! We had a lovely, unrushed evening at the beach after the heat of the sun had gone. The water was so warm too! Feeling full of gratitude!


BoardMasters
12 August. 2022

The Road to Recovery
11 August. 2022


Okay, so buying a journal won’t magically make you sober, but it will give you a focus, for the good and the bad moments. Journals are a simple and effective way to keep you on track and I’ve used my knowledge as a qualified sober coach to help keep you focussed.
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If you’re dipping your toe into the pool of sobriety who knows, this might be just what you are looking for!



Shopping
11 August. 2022

Sober Tokens
10 August. 2022

Sober Adventures
10 August. 2022

This year I’ve done things I never would have done before; while small to many, they are huge for me. I’ve found making a booking is just the first step… after that I start to panic. It’s the logistics, the what if’s, and I’m not sure why, because I can’t ever remember things going terribly wrong before. I just expect that they will. As we get closer, it seems less and less achievable. It’s weird wanting to do something at the same time as wanting a good enough reason not to do it.
Last weekend, me and my daughter went to Happy Place Festival. Not a big thing you might think, but it is when we live in Cornwall and had to go to London for it. I booked the sleeper train, arriving at Paddington at 5am; plenty of time to explore and get breakfast beforehand.
I’ll be honest, I panicked. Not the usual ‘oh dear where am I going’ rather, ‘ah I can’t breathe and everyone is looking,’ but I got through it. Did I want to run away? Yes, but to be honest, once in London, there was nowhere to go. I’m really proud of myself for doing it, for not giving in, for not letting fear and anxiety hold me back. I’m also proud of Katie for understanding and tolerating my crazy. I hate that I get anxious and feel like a burden, but I was okay, and I wouldn’t have been a while back.
The festival was great. We listened to inspirational speakers, ate lovely food and did brilliant things. There wasn’t a drop of alcohol in sight and that was refreshing. It was nice that everyone had the same calm, relaxed mindset. The journey home on the train was very different with lots of rowdy football supporters! It was a challenge, but I managed and I’m glad. I’m going to carry on pushing myself although I might take a break in between to reset!
Gratitude
10 August. 2022





Avoiding the Heat
10 August. 2022


Summer Days
08 August. 2022




We might not be going on holiday this year, but who needs to when we live here?
Happy Place
08 August. 2022
Sober adventures with my lovely daughter this weekend. Honestly I had a couple of panicky moments, but never in a million years would I have contemplated such a full on 700 mile round trip and day out when I was drinking. We had so much fun - no alcohol required!
Good Time - Jodie Harsh" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Good-Time-7064865236469172226">♬ Good Time - Jodie Harsh@soberme_claire Sober adventures with my lovely daughter this weekend. Honestly I had a couple of panicky moments, but never in a million years would I have contemplated such a full on 700 mile round trip and day out when I was drinking. We had so much fun - no alcohol required! #london #happyplacefestival #chiswickhouse #mumanddaughter #soberweekend #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration #sobervibes #sobersaturday #nohangoversunday ♬
Today
06 August. 2022



Days like these would never have happened before I was sober.
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Check my story for more from today.


Blurt
05 August. 2022

Sharing
04 August. 2022

Lunch Date
04 August. 2022


It’s been a busy week, so today, I’m slowing down and making time, because the little things matter so much

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Reasons
03 August. 2022

It’s Quite Clear, I Don’t Miss It
02 August. 2022

My teenager was summoned to the door by other teenagers requiring access. Some nodded towards me, others didn’t, and once they were in, that was it, the house apparently was theirs. I didn’t mind, not while they were being respectful, but it’s funny that the parental gatekeepers of the front door don’t seem to exist as they once did. There was no small talk or forced politeness. I was the one who felt awkward in the house.
Suffice to say, we didn’t sleep much that night, but one by one, the teenagers departed, leaving the house quieter and quieter until four remained, watching movies in the lounge. When I got up the next morning, they were still asleep, four mounds under the covers. I looked outside, my lovely garden strewn with rubbish, but other than that, everything seemed to have survived. The house was all in one piece, and so were they. Although I am sure, several of them had sore heads.
For me it’s too much drama. I don’t miss that at all. The tears and unpredictable emotions that I witnessed from the other side, as one or two of them drank more than they should. No harm was done, but I know my own teenager was more stressed than necessary, feeling a watchful eye needed to be kept all night. The evening of fun and enjoyment was ruined for him by those who lacked control. It’s a hard lesson, but one I hope he learns while he’s young, before he makes the mistakes I did. On the good side, whatever else happened, it served a good reminder to me, for why I don’t drink, and for that, I’m grateful to them.
Better Than Before
02 August. 2022
You know that moment when something literally speaks to you? Well, @lizzobeeating has hit the nail on the head with this one. Sobriety has changed me, and while I’m not going to pretend everything is rosy now, things are a whole lot better than they were. I’m a lot better than I was. So don’t beat yourselves up about what has gone before, instead try to let it shape who you are now.
About Damn Time - Lizzo" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/About-Damn-Time-7086201843973621762">♬ About Damn Time - Lizzo@soberme_claire Sometimes the lyrics of a song can really hit the mark. Don’t beat yourselves up about what has gone before, instead let us shape who we are now. .#sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobernation #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #soberthinking #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyjourney #sobrietyisbeautiful #anxiety #copingstrategies #soberstories #sharing #soberinspiration #sobervibes ♬
Breaking Up
01 August. 2022

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Thanks @walking_the_straight_line


this was too good not to share!
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I don't care how long it takes to feel like I'm totally free of all the negative effects that alcohol had on my life...
Everything about me and my life improves every month that I'm sober, and that's more than good enough for me.