Our House

28 September. 2022

Today was the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one. We said goodbye to our house of 21 years and hello to our new home. It’s scary, but so exciting!

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Travels

20 September. 2022

Just said goodbye to my girly Katie - off on her adventures being brave and checking out the big wide world. So excited for her, although I am a touch anxious too! Next stop London.

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Launceston Life

20 September. 2022

Do you want an insight into why I love coldwater swimming? Read my article for Launceston Life Magazine to find out more.
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https://issuu.com/launcestonlife/docs/ll17/33

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Finding Time

18 September. 2022

Five Minutes walk by Collifor Lake in Cornwall, Claire Hatwell author and sober blogger, My Not So Secret Recovery, My Not So Secret Guide to Recovering.

Found a few minutes for us yesterday in between everything else. Life’s a lot at the moment, so this is really important.

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Self Sabotage

18 September. 2022

I’d like to think I’m a fairly positive person. Of course, like anyone, I have moments where negativity creeps in and overwhelms me, but I try to make the best of things as much as I can. I’m creative too, and so alongside life and all the normal things, I’ve always had a thing or two running on the side, ways to express myself and make a little bit of money. I’d like to say I’m driven, I work into the evenings but then sometimes, I feel like that’s just an excuse for my inability to relax.
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There are times however when I sabotage myself, it’s not intentional or something I consciously do, it’s like one part of me wants to charge ahead, while another part pulls me back. Back in the summer at the Happy Place Festival I listened to an inspiring talk by Kirsty Gallagher who really hit the nail on the head. More than that, it seemed like she knew exactly what was going on in my mind and gave me a real light bulb moment. The way she explained it was that we can be so afraid of failing that we put barriers in the way to stop ourselves having the opportunity to achieve. I don’t like to think that I do that, but it makes sense, it’s almost easier not to put ourselves out there than it is to try and attempt something only to fail. As an example, there are things I’ve enjoyed that I’ve stopped doing because I was afraid of failing. I told myself I didn’t have time, and that I was spreading myself too thin, but really, I just didn’t want to be told I wasn’t good enough. Then, there’s the other aspect that we might actually achieve something big, and what do we do then, when we doubt we really deserve the success, regardless of how hard we’ve worked.
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It’s easy to not do something, to admit defeat before you start, but to push yourself to do something that scares you is brave. People can be unkind, and that’s scary, but they can also be immensely supportive and kind. By putting ourselves out there, we’re inviting other people’s opinions, but that doesn’t mean we should run away from it. I know that I’ve had a few mean comments over the years, but actually the love and kind thoughts and comments far outweigh anything negative. Of course it’s easier to remember the bad rather than the good, but of all the people that have ever been unkind to me, I think I’m the worst, so I’m going to try to stop it, I’m going to try to be kinder to myself, and sabotage myself less, because it’s simple and only what I’d do for anyone else that I care about.

Much love,
Claire x

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Recovering Out Loud

17 September. 2022

When I first got sober I felt a lot of shame. I didn’t feel like I could own my sobriety. I felt I had to recovery quietly so I didn’t offend the ‘normal’ drinkers with my abstinence. Not so many people talked openly about sobriety or recovery and I had no idea of what to expect on the other side. It felt like the end of something rather than the beginning. Now, I know that admitting you have a problem with alcohol or any other substance is not easy; trust me I know because I’ve been there. But the thing is with the wonder of Instagram and TikTok, none of us are alone. We can find people just like us, with similar interests, similar difficulties, wherever we are in the world and we can support each other, because under it all, despite our journeys being different, we’re kind of the same.
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For me, being able to be a part of something, realising that my experience is not isolated, and that there are so many others out there in a similar situation was massive. I didn’t feel so alone, and that helped me shake off the shame which would have held me back otherwise. For every bad story I have, I’ve seen others who’ve done something similar. We’re not alone, we’re not bad. Yes, we have a shared experience, where we’ve come to rely on a substance to fill a gap in our lives, but we’re not broken. Addiction is a small part of our story, but it doesn’t define us.

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

The Park

16 September. 2022

I often take my youngest to the park after school where he’ll have a run around with his friends. It’s nice to let them burn some steam off before we go home, but to be honest, I’m not sure where they get their energy from, especially after a long day at school!

It’s taken me a long time to feel accepted at school but just to be clear, I’m not blaming the other parents, I know a lot of it is just me. I worry that I’ll not be accepted so I find myself avoiding some situations, which of course ends up creating a divide I didn’t intend. But, I recognise it and I’m working on it, and gradually infiltrating the group.

I had a lovely afternoon just recently; the parents chatted, the kids played and although a couple of them got a little rough, they had a lovely time together. Towards the end, one of the mums joked, asking if it was too early for wine. I laughed as I always do in situations like that, neither criticising nor condoning, because I’m well aware that my problem is not their problem, but it got me thinking. Not too long ago I would have been grateful for that comment because it would have given me the green light to go home and open my first bottle, but where most people drink slowly, savouring and enjoying the effect, I would already be moving on to the next.

I saw my ability to drink as a badge of honour when I was younger. I hate looking back at that time of my life now, at how many things I missed or rushed in my urgency to get home and have a drink. I thought it helped me but to be fair, wine was only ever a problem in my life. Now I’m more careful, but I’m also more present, more grateful, and happier. Nothing takes the edge off for me, but then I’m not sure that it should; without the hard bits, how can we really appreciate the good?

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Launceston Life

15 September. 2022

I wrote this piece recently for Launceston Life magazine about how cold water swimming has helped me with anxiety and with my sobriety. It’s particularly special as my daughter took the photo for the article which features me and my friends playing in the waves!

@soberme_claire I wrote this piece recently for Launceston Life magazine about how cold water swimming has helped me with anxiety and with my sobriety. It’s particularly special as my daughter took the photo for the article which features me and my friends playing in the waves! 💖 #sober #soberlife #soberliving #soberlifestyle #alcoholfree #soberjourney #soberinspiration #soberblogger #soberauthor #soberandfabulous #dayone #sobercurious #soberaf #sobermum #sobermovement #sobercommunity #sobernation #sobermotivation #sobrietyisbeautiful #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberandproud #soberauthor #quitlit ♬ Late Night Talking - Harry Styles" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Late-Night-Talking-7099115733325449217?refer=embed">♬ Late Night Talking - Harry Styles

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

I've Been Quiet

14 September. 2022

This Boy, Claire Hatwell author and sober blogger, My Not So Secret Recovery, My Not So Secret Guide to Recovering.

I haven’t posted in a few days. One of the reasons was with the news of the Queen it just felt wrong to post my stuff. I haven’t felt well either, and my sinuses have been playing up. But of course, for me, once I haven’t done something it’s harder to get back into it. It becomes a bigger deal than it needs to be and I worry about getting it wrong. So, here’s something I can’t get wrong! This is Stanley, my five year old, looking proud because he secretly got dressed for school this morning to surprise me! 🥰🥰

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Sad News

08 September. 2022

Sometimes there are just are no words.

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Six Years Sober!

08 September. 2022

Six years sober today!!

@soberme_claire Six years sober today!! . . 08/09/2022 . #sober #soberlife #soberliving #soberlifestyle #alcoholfree #soberjourney #soberinspiration #soberblogger #soberauthor #soberandfabulous #dayone #sobercurious #soberaf #sobermum #sobermovement #sobercommunity #sobernation #sobermotivation #sobrietyisbeautiful #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberandproud #soberauthor #quitlit #soberbooks #soberversary #happysoberversary #sixyearssober ♬ Not Giving In (feat. John Newman & Alex Clare) - Rudimental" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Not-Giving-In-feat-John-Newman-Alex-Clare-6705039768742266882?refer=embed">♬ Not Giving In (feat. John Newman & Alex Clare) - Rudimental

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Special Days

07 September. 2022

The 8th September is a special day for me because I’m going to celebrate my sixth sober birthday! To celebrate my books are all available to download for 99p or for free for the next few days! I hope you enjoy them and I hope they help!

@soberme_claire The 8th September is a special day for me because I’m going to celebrate my sixth sober birthday! To celebrate my books are all available to download for 99p or for free for the next few days! I hope you enjoy them and I hope they help! 💖 #sober #soberlife #soberliving #soberlifestyle #alcoholfree #soberjourney #soberinspiration #soberblogger #soberauthor #soberandfabulous #dayone #sobercurious #soberaf #sobermum #sobermovement #sobercommunity #sobernation #sobermotivation #sobrietyisbeautiful #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberandproud #soberauthor #quitlit #soberbooks #soberversary #happysoberversary ❤️💖" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sixyearssober%E2%9D%A4%EF%B8%8F%F0%9F%92%96?refer=embed">#sixyearssober❤️💖 ♬ My House - Jodie Harsh" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/My-House-6930318425663211521?refer=embed">♬ My House - Jodie Harsh

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Wednesday Morning

07 September. 2022

The face of a woman who has had far too much stress for 8am on a Wednesday morning!!

Stanley made it better by telling me even my brain was sweating!

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Little Reminder

06 September. 2022

I’m just going to leave this little reminder here for you… it’s so easy to wait, to put off ‘that’ day but you don’t need to. There may always be a reason so push past it and make it today.

@soberme_claire I’m just going to leave this little reminder here for you… it’s so easy to wait, to put off ‘that’ day but you don’t need to. There may always be a reason so push past it and make it today. . #sober #soberlife #soberliving #soberlifestyle #alcoholfree #soberjourney #soberinspiration #soberblogger #soberauthor #soberandfabulous #dayone #sobercurious #soberaf #sobermum #sobermovement #sobercommunity #sobernation #sobermotivation #sobrietyisbeautiful #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberandproud ♬ If Walls Could Talk - 5 Seconds of Summer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/If-Walls-Could-Talk-6790853696595953665?refer=embed">♬ If Walls Could Talk - 5 Seconds of Summer

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Thinking Back

05 September. 2022

Telling me I should stop drinking before I was ready was impossible. I couldn’t see the truth, or the possibility of a life without alcohol, but now I’m on the other side things are very different and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to change your relationship with alcohol, but if you end up there just remember, it’s never too late to start. . . .

@soberme_claire Telling me I should stop drinking before I was ready was impossible. I couldn’t see the truth, or the possibility of a life without alcohol, but now I’m on the other side things are very different and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to change your relationship with alcohol, but if you end up there just remember, it’s never too late to start. . . . #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyisbeautiful #soberinspiration #onedayatatime ♬ Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Scar-Tissue-6704950036351944706?refer=embed">♬ Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Houdini Dog

05 September. 2022

Pets are part of our family aren’t they. This one certainly is, and even at 12 years old she likes to keep us on our toes by occasionally doing an impromptu disappearing act. It’s impossible for her to get out of our garden and yet, somehow she does. Home now, safe but tired. I don’t think she’ll need a walk today!

@soberme_claire Pets are part of our family aren’t they. This one certainly is, and even at 12 years old she likes to keep us on our toes by occasionally doing an impromptu disappearing act. It’s impossible for her to get out of our garden and yet, somehow she does. Home now, safe but tired. I don’t think she’ll need a walk today! #dogsoftiktok #labradorretriever #blacklabrador #escapeartistdog #tireddog #soberlife #adventures #family #neveradullmoment ♬ Who Let The Dogs Out - Original - The Doggies" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Who-Let-The-Dogs-Out-Original-6729924990713464833?refer=embed">♬ Who Let The Dogs Out - Original - The Doggies

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Hangover Free Weekends

04 September. 2022

Who else is having a fantastic hangover free weekend? 💖

@soberme_claire Who else is having a fantastic hangover free weekend? 💖 . . . . #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #soberaf #soberliving #sobermum #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #sobercommunity #sobertribe #soberjourney #sobermotivation #soberisbetter #sobriety #sobrietyisbeautiful #soberinspiration 🦋" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/onedayatatime%F0%9F%A6%8B?refer=embed">#onedayatatime🦋 ♬ Survivor - Destiny's Child" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Survivor-222462613748654080?refer=embed">♬ Survivor - Destiny's Child

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Just Another Thing

04 September. 2022

It’s one thing after another sometimes isn’t it! A lot of you may know I’ve spent a lot of time recently up and down doing a 50 mile round trip with my mum and dad in hospital. Mum’s been in for almost five weeks, so I was relieved to go and get her on Friday, only to find a massive screw through my back tyre. Shout out to the absolute legends at Steve Andrews Tyres - Bodmin for fixing it in about five minutes for me when I turned up in a panic! Really appreciate it!

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Sober Saturdays

03 September. 2022

Sober Saturday with my husband Lee Hatwell, Claire Hatwell author and sober blogger, My Not So Secret Recovery, My Not So Secret Guide to Recovering.

Saturday morning shopping trip. Well, we let the kids go and then took up residence in Costa to avoid a sudden downpour. Love sober Saturdays!

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

Early Mornings

01 September. 2022

Early mornings are much more fun nowadays… just popping on the train to the dentist. (Stanley loves trains!)

Tags: #honesty, #sober , #sobriety, #mentalhealth, #justamumfromcornwall, #writing, #sobriety, #blog, #addiction, #gratitude, #family , #recovery, #anxiety, #alcoholfree, #triggers, #mentalhealth , #cravings, #sobrietyblog

SoberMe

My Not So Secret Diary

Our House

Travels

Launceston Life

Finding Time

Self Sabotage

Recovering Out Loud

The Park

Launceston Life

I've Been Quiet

Sad News

Six Years Sober!

Special Days

Wednesday Morning

Little Reminder

Thinking Back

Houdini Dog

Hangover Free Weekends

Just Another Thing

Sober Saturdays

Early Mornings