🌊. . …starting this year slowly. I think that might be my theme for 2024.

To slow down. Lean back in my chair…

And—in-between sprints of productivity & creation—to continue to hone my skills for ::REST::

‘23 was a wild ride. …an experimental “break from booze” led to a monumental epiphany which turned into a rekindled life’s purpose. (whoops? 😅)

Like a transformational gauntlet of growth and change…

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
~Zora Neale Hurston

Life is in constant flux… but when you’re in a period of stress & hustle, it can feel really hard to hang onto perspective.

I know for me—back when I was living in full-on burnout—I was just trying to get through *each day* and couldn’t seem to access the capacity to see the big picture…

It’s not your fault, my friend. 💌

If you’re drinking more than you’d like to… or even just more than you used to.

Alcohol hacks into our survival mechanisms… the programming in the way back of the brain.

And this subconscious programming, coupled with our bodies’ incredible ability to process toxins [and keep us alive!] creates the perfect storm…

You should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day...
Unless you're busy, then you should sit for an hour.
—Zen proverb

Ok, I know. 🙄 This often the hardest thing to do, but sincerely:

It is *precisely* when you’re feeling the busiest, the most overwhelmed and stretched-too-thin… that you should prioritize self-care and ::rest::

The irony is staggering.

And the connection between alcohol and anxiety is clear:

Ready for some good news!? 🙌💕 Your body is BUILT to HEAL! ...all you need to do is give it a chance.

Within just a few days, your body is able to flush the toxins from drinking alcohol…

And within a few weeks, the impacted chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters [etc] in your systems start to rebalance.

It’s really common to start making “rules” for yourself around drinking…

👉 “I’ll only have two tonight.”

👉 “Only on weekends.”

👉 “No hard liquor, I’ll just drink wine…”

When our drinking starts to creep towards a higher frequency or number 🍷🍷 🍷.. .🍷

We start to think “Huh. 🧐 …maybe time to cut back.”

The problem we then face is that…

🍹 Mocktails are specially crafted mixed drinks made to be flavorful and festive using only non-alcoholic or “zero proof” ingredients.

Personally, I love sipping on mocktails while I’m cooking in the kitchen or socializing at parties...

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are vital for mood regulation… and our gastrointestinal tract plays a key role in the production of both.

THE BAD NEWS?
👎 Alcohol disrupts our gut. Big time.

Learn how dopamine imbalances contribute to drinking habits and how compassionate behavior‑change strategies can help you break the craving cycle. (Or what I call: The Dopamine Teeter Totter.)