When you quit drinking, the physical detox gets a lot of attention—but what about the emotional detox? In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Heather and Sara dive into what it really means to emotionally detox after quitting alcohol.

They explore why emotions feel so intense in early sobriety, how to move through them without fear, and how emotional healing is not just necessary—it’s transformational. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, irritable, tearful, or deeply vulnerable after quitting drinking, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💬 What emotional detox is and why it happens after quitting drinking 💬 Why sadness, anger, restlessness, and even joy can feel overwhelming at first 💬 How to navigate emotional flashbacks and unexpected feelings without shame 💬 Practical tools for managing emotional detox with self-compassion 💬 How to view emotional healing as a beautiful part of your alcohol-free journey

Key Takeaways: ✅ Emotional detox is normal—it’s your nervous system defrosting and healing. ✅ Feeling emotions doesn’t mean you’re doing sobriety wrong—it means you’re doing it right. ✅ Rest, nourishing yourself, and allowing feelings to move through you are powerful acts of self-care. ✅ Emotional growth doesn’t require perfection—it only asks for presence. ✅ You’re worthy of love, joy, and peace—no matter where you are in your journey.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Feeling is the work.” – Heather
• “Your body isn’t broken. It’s defrosting.” – Heather
• “You don’t have to fix every feeling. Sometimes you just have to feel it.” – Sara
• “You are not broken—you are learning how to feel again.” – Heather
• “You’ll never regret the work you do on yourself.” – Sara

Challenge of the Week: ✨ Think of one emotion you’ve been avoiding. Ask yourself: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Then give yourself permission to just sit with it—no judgment, no fixing.

Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather! ✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey. 👉 Learn more here

Resources Mentioned:

• Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
• Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge. We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️

It’s Sara’s birthday! 🎉 In this special solo episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara reflects on her 46th birthday and what it means to celebrate another year alcohol-free. With five sober birthdays under her belt and nearly six years alcohol-free, Sara takes you behind the scenes of her personal growth, honest struggles, and the evolving mindset that’s shaped her journey.

To honor turning 46, she shares 4 powerful anchors that keep her grounded in her alcohol-free life—and 6 things she’s working on letting go of in her 46th year. From routines to nature, people-pleasing to perfectionism, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom and gentle reminders to help you reflect on your own sobriety journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎂 Why sober birthdays feel better—mentally, emotionally, and physically 🌱 4 practices that help Sara stay alcohol-free and fully present 🧹 6 things she’s actively letting go of to grow into her next year ✨ How letting go of old identities, people-pleasing, and external validation opens up space for self-trust and joy 👣 Encouragement to reflect on your own sobriety anchors and growth

4 Things That Anchor Sara’s Alcohol-Free Life:

1. Nature – Daily hikes, her land, and even her chickens remind her how to slow down and stay present
2. Daily Routines – Structure, simplicity, and reclaimed mornings
3. Connection with Others – Through her community, her family, and new goals for real-life friendships
4. Health & Wellbeing – A shifting focus on intuitive living, joyful movement, and nourishing self-care

6 Things She’s Letting Go Of in Her 46th Year:

1. People-pleasing
2. Old identities (suburban mom, “fun drinker,” perfectionist)
3. Limiting beliefs (especially around body image, success, and worth)
4. Over-functioning (doing everything for everyone)
5. Outdated definitions of fun
6. The need for external validation

Memorable Quotes:

• “Now, I remember my birthdays—and I’m present for them.”
• “You can’t ‘should’ all over yourself and expect to grow.”
• “Sobriety isn’t just about what I let go of—it’s about what I let in.”
• “Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.”
• “Your animals will teach you how to live a healthy life—watch them.”

Challenge of the Week: 🎈Reflect on what’s anchoring you in your alcohol-free journey—and what you’re ready to let go of. Share your answer in a comment or review as a little birthday gift to Sara!

📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here

Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge. We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️

In this deeply personal and empowering milestone episode of No More Wasted Days Podcast, Heather reflects on what four years of alcohol-free living has taught her—and what healing truly looks like.

From year one’s emotional rollercoaster to year four’s sense of peace and homecoming, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sobriety is not a straight climb—it’s a spiral of growth, softness, and rediscovery.

Whether you’re on day one or year four yourself, you’ll feel seen, validated, and inspired by Heather’s story.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎉 What year one, two, three, and now four have looked like on Heather’s journey 💬 How sobriety evolves from survival mode to emotional clarity and softness 👣 What it means to stop counting days and start counting presence 💛 The power of forgiving past versions of yourself—and carrying your story, not your shame 👑 Why year four is about homecoming, self-acceptance, and staying grounded in the moment

Key Takeaways: ✅ You can be sober and still not fully present—true growth happens when you begin to show up for your life. ✅ Healing doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet, subtle unfolding. ✅ You don’t need to earn love by doing more. You’re worthy just as you are. ✅ Forgiveness isn’t a finish line—it’s a softening. ✅ Sobriety doesn’t just help you let go—it helps you let more joy in.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Sobriety isn’t a war anymore—it’s a homecoming.”
• “Your healing might come with shaking hands in a messy kitchen.”
• “Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.”
• “You don’t have to apologize for who you were when you were hurting.”
• “Keep choosing yourself. Keep coming home.”

Challenge of the Week: 🌿 If you're early in your alcohol-free journey, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come—no matter how small it feels. And if you’re further along, ask: What does “coming home” mean to me this year?

Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here

Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!

Resources Mentioned:

• Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
• Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge. We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of “never drinking again”? You’re not alone. In this milestone 100th episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara shares a powerful reframe that helped her begin her alcohol-free journey: 👉 You don’t have to quit forever—you just have to decide for today.

Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or simply struggling with long-term pressure, this episode will remind you that you’re allowed to take things one day at a time. Sara shares how this mindset helped her move from a 30-day break to a confident alcohol-free lifestyle—and how it can do the same for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌀 Why thinking in “forever” terms often keeps people stuck 🌀 How breaking your alcohol-free journey into manageable chunks builds confidence 🌀 The importance of being present and letting go of future pressure 🌀 How to shift your identity one day, one win at a time 🌀 Practical tips to stay motivated without the overwhelm

Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t need to commit to forever—just commit to today. ✅ Small wins build momentum, and momentum builds confidence. ✅ You’re not stuck—you’re experimenting. ✅ You’re allowed to change your mind tomorrow, but today you’re choosing not to drink. ✅ With each day, your identity as someone who trusts themselves gets stronger.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Forever was too much. That’s why I chose 30 days—and it changed my life.”
• “You’re not trapped. You’re doing a self-discovery experiment.”
• “One alcohol-free day at a time, you’re building a life you no longer want to escape from.”
• “Try today. Then try tomorrow. That’s how transformation happens.”

📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here

Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge. We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ Who am I without alcohol? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, this episode is for you. In this heartfelt solo episode of The No More Wasted Days Podcast, Sara shares how quitting drinking can spark a powerful identity shift—and why that’s actually a beautiful thing. This episode is a deep dive into the process of reconnecting with your true self after years (or even decades) of using alcohol to shape your personality, soothe stress, or define your social life. Sara offers encouragement, real-life examples, and four actionable strategies to help you peel back the layers and rediscover the real you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌀 Why alcohol disconnects you from your authentic self 🌀 How sobriety opens the door to self-discovery, joy, and clarity 🌀 Four powerful ways to reconnect with your true identity 🌀 Why giving yourself permission to change is essential 🌀 How childhood joy and curiosity can guide your path forward 4 Steps to Rediscovering Your Authentic Self:

1. Get Curious Again – Revisit what you loved as a kid, try new things, and explore without pressure.
2. Notice What Feels Good – Pay attention to what brings peace, energy, and joy in your alcohol-free life.
3. Rebuild Your Inner Voice – Use journaling, meditation, and visualization to reconnect with your intuition.
4. Let Go of Who You Used to Be – Embrace growth, even if it means your preferences, routines, or relationships change.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Quitting drinking isn’t just about removing alcohol. It’s about discovering the real you.”
• “Alcohol dulls your emotions. Sobriety lets you feel, connect, and understand yourself more deeply.”
• “I wasn’t becoming someone different. I was becoming more me.”
• “Who you are underneath it all is worth discovering.”

Challenge of the Week: ✨ Try one new thing this week that you wouldn’t have done as a drinker—whether it’s a new activity, a routine, or a way to socialize. Then let us know how it went by commenting on Spotify, YouTube, or leaving a review!

Upcoming Event: No More Wasted Weekends Challenge

📅 Starting April 25th 💬 Join Sara for her first-ever No More Wasted Weekends challenge—completely free! 🧡 You’ll get community support, check-ins, live coaching, and tips for making your weekend feel fun, full, and hangover-free. 🎉 Click here to sign up! https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/ Call to Action:

💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

In this laughter-filled episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara and Heather take on a question that so many people secretly (or not-so-secretly) wonder when they stop drinking: 👉 “Am I boring now?”

Whether you’ve been asked this directly, felt self-conscious in social settings, or worried that your social life might fade after quitting alcohol—this episode is for you. Sara and Heather bust the “boring” myth wide open with personal stories, hard truths, a little sass, and a whole lot of encouragement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💬 Why society equates drinking with fun—and how that messaging impacts your fears 💬 What really happens to friendships when you quit drinking 💬 Why alcohol isn’t what made you fun (spoiler alert: YOU were the fun one all along) 💬 How to rebuild your idea of fun and connection in an alcohol-free life 💬 What to say when someone asks, “Why aren’t you drinking?”

Key Takeaways: ✅ You are not boring. You’re discovering what real fun feels like. ✅ Friendship circles may shrink—but they become deeper and more meaningful. ✅ Real fun = laughing hard, making memories, and waking up with energy—not regret. ✅ You can do all the things you used to do (travel, dance, karaoke)—just without the hangover. ✅ Your energy sets the tone. If you act confident and lighthearted about not drinking, others will too.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Drinking doesn’t make you fun. You were the fun one the whole time.”
• “Doing the same shots in the same bars with the same people every weekend? That’s the real boring.”
• “I don’t drink anymore—and I don’t miss trying to remember what I did last night.”
• “Sober fun is deep, memorable, and doesn’t leave you feeling like trash the next day.”
• “You’re not giving up fun. You’re giving up things that weren’t working.”

Fun Moments You Won’t Want to Miss: 🎤 Sara’s plan to sing Chappell Roan at karaoke 😂 Heather’s epic T-Pain story + false eyelashes on her forehead 🥂 Sara’s “gin-less gin & tonic” mocktail recipe 🕹️ Their favorite sober party games (Cards Against Humanity & Fishbowl FTW!)

Challenge of the Week: 👉 What’s something fun you’ve always wanted to try—but never did because alcohol got in the way? Let us know in the comments on YouTube or Spotify!

Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!

Resources Mentioned:

• Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
• Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛

************************************************

Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

************************************************

Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach