#105 Accepting AF

In this episode, I share my journey of learning to let go of resistance and embrace self-compassion on the path to becoming alcohol-free. I discuss how our inability to feel and process pain is often at the root of unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking, and share the importance of developing mindfulness to observe our thoughts and feelings, rather than getting caught up in them. I also emphasise the transformative power of offering ourselves kindness and understanding, just as we would a dear friend struggling. Through practices like the ice cube exercise, I demonstrate how we can learn to move through discomfort with greater ease and clarity. My hope is that this conversation inspires you to approach your own challenges with more self-acceptance and inner wisdom. Key Takeaways: Resistance, or wishing things were different than they are, is a major source of suffering and a barrier to change. Our aversion to feeling pain, often rooted in childhood experiences, drives us to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol use. Developing mindfulness to observe our thoughts and sensations, rather than getting caught up in them, is a crucial first step. Offering ourselves self-compassion - validating our struggles and providing the care and understanding we needed as children - can profoundly transform our relationship with difficulty. Practices like the ice cube exercise demonstrate how we can learn to be with discomfort, rather than reflexively resisting it, allowing us to move through challenges with more ease. Making sustainable changes requires addressing the underlying beliefs and emotional patterns, not just relying on willpower. Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs: Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG  Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse  Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation  Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in  Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset  Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae  Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705