#99 Abundant AF

In this episode of Midlife AF, I have an insightful conversation about the importance of self-love and compassion when addressing alcohol use. I explain how our inner critic and tendency to self-flagellate often stems from childhood experiences where our emotions were not fully validated. I talk about how our drinking behaviours are not character flaws, but rather coping mechanisms our subconscious has developed to deal with distress. The key is to approach change with love and understanding for these protective parts of ourselves, rather than harsh judgment. I also discuss the challenges of doing inner work while still drinking, and why taking a break from alcohol can facilitate deeper personal growth. Episode Highlights: Our inner critic and tendency to self-punish when trying to change drinking behaviours often originates from childhood experiences where our emotions were not fully validated. Drinking behaviours are coping mechanisms, not character flaws - they develop to help us deal with distress and dysregulation. Approaching change with self-love and compassion for our protective parts is more effective than harsh self-judgment. Taking a break from alcohol can create space for deeper personal growth and inner work. 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  Work with me privately: I have two options for my private 1:1 coaching you can either do a 30 day break with me as your pocket PT with my Em G in Your Pocket package. Or you can do a longer more in-depth 3 month program with me which includes weekly zoom sessions and support in between. I recommend doing this is you are worried you can’t do a 30 break from booze or you haven’t done one for a while. Preparation is everything and we get get you so damn ready to stop it’s a relief when day 1 arrives! If you are not sure what the best options for you might be you can book an initial 1:1 counselling/ coaching session at $245 for a 90 minute initial consult - you will leave with a plan for your next steps with alcohol and having transformed at least on belief that is keeping you stuck drinking more than you want. If you choose to work with me in a 1:1 30 day or 3 month program - the cost of the initial consult will be refunded: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20808150&appointmentType=43677625  Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705