Ep 152. Surviving the Silly Season Sober (and enjoying it!) with Abby Calabrese

In the heart of New York City, Abby Calabrese was living the dream on paper but the reality was she was quietly unravelling behind the scenes. Long days, late nights, and a culture steeped in drinking turned alcohol into her go-to coping mechanism, even as the cost to her wellbeing grew harder to ignore.In this episode, Abby shares how walking away from alcohol became the catalyst for a complete identity shift and the creation of Alcohol Free Rebellion, a movement dedicated to helping others question the role alcohol plays in their lives. Ash and Abby dive into the awkwardness of social events without a drink in hand, the emotional honesty that sobriety demands, and how choosing not to numb out can radically transform relationships and self-worth.Abby offers practical guidance for facing triggers, especially during the holidays, while staying anchored in intention, community, and self-compassion. She speaks to the power of mindfulness in strengthening intuition and making choices that truly align with who you are. At the heart of her story are the non-negotiables she now lives by: authenticity, emotional awareness, and unwavering self-care as the foundation of a full, meaningful, alcohol-free life.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Abby Calabrese and Her Journey02:53 Navigating Life After Alcohol05:45 The Challenge of Socializing Sober08:29 Understanding Emotions and Feelings11:34 Shifting Perspectives on Life14:20 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships17:25 Hiding Behind a Smile: Abby's Photo Story20:02 Recognizing Rock Bottoms and Justifications22:48 The Roots of Abby's Drinking History24:19 The Role of Alcohol in Socialization29:29 Recognizing the Problem32:21 The Turning Point37:24 The Challenge of Sobriety38:44 Shame and Stigma in Motherhood43:59 Transforming Relationships in Sobriety45:46 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships47:22 Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays49:16 Practical Tips for Alcohol-Free Celebrations53:40 Listening to Your Intuition56:50 Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Awareness01:02:36 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeFollow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comUpcoming Workshops:The Letting Go Ritual: Breathwork, Yin, and Intention Setting for 2026Tickets available here. A Return To You | One Day Retreat Sunday 22nd February, 2026Tickets available here. Join Ash on retreat in 2026!The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.