Normalize Not Drinking And Belonging In Long-Term Sobriety

A few years ago Jen started talking about normalizing not drinking. Jen got sober in AA and at the time she kept questioning when she would integrate back into normal social spaces. She wanted to have elevated non-alcoholic options that were on par with her friends and family were drinking and beautifully presented. Jen shared how her introversion and shyness as a young person prevented her from fitting in.  Alcohol helped her to feel the belonging she longed for.  Jen got so tired of being asked “Why aren’t you drinking” and began her mission to create social spaces where people can make the choice to just not drink AND feel like they fit in. Jen has seen a dramatic shift in the corporate scene because half of Americans say they want to drink less or not at all. We shared thoughts on modeling for our teens and young adults that non-drinking is an option. Although they may experiment we can share details about the dangers of substances on the developing brain when they see adults having fun and living life without alcohol it creates options for them.Jen shares that we can and should go into all of our spaces and when you see an opportunity share your voice about the non-alcoholic options. We can also encourage our communities and corporations to plan events that are not alcohol centered. You never have to feel pressured to share your own story but simply ask how are we handling having non-alcoholic options. Just add in your thoughts about providing mocktails or whatever NA options feel appropriate.The landscape around not drinking is changing and becoming so much more accepted. Jen Gilhoi is an advocate for and creator of healthy social experiences that decentralize alcohol.  She’s an event experience strategist and founder of Sparktrack and cofounder of Zero Proof Collective. Jen is also cofounded Sauna and Sobriety in May 2023 to model safe, adult spaces that foster healing and belonging without substances. Jengilhoi.com Zeroproofcollective.com You can find her on Instagram and Linkedin @jengilhoi, @zeroproofcollective and @Saunaandsobriety TEDx Talk (7.06.23) on YouTube https://youtu.be/Dov0WtIxSNI?si=oIknocfl0mf0Xt_wSupport the showDon’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback.And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.