From Bartender to Author: A Life Rebuilt

Send us Fan MailWayne Kicklighter shares his 22-year journey of sobriety, from growing up with generational alcoholism to becoming a published author of a daily reflections book called "Peaceful Wisdom: Reflections on God, Life, and Recovery." His transformation takes us through early party days, living a double life, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding a spiritual path to recovery and genuine self-discovery.• Noticed alcoholic behavior in his family growing up, particularly his mother, who showed characteristics he later recognized in himself.• Started drinking and doing drugs as a teenager to escape and fit in, becoming the "center of attention" for bringing party supplies.• Worked as a bartender, feeding his ego with false security from "drinking buddies" rather than real friends.• Lived a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" double life, trying unsuccessfully to balance work with partying.• Attempted repeatedly to "figure out how to live sober without giving up drinking" before truly surrendering.• Experienced three phases of recovery: physical healing, mental transformation, and spiritual awakening.• Found God in recovery after believing his actions were unforgivable and a relationship with God impossible. • Wrote "Peaceful Wisdom" after retiring in 2021, sharing reflections from walking his dog and meditating.• Started a YouTube channel, Peaceful Wisdom - God, Life, and Recovery - YouTube, featuring weekly videos on reflections from his book. Find Wayne's book "Peaceful Wisdom: Reflections on God, Life, and Recovery on Amazon or follow his YouTube channel @Peaceful Wiz for weekly reflections.Support the showReal Women LIVE (formerly Sober Living Stories) Host Jessica Stipanovic is a writer, podcast host, and founder of the Female Entrepreneur Organization. New Episodes Delivered to Your Inbox → https://www.jessicastipanovic.com/newsletterFollow Real Women LIVE → https://www.facebook.com/realwomenpodcast/Your story matters.