The Sober Glow Studio is a weekly newsletter providing stories, recommendations, and resources on the art of living an alcohol-free lifestyle, navigating midlife, and anything that simply feels good.
Dearest reader,
This week has been awful. The horrors that are coming out of the news stations are unheard of and so unfathomable that it seems impossible, and yet. I often find myself staring at my phone taking in as much information as possible or watching the non-stop news coverage, not realizing how much time has passed, and I have ignored basic life things that need to be done. My husband reminds me often to stop, turn it off, and do something else that is less taxing on my nervous system. I know it’s essential for us all to be aware of the truth of what’s happening, but it is also vital to care for ourselves and take breaks when we need them.
Today, I want to share something non-taxing for your/our nervous systems. Proudly, I have three women in my life who have just recently published their first books and I want to tell everyone about them. Whether you can show your support by purchasing their books or not, it’s always refreshing to be reminded of the women out there who are working hard to share necessary information with all of us. Information to help us grow and to help guide us in making good choices for ourselves. I am proud of these women and the goodness they are providing to this world.
PROTEIN SNACK QUEEN HIGH PROTEIN COOKBOOK by Ashley Poladian
As many of you know, Ashley has been one of the most influential people in my life. When a co-worker introduced Ashley to me, I immediately knew she was someone I had been looking for. I needed someone who didn’t know me and was willing to take on the challenge of helping me get out of my own way. Around 2018/2019, I started feeling perimenopausal symptoms (I didn’t know it at the time). Add in a global pandemic, and I had a very ill-timed shitstorm via Mother Nature. Ashley helped me get out of my head and away from my many excuses wrapped up in resistance so I could put my big girl pants on and get to work. I knew all the things I had to do. I knew I had to start moving my body and taking responsibility for how I was feeling. But one of the biggest revelations she helped me realize and incorporate into my life was protein. I had no idea how little protein I was actually taking in until I started tracking. Through non-stop conversations with Ashley, doing my own research, and following experts’ recommendations for women, specifically women in midlife, I finally recognized and felt the importance of tripling my protein intake. I went from approx 30-40 grams a day to 120+ grams a day.
Explore Ashley’s book or find her online and give her a high five!
First, can we give Tawny a round of applause for the most clever book title ever! I met Tawny back when I was living in NYC. We spent her one-year soberversary together listening to a talk by Lisa Smith, author of A Girl Walks Out of a Bar. Who Tawny also hosts an award winning podcast with. Over the years, I have watched Tawny develop her voice and share herself and her truth remarkably. I have often been asked about sex and dating since I gave up alcohol, and I never felt well-equipped to answer it. First, I have been in a relationship for 22 years. I don’t have the slightest idea how to date without alcohol. I have never done it and can’t imagine it’s easy. And when it comes to sex, that’s one thing I don’t share publicly. But I will say while I may no longer have sex in shady and risque environments (wink-wink) and whether that’s due to being an old lady, or that I no longer imbibe a liquid that would whisper hell yes, that’s a great idea in my ear, or both, I can’t say for sure. But engaging in it now with my haze-free, full awareness is definitely more powerful and meaningful. I highly recommend it. For in-depth information with tips and tricks galore, go to my favortie sober sexpert, Tawny Lara.
Explore Tawny’s book or find her online and give her a high five!
UNBOTTLED POTENTIAL by Amanda Kuda
My first conversation with Amanda was when she slipped into my DM's ;) commenting on me making fun of my husband as he was mansplaining how great he felt not drinking alcohol. As in…..had I heard of it? Hashtag eye-roll. Amanda invited my husband and me onto her podcast to talk about relationships and how they can change when one or both partners quit drinking. Side note: Joe hasn’t had alcohol in 242 days! We now refer to him as the Sober Joe :)
I was blown away by Amanda, we both were. She was so kind and open, and right away I was completely attracted to her energy. You know how much I love when someone's energy is so welcoming. I had had some back and forth with Amanda about doing the podcast with my husband because up until then, I never really spoke about specifics when it came to him and I’ve been very private about our relationship. To the extent that I don't even follow him on IG, and he is not allowed to like or comment on mine because I genuinely don't want people to know much about him and us. It's too close for me. I share a lot, but when it comes to him, that's too sacred for me. At least up until I said yes to doing a podcast with him. Amanda made me feel secure with sharing a part of myself with the world, and she was more than willing to honor my boundaries.
Now, I know this story has nothing to do with Amanda's book, but I want people to understand how authentic Amanda is and how much respect I have for her. I have no doubt that her book is as top-notch as the work she does with this community. And anyone looking to work with a sobriety coach, please check out Amanda's offerings.
Explore Amanda’s book or find her online and give her a high five!
Scroll on to read a calming nervous system list of goodies that hits all the senses. And always, if you love this space, share it with a friend.