S1 E10 The Real Sober Stories With Anne
Summary
In this conversation, Anne Nicely shares her personal journey of growing up in a small town, dealing with childhood anxiety, and finding healing and redemption. She discusses her experiences with her father's addiction and his transformation while in prison. Anne also emphasizes the importance of naming and understanding emotions as a crucial step in the healing process. In this conversation, Anne Nicely shares her journey to sobriety and the power of sharing stories. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and how hearing other people's stories gave her hope and inspired her to quit drinking. Anne discusses the decision to quit drinking and the impact it has had on her life. She highlights the role of podcasts in her recovery, providing valuable information and support. Anne also talks about the importance of faith and community in her journey. She shares how overcoming social anxiety and finding support and connection have been instrumental in her sobriety. Anne concludes by expressing her desire to pay it forward and help others through their own journeys.
Takeaways
- Childhood trauma and anxiety can have a significant impact on a person's mental health and well-being.
- Forgiveness and compassion can play a crucial role in the healing process for both individuals and relationships.
- Finding faith and spirituality can provide a source of strength and transformation.
- Identifying and naming emotions is an essential step in understanding and healing from past experiences. Sharing our stories can be a powerful tool for personal growth and inspiring others.
- The decision to quit drinking is deeply personal and can be influenced by various factors.
- Podcasts can provide valuable information and support for those on the journey to sobriety.
- Faith and community play a significant role in supporting sobriety and providing a sense of belonging.
- Overcoming social anxiety and finding support and connection are important aspects of maintaining sobriety.
- Paying it forward and helping others through their own journeys is a meaningful way to give back.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
Introduction and Background
03:04
Childhood Anxiety and Coping
Childhood Anxiety and Coping
09:41
Journey of Healing
Journey of Healing
23:20
Redemption Story
Redemption Story
36:39
The Power of Naming Emotions
The Power of Naming Emotions
41:12
The Power of Sharing Stories
The Power of Sharing Stories
42:10
Anne's Journey to Sobriety
Anne's Journey to Sobriety
45:23
The Decision to Quit Drinking
The Decision to Quit Drinking
46:47
The Role of Podcasts in Recovery
The Role of Podcasts in Recovery
50:09
The Importance of Faith and Community
The Importance of Faith and Community
56:14
Overcoming Social Anxiety
Overcoming Social Anxiety
01:00:10
Finding Support and Connection
Finding Support and Connection
01:04:23
Paying It Forward
Paying It Forward
Creators and Guests
Host
Jane W Ballard
Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C, is a licensed psychotherapist and Alcohol Free Life coach. She is the founder of Jane Ballard Wellness, a private practice offering in-person counseling services in Dallas, TX and virtual individual and group coaching to women in the United States and beyond. After waking up to the realization that alcohol was a barrier to living her purpose, she set out to make information, support and connection more accessible to like minded women.
Guest
Anne
Anne knew from the moment she drank alcohol at 15 it was a problem. She was introduced to alcohol and addiction as a child because her Father struggled with addiction her whole life until he went to prison. Anne started drinking out of curiosity then it progressed into a weekly habit during her college years. Like so many in college… alcohol gripped her and she started using it to cope with unprocessed trauma, depression, social anxiety and a way to fit in. After becoming a mother and processing trauma through therapy she realized alcohol was robbing her life. She had a deep awareness/awakening that this liquid would not satisfy her. It was no longer fun. It was exhausting. The hamster wheel of guilt and shame had to stop. When Anne turned 35 she woke up from the lie that alcohol “helped” and realized it was a LIE. Now.. almost a year and a half into sobriety she has a deep passion to help others stuck in the cycle. She created a Instagram sober page called -The Bright Eyed Sober Girl- It’s a tribute to her late Father who battled addiction for years but found redemption in the walls of prison. Anne wants others to know change is possible and there is hope. She wants people to realize they are not their past. She is cheering for you always and feels like going alcohol free is a privilege and not a punishment. Listen in to hear her heart.