I was so excited to be asked to be a guest on the Unruffled Podcast a few weeks ago! Tammi and Sondra are both artists who have found their creativity and joy expand significantly in sobriety. I loved getting to chat with them about recovery, creativity, being a small business owner, how to keep creating when you’re being paid for your art, and how to stay serene and sober when you have alcohol in your home/personal space. It was an awesome conversation and I’m so grateful Tammi and Sondra asked me to be a part of it! You can listen via this link or search for the Unruffled Podcast (Episode 26) on iTunes!
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/unruffled-podcast.jpg750750Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2017-10-09 18:22:292017-10-09 18:22:29Creativity + Recovery on the Unruffled Podcast
Is that old? I’m not sure. In some ways it feels old, because when I was young, I never imagined what it would be like to be 35. But in other ways, it feels so young, because I’m constantly around people who are older, wiser and have much more life experience.
35 feels significant to me because during my last BIG DEAL BIRTHDAY, when I turned 30, I was at one of the lowest points in my life, both physically and mentally. I was two months away from my first stint of sobriety (when I told myself I wouldn’t drink for 30 days…I lasted 28 before I caved, and then figured I was totally fine because I could stop for 28 days), four months away from really trying to not drink anymore, and six months away from finally kicking the booze for good. It was a WONDERFUL birthday (my very first trip to Vegas with friends), but as a whole, I wasn’t in a great place.
This time around, it’s a little different. I don’t have any huge trips planned, but I may go to lunch with some friends and a movie in the evening. I won’t be dancing the night away in Vegas, instead I’ll hopefully be in bed by 10 p.m. And there is one hugely significant change.
I’m sober. And it feels awesome.
I’ve talked quite a bit about how my drinking affected my mind, but today, on my birthday, I’m gonna get a little vain. Because while all the mental and spiritual changes have been amazing, there is a one huge change that is pretty evident, and it’s one we, as women, don’t like to talk about too much. We don’t want to sound vain or snobby, and we don’t want to call attention to ourselves. At least, I don’t. It’s also sort of scary to put this before and after out on the world wide web, where anyone can see it. But here we go.
You guys, I look SO MUCH BETTER. The photo on the left is me two days before I finally got sober and the one on the right is this past summer after four and a half years.
I think the differences are obvious, but just in case your computer resolution isn’t on point or something, let me list it out for you…
Before
– Bloated face and stomach
– 30 lbs heavier
– Skin is sallow and unhealthy looking
– Hair looks fried and dull
– Posture is sloped and self-concious
– Eyes are dead and sad
*Kid who is with me is THE CUTEST and I’m so happy I was able to give her the gift of a sober mom.
After
– 30 lbs lighter, added muscle, zero bloat
– Hair is shiny and healthy
– Skin looks best it’s ever looked
– Eyes are bright and alert
– I am standing up straight and proud
– Smile is genuine and happy
You guys, it’s a miracle. I am asked all the time what my health regimen is and how I have managed to look younger at 35 than I did at 30. My secret? Being sober. When I’m sober I eat better, I sleep, I drink a ton of water, I read, I meditate, I work out and I take care of myself. I spent so many years dumping poison into my body to escape who I was, but when I stopped, I realized I LIKE who I am, and I’m worth being around. So instead, these days, I treat my body like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Because I’m so, so lucky to have a body that can run and play with my kids. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a mind that can read and learn new things. It’s my obligation to treat it the best I possibly can.
So that’s my gift to myself today, on my 35th birthday. The gift of sobriety. Maybe I’ll have some cake and ice cream on the side.
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-09-19_0001.jpg800800Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2017-09-20 08:04:582017-09-20 08:04:58How to Age Backwards : Get Sober
I’ve been fortunate to have a plethora of tools in my recovery toolbox since I first got sober over four and a half years ago. I’ve gone to 12-step meetings, yoga classes, downloaded meditation apps, started a gratitude practice, participated in therapy…the list goes on and on. But one of the greatest tools I’ve had since the very beginning is access to podcasts.
These days there are tons of amazing podcasts about sobriety (Home podcast, Recover Girl), but when I was getting sober, there was only one that I could find, the Bubble Hour. I’ll never forget my first summer of recovery, when I had three major roadtrips with my 6 and 2-year-old, and I downloaded every Bubble Hour episode I could fit on my phone to get me through it. I was so humbled when I was asked to be on the show a few years ago, and even more so when Jean asked me to be on again a few weeks ago. I met Jean McCarthy (the host of the Bubble Hour and author of the Unpickled blog) at the She Recovers Conference back in May. Getting to hug her in person was one of the greatest moments of the trip, as she’s been such a huge part of my journey.
Jean and I sat down for a conversation about recovery and what’s happening in the world today. We did our best to keep personal political beliefs out of it, but if you follow me anywhere online, you know I believe that all politics are personal and that as people in recovery, we are uniquely tuned in to the plight of those that are suffering. My activism is directly tied to my sobriety, and so we discussed that, along with a few tips to help newly sober people navigate difficult conversations with loved ones about politics. You can listen via iTunes or by using the media player below!
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-09-08_0005.jpg1066800Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2017-09-11 10:04:132017-09-11 10:04:13Talking Politics and Sobriety on the Bubble Hour
Creativity + Recovery on the Unruffled Podcast
/0 Comments/in Recovery /by MeganI was so excited to be asked to be a guest on the Unruffled Podcast a few weeks ago! Tammi and Sondra are both artists who have found their creativity and joy expand significantly in sobriety. I loved getting to chat with them about recovery, creativity, being a small business owner, how to keep creating when you’re being paid for your art, and how to stay serene and sober when you have alcohol in your home/personal space. It was an awesome conversation and I’m so grateful Tammi and Sondra asked me to be a part of it! You can listen via this link or search for the Unruffled Podcast (Episode 26) on iTunes!
How to Age Backwards : Get Sober
/12 Comments/in Recovery /by MeganToday I turn 35 years old.
Is that old? I’m not sure. In some ways it feels old, because when I was young, I never imagined what it would be like to be 35. But in other ways, it feels so young, because I’m constantly around people who are older, wiser and have much more life experience.
35 feels significant to me because during my last BIG DEAL BIRTHDAY, when I turned 30, I was at one of the lowest points in my life, both physically and mentally. I was two months away from my first stint of sobriety (when I told myself I wouldn’t drink for 30 days…I lasted 28 before I caved, and then figured I was totally fine because I could stop for 28 days), four months away from really trying to not drink anymore, and six months away from finally kicking the booze for good. It was a WONDERFUL birthday (my very first trip to Vegas with friends), but as a whole, I wasn’t in a great place.
This time around, it’s a little different. I don’t have any huge trips planned, but I may go to lunch with some friends and a movie in the evening. I won’t be dancing the night away in Vegas, instead I’ll hopefully be in bed by 10 p.m. And there is one hugely significant change.
I’m sober. And it feels awesome.
I’ve talked quite a bit about how my drinking affected my mind, but today, on my birthday, I’m gonna get a little vain. Because while all the mental and spiritual changes have been amazing, there is a one huge change that is pretty evident, and it’s one we, as women, don’t like to talk about too much. We don’t want to sound vain or snobby, and we don’t want to call attention to ourselves. At least, I don’t. It’s also sort of scary to put this before and after out on the world wide web, where anyone can see it. But here we go.
You guys, I look SO MUCH BETTER. The photo on the left is me two days before I finally got sober and the one on the right is this past summer after four and a half years.
I think the differences are obvious, but just in case your computer resolution isn’t on point or something, let me list it out for you…
Before
– Bloated face and stomach
– 30 lbs heavier
– Skin is sallow and unhealthy looking
– Hair looks fried and dull
– Posture is sloped and self-concious
– Eyes are dead and sad
*Kid who is with me is THE CUTEST and I’m so happy I was able to give her the gift of a sober mom.
After
– 30 lbs lighter, added muscle, zero bloat
– Hair is shiny and healthy
– Skin looks best it’s ever looked
– Eyes are bright and alert
– I am standing up straight and proud
– Smile is genuine and happy
You guys, it’s a miracle. I am asked all the time what my health regimen is and how I have managed to look younger at 35 than I did at 30. My secret? Being sober. When I’m sober I eat better, I sleep, I drink a ton of water, I read, I meditate, I work out and I take care of myself. I spent so many years dumping poison into my body to escape who I was, but when I stopped, I realized I LIKE who I am, and I’m worth being around. So instead, these days, I treat my body like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Because I’m so, so lucky to have a body that can run and play with my kids. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a mind that can read and learn new things. It’s my obligation to treat it the best I possibly can.
So that’s my gift to myself today, on my 35th birthday. The gift of sobriety. Maybe I’ll have some cake and ice cream on the side.
Talking Politics and Sobriety on the Bubble Hour
/0 Comments/in Recovery /by MeganI’ve been fortunate to have a plethora of tools in my recovery toolbox since I first got sober over four and a half years ago. I’ve gone to 12-step meetings, yoga classes, downloaded meditation apps, started a gratitude practice, participated in therapy…the list goes on and on. But one of the greatest tools I’ve had since the very beginning is access to podcasts.
These days there are tons of amazing podcasts about sobriety (Home podcast, Recover Girl), but when I was getting sober, there was only one that I could find, the Bubble Hour. I’ll never forget my first summer of recovery, when I had three major roadtrips with my 6 and 2-year-old, and I downloaded every Bubble Hour episode I could fit on my phone to get me through it. I was so humbled when I was asked to be on the show a few years ago, and even more so when Jean asked me to be on again a few weeks ago. I met Jean McCarthy (the host of the Bubble Hour and author of the Unpickled blog) at the She Recovers Conference back in May. Getting to hug her in person was one of the greatest moments of the trip, as she’s been such a huge part of my journey.
Jean and I sat down for a conversation about recovery and what’s happening in the world today. We did our best to keep personal political beliefs out of it, but if you follow me anywhere online, you know I believe that all politics are personal and that as people in recovery, we are uniquely tuned in to the plight of those that are suffering. My activism is directly tied to my sobriety, and so we discussed that, along with a few tips to help newly sober people navigate difficult conversations with loved ones about politics. You can listen via iTunes or by using the media player below!