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Emotional Intelligence Today we're talking about some limitations. You know those habits you have that turn a conversation into a fight, or, make you avoid a conversation altogether because you know it won’t go well – the kind of traits that you absolutely need to develop and strengthen to improve every area of your life, but that aren’t so fun to talk about. When I think about fun in my life, I think about travel, and friends, my family, and my businesses and all the amazing and cool things. I don’t necessarily think about these traits, although these traits I’m going to lay out for you today are absolutely essential in your personal growth and the growth of your relationships. Both at home, and at work. I have grown so much in my emotional intelligence over the years and these skills have made my life so much better and easier! Now, let’s dig into emotional intelligence so you can make your feelings more manageable, and continue building yourself into a person you love and respect. Just to give you an idea of how important this topic is, check this out- A 40-year study at UC Berkeley reported that emotional intelligence is nearly 4 times more powerful than IQ at predicting success. So, what exactly is emotional intelligence, or EQ? What does it mean to be emotionally mature? Emotional maturity means having the self-control to manage your emotions and work to understand them. As an emotionally mature individual, you don't view emotions as a weakness. Instead, you value them and don't try to hide them. There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. We're going break them down one by one.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Some of you may be aware of another program we talk about in recovery, or, another struggle many of us have, and that’s being the adult child of an alcoholic/addict or being an adult child from a dysfunctional family. And for those of you who aren’t familiar… growing up with these circumstances leaves wounds and scars and trauma. And we carry all of that into our adult life, it shapes how we interact in the world, how we choose partners, and the patterns we repeat over and over again. My guest today, Andrea Ashley, talks about these topics in such a simple and refreshing way I couldn’t wait to get her on the show! She is the host of the Adult Child Podcast, and some of the topics I want to get into today is the ‘convincing’ she talks about, as well as how being an adult child affects our dating and mating lives. Picking and dating emotionally unavailable people, You know this topic hits close to home for me, my friend, so buckle up and get ready for some TMI. I also want to cover some of the common characteristics of growing up in this type of environment, what that looks like, and how we can heal. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Andrea here:  IG:  @adultchildpod ACA Laundry List: https://adultchildren.org/literature/laundry-list/   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

self care routine If you are a human being with a beating heart, you’re going to want to take notes with this episode because this topic is a game-changer! And you know how I love to come at things from a different angle so we are talking about this in a way that no one else is talking about it. We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves, you hear it everywhere, the buzzwords… self-care. You hear the catch phrase, ‘you have to put your oxygen mask on first’, but how many of you are actually taking the time to put this into your daily life practice? Are you really taking care of yourself? Because, if you’re anything like me, and most of my clients, your life is busy. You have a big job, a family, a partner, a house- and all the responsibilities that come with it. And, usually, we get so caught up in all the things and getting the to-do list done and keeping the kids alive another day that everything gets prioritized over your self. I hear you saying it, “I should start exercising” “I should spend more time with my friends or build new friendships” “I really want to travel more” … you are saying all the things… but when do you make it a priority to take care of you? I want you to feel happier in your daily life and be more present with your family and feel more confident in yourself and your abilities. So today, we’re talking to Dr. Melissa Durfey , aka The Self-Care Doc, all about taking everyday things and making them self-care rituals. This is essential to your overall health and quality of life - it affects how you think, feel, how you act and respond to situations. AND, when it comes to mental health, self-care can help people manage stress, lower their risk of illness and increase energy levels. What I’m saying is… it’s kind of a big deal. Get in your favorite podcast-listening position, my friend, and let it alllll sink in! Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dr. Melissa Durfey: https://www.myselfcaredoc.com/   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

quitting sugar If you’re looking for inspiration to get more energy, lose some extra pounds, get rid of your achy joints, improve your skin and digestion… you’ve come to the right place! If you're anything like me, you want to live a healthier lifestyle and make good choices for yourself and your family. And being a bit of a perfectionist leaves you feeling overwhelmed and totally confused by all the conflicting information in the diet culture.  You want the health benefits of intermittent fasting, you love the idea of being sugar-free and eating clean, but you struggle to actually give up your favorite comfort foods and, let’s face it, who wants to give up sugar?!? No matter how strong, smart, and educated you are… this stuff is HARD.  With all the eat this, don’t eat that, intermittent fast, drink a gallon of water a day, no carbs, no sugar, go vegan, eat paleo, exercise, high-protein, high-fat… it’s so hard to know where to start and what’s right for you.  And when you reach a breaking point, much like I did, you are humble enough to know you need some support and guidance to change your habits, make healthier choices, and feel better.  My guest today is Netta Gorman. And her passion is to inspire you to live a happy and healthy sugar-free life that you love! On this episode, Netta is going to share with you how making these changes brought her a life of freedom: freedom from cravings energy crashes from that love-hate relationship with sugar from all the health issues she had Buckle up, my friend! We’re getting down and dirty about clean eating!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Netta Gorman: https://www.instagram.com/mylifeaftersugar/   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

coping mechanisms If you know that picking up a drink, or joint, or whatever is no longer an option, there’s no more Wine Wednesday or day drinking at brunch on the weekend, and you are ready to feel better and more in control of your life, you’re in the right place. Stress can sometimes get the better of us and understanding coping skills for everyday stress, for big stressful life changes or negative situations can help you maintain some equilibrium and continue to grow your self-esteem and belief in yourself. Coping skills are things we can do in-the-moment to turn down the volume of our emotions and allow the opportunity to relax so that you can respond in a more appropriate way and protect yourself from getting too overwhelmed where you make choices you aren’t proud of. If you’re looking in on me and my life, you’ll see a regular exercise routine, rituals for dealing with stress, and the dedication to take control of my life and be super intentional about how I live. You may even be working on some of those same things. This is about learning how to cope with things differently and not just drinking to numb everything. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable and learning how to sit with feelings and situations and handle them better.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Vacation October 2023:  addictionunlimited.com/costarica Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

relapse When you make a BIG mistake, pull up your bootstraps, get scrappy, and use it as a learning experience. Have you ever made a hasty mistake in your personal development journey that had the potential to be a disaster? I definitely have. In fact, I think back to the night I realized I had no control over my drinking. I had to see my probation officer the next morning and decided I would have just one drink while I took my dog for a walk after work. Next thing I know, it’s 5 in the morning, I’m drunk, and my appointment was at 10. I was angry at myself, in shock that I really couldn’t stop drinking once I started, and I didn’t know what to do about it. But here’s the thing that I couldn’t see at that time: Making those kind of mistakes, like the one I made years ago, are necessary -- no matter how much you think you know and how careful you think you’re being. You have to muster some strength, channel your inner bad*ss, and use the experience as an opportunity to learn. That’s what my guest on this episode (and 6 week course alumni!), Debbie McKillop, did when she had that moment of clarity that she had to stop drinking once and for all. Some people fall apart under the pressure of a sober future, but Debbie did the exact opposite. Instead of beating herself up and falling to pieces, she immediately got into action and figured out how to use this frightening momentum to her advantage. And guess what? She went on to rebuild a sober life that is happier than ever before... Yes, you heard me right. In this episode, Debbie shares her story of how she used the experience of relapse, to better herself as a mom, wife, and daughter, plus exactly what she did to get the fun and supportive sobriety we all want. She also shares: Her major a-ha moment when she realized she couldn’t moderate her drinking and needed to quit 100%. The things about recovery she wished she would have known from the beginning. What she plans to do next to take her sober life to the next level. This is a great listen for anyone, no matter where you are in your sobriety – and I know you’ll find Debbie as inspiring as I do.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Vacation: https://addictionunlimited.com/earlybird Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

addiction cravings When it comes to dealing with urges and cravings, check your thoughts, first. What is your real struggle? If you’re like most of my clients, especially in my 6 week program, you’re a very high-functioning, successful person. You have achieved things, you have a good job and family, and this makes it even more challenging trying to troubleshoot what the heck is going on with. Sound familiar? It’s like, "Wow, I’ve done all these great things and I’ve built this life, so whey the heck can’t I figure this one thing out? How do I not have control in this one area??" It’s super frustrating, it’s totally normal, and we can work through all of it. And I do this, too! I will eat healthy and exercise and I want to see pounds fall off my body. The problem is, I’ll do it for like 3 days then get mad that I haven’t lost 10 pounds. Then I start ruminating about how hard it is and how hard it’s going to be to keep it up long enough to get the results I want, and how much sacrifice it’s going to take... and BAM! All of a sudden I want a cheeseburger. You see what I’m saying here? Underneath the craving is my fear of how hard it’s going to be and my fear that I’m not strong enough to do it. That fear is what's driving the craving. If you're ready to get answers, you're ready for REAL solutions that no one else is telling you about, then you're in the right place! This is an action-packed checklist for you to get to the bottom of what really fuels your cravings so that you can kick them to the curb and get more of what you want in your recovery and life. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Marijuana Addiction Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Well, that was the story when it was still an unregulated, illegal and illicit market. Now, the market is shifting, legalization is spreading, and THC is bringing on a whole new range of issues and causing more people to be addicted. Although marijuana is just as addictive as alcohol, opioids, or stimulants, it looks different on the surface and may make you question if you have an addiction at all. It doesn't usually come with the classic 'rock bottom' moment you hear others talk about in their addiction stories, and the signs and symptoms aren't so easily identified. But that doesn't change the fact that people are suffering, they need resources, and they need support. In, A Doctor's Opinion About Marijuana Addiction, it says: "The unfortunate truth is that the lack of serious, early consequences to marijuana addiction allow for a long, slow decline, often without recognition, resulting in later-­stage addiction before the problem is confronted. An individual may wake up years into this chronic illness, without a reasonable understanding of how their life got so far off track. Often one has no major medical or legal problems, no sudden tragedy that drives the search for an answer. However, isolation from friends and family, loss of interest and lack of participation in those activities that used to bring joy, and the crushing weight of missed opportunities add up." If any of this sounds familiar to you, you won't want to miss this episode, my friend.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Marijuana Anonymous: https://marijuana-anonymous.org/ Find Jacob on IG:  @naturalhighsrecovery Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

what is moderate drinking If the illusion of moderation is very persistent and you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I can, in fact, have just ONE drink”. And things aren’t going as well as you’d hoped, or you find yourself feeling left out in groups, or the lie tells you that once you ‘work through it’ then you can manage just one drink. If any of this sounds familiar then you, my friend, are in the perfect place right now. This is a must-listen-to podcast if you are any of those scenarios. So, if you’ve ever had challenges with the moderation myth or your brain keeps telling you it will different now and you’re a little bit worried about how to get through it, today is like a checklist of different areas that you can troubleshoot to make sure if you’re stuck you can move through it; and if you haven’t fallen into the trap yet, then you can side step some of these big mistakes. It’s important that you actually listen to this episode and not tune out because this isn’t happening for you right now. This is a weird little tick in sobriety that can happen any time. None of us are shielded from these thoughts and traps- no matter how long you’ve been sober. It took me a few situations before I really understood that I couldn’t control my alcohol intake. And when I say that, it doesn’t mean I never had nights out that I controlled it, I did. I had a  few of those nights when I just had a few and went home without any drama. But those nights were very few and far between. Just like you can quit for 30 days for Dry January or Sober October, or, sometimes we quit for much longer- and that feeds the myth that there is some level of control. Let’s go ahead and dive into the trouble with your moderation dreams.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Signs You Should Stop Trying to Moderate Your Drinking: https://addictionunlimited.com/signs-you-should-stop-trying-to-moderate-your-drinking/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Movies About Addiction Today’s episode is a little extra special. The reason for that is that we’re approaching this topic from a totally different angle. We’re not going to talk about programs. We’re not talking about pitfalls, recovery plans, and another day 1. Not that we’re not talking about any of it, but, we are going to talk about a totally different approach to quitting drinking that you’ve probably never thought of before. Today, we are talking about movies about addiction. That might seem a little bit weird as a way to get sober, and, if you know anything about me you already know I’m a planner and like to have things laid out. So this completely unorthodox way of approaching recovery really intrigued me. When my new friend, Ted Perkins, reached out to me about his book and wanted to talk about the connection between movies and addiction and how he used movies about addiction to get sober, I thought it was something I definitely wanted to explore. Ted is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, and a successful screenwriter for film and television He watched 100 movies in 100 days to beat his alcohol addiction and documented his journey in his new book, Addicted in Film, and he’s here to tell you all about it! It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the best (and worst) movies ever made about addiction and recovery, and what they can teach us about living a happier, healthier, more balanced life. I like that Ted turned to what he knows and loves, and used it as his support to make huge changes and understand sobriety on a new level. This is the epitome of figuring out a plan that is individualized to you! I also really value what he shares. It’s different than how my brain works and that’s sometimes uncomfortable and always exciting at the same time. I don’t want to give it all away. I am going to let you listen in and see if this is something you might want to take action on. I know I definitely will be.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Free Bootcamp: addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Addicted in Film Book:  https://amzn.to/3HGG6GZ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

dealing with triggers I’m going to start this episode with a mind-blowing statistic. Are you ready? Okay, here we go. Everyone has triggers. Crazy, right? I know, I know, it’s not that mind-blowing when you think about it because we are all living life, dealing with the ups and downs and the changes we have to make as we go through it. Change is inevitable. And when we are undergoing change, leaving old behaviors, habits, and people behind, there will be triggers. It’s also a little comforting to know we’re in this together because if you’ve had to overcome triggers, like I have, then we’re not alone. Actually, we’re in great company. Now, if I told you that you can get through all your triggers and I can show you how to do it, would you be interested? Yes? I hope you just said yes because that’s what we’re doing today. It’s important to continue talking about this topic of triggers because I know many of my clients experience it, to the point that they fear starting new and exciting endeavors or they will start and they definitely don’t follow through on these new and exciting endeavors because they begin to think, “I don’t want to deal with triggers and cravings 24 hours a day. Thursdays are a huge trigger for me and I don’t know how to get through it.” And so they don’t start, or stick with, the process. Have you been guilty of this? I know I have, for sure. And I’ve overcome it, and I want to talk about how you can as well. The thing is, triggers are a real thing. And if you’re dealing with them and sometimes feel like they are winning the battle, I want you to know you are far from alone, there is nothing wrong with you, and you can definitely overcome it.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Episode #114, Relapse Triggers: https://addictionunlimited.com/relapse-triggers/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

people pleasing People pleasing is a common struggle for most people, especially those of us with addiction issues. The key is to not let those habits stop you from doing the work that you know you need to do. So what do you do when the fears of saying “no”, or setting boundaries around your time and energy threaten to throw you off your game or derail you completely? You get guidance, take action, and learn to keep moving forward. And sometimes you need a little inspiration to keep you going. In this episode, my friend Nick Pollard (TikTok phenom) and I are going to dig into the underlying fears and feelings people have that turn us into exhausted little people-pleasers. As a Coach, Nick’s work is to pull back the curtain on the underlying issues we have to work on to create happier lives with more energy for our friends and families, and feeling more confident in the choices we make. Some of the very things you may be experiencing now may be obstacles, but they are not insurmountable. This is my 15th year of being a Life Coach and Nick is in his 10th year! We’ve seen it all and have experienced ALL the fears ourselves (and still do!), so get your ear buds ready and listen in to the helpful insights Nick is sharing for you and your life! You’re going to learn some valuable tips and tricks that will help you navigate the fears that come with making changes in your life, cutting back the people-pleasing, and stepping into a better version of yourself. Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Free Bootcamp: addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

New Year Plan Can you believe 2022 is over already? I know it’s so cliché and everyone is saying it- but this year has gone by so fast! Maybe you can relate. I know when a year is packed with as many projects, challenges, milestones reached and lessons learned as 2022 has been for me, it makes time fly by. Some years ago I adopted a new way of thinking about it - instead of thinking about resolutions, as if something isn’t right and needs to be resolved – I think about my intentions for the upcoming year. And because my sobriety birthday is in January, I have a tradition at the end of the year I always reflect back on what my life was like before I got sober. Of course, that immediately puts me in a place of gratitude because I was such a mess in so many ways. And, it gives me fresh inspiration on how I want to approach the coming year. This year, I went through some major stuff. And, if we all get honest here, every year is full of major stuff. So as I was reflecting on the past 12 months, I was writing down so many things that I had to turn it into a whole podcast episode for you. Because, I want you to approach your next year with a fresh perspective and sense of determination like you’ve never had before. But also, a sense of ease. Like, we’re going to make this so effortless, and you are going to feel so empowered, that you look forward to getting started and following through! The strategy I’m going over today is all about a different way to approach your goals so that… you will get more done everything is set up for you to succeed with ease you end the day feeling more satisfied with your whole life In particular, if you want to build a life around recovery and confidence in whatever you do, this strategy will be really applicable for you. It will help you get more done with less stress, less guilt, and less resources… you know, all the precious commodities we never have enough of. I suggest curling up with the last Christmas cookie, stir a little eggnog creamer into your coffee, and enjoy a final moment of holiday hibernation to brainstorm your 2023 intentions. In the end, your intentions are really all about your balance. Understanding we are working on personal growth and taking on new habits more than just accomplishing tasks. Adding too little will leave you underwhelmed and unsatisfied; adding too much is just way more stress than you need. This episode is your personal low-down on how to think about your intentions, and how to set yourself up for success from day one so that you can get your life and your goals aligned for an amazing year!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Bootcamp with Angela Pugh:addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Feeling better, adulting better, and how life will steer you the right direction (whether you’re ready for it or not!) A mom with a huge heart, a nurse, and determined to change the game, Lucy Maina is here and she’s ready to help you take action on your recovery dreams, move forward even when fear wants to hold you back, and use the gifts you already have to support your sobriety. I love this interview with Lucy, and I know you will, too. In this episode we talk about how she channeled her energy from the beginning to support her decision to quit drinking, why her thoughts and mindset were such a powerful tool in the process, and the importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many light bulb moments, “a-has”, and brow-raising WOWS in this episode, I can’t even name them all. You’ll just have to listen to the podcast and hear them for yourself. On this show, conversations have a life of their own and a lot of wisdom is revealed. And when Lucy says, “I decided to focus on two things that were really hard for me to distract me in the beginning,” you’re going to stop multi-tasking and listen in to hear the conversation that follows. You’re in for a treat, my friend! Listen in, get excited and inspired, and driven to take action with Lucy’s insight and experience.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Bootcamp:  addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Healthy Routines When you're going into a stressful time of year your healthy routines get off balance, there are tons of things to do, and stressors lurking around every corner. And if you don't know what to do, that lack of clarity can you lead you down the path of overwhelm and high anxiety. That's why I recorded today's episode. To take away your stress and make this process a lot easier for you. I'm breaking down a few fundamental steps to focus on when your rituals and routines are thrown off balance in the holiday season with travel, family, and all the added financial and time stressors. Whether you're just getting started, or you have decades of sobriety under your belt. These are absolutely crucial for a successful and sober holiday season (or any high-stress situation!). Are you a successfully substance-free and getting through stressors with ease? Don't click away because this episode is for you, too. I not only focus on these steps for the holidays, but I still practice this today whenever I travel or have any disruption in my routines and rituals. Here's a snapshot of what I'm focusing on in today's episode: --> action steps to keep your sobriety in tact --> strategies you can use RIGHT NOW --> a step-by-step plan to set you up for sober success I don’t want you to feel like you are walking into a high-stress situation completely unprepared so I’m going to walk you through what to focus on so you are happy, healthy, and staying sober even when your routines and rituals are turned upside down.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

I don't fit in anywhere Not all success stories are created equal. There are easy stories, hard stories, and everything in between. All are different and unique in their own way and all of them can have a happy ending. In this episode, I share an enlightening conversation with Nate Kelly about his quest of growing up, figuring himself out, and ending up in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. He talks about... How he used alcohol to make him more social and to fit in more. The successes, and struggles, he went through trying to figure out where he fit and what his life would look like. Plus, we delve into trying to find yourself in a world that doesn't support those of us who don't fit in anywhere. If you've ever just felt different, and unsure about how you fit or where you fit, this episode is for you! Links mentioned in this episode:  Join Me On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Sobriety Diaries Podcast: https://www.thesobrietydiaries.com/ Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Coming Out Colton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYu82eFgDhE   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Mental Wellness I wholeheartedly believe that mental wellness in recovery can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It gives you the freedom to design your life the way you want to and gives you the energy to do the things you love. But as you have probably figured out, if you don't have the right plan in place, the stress of social and family events can really take a toll on you. Every day, recovering people are dealing with things like anxiety, loneliness, and burnout. The statistics on relapse are alarming, and if I'll be straight with you... the numbers are far too high and hit a little close to home. It's a goal of mine to bring more awareness and solutions to this issue that affects so many people. And that's why we're talking all about the actions, solutions, and tools you need to protect your recovery and continue to build on that happiness and comfort you're striving for in sobriety. Especially when you are going into social and family situations that can push ALL your buttons and triggers. You want fast and easy solutions and I've got them for you! > No time commitment! >> It's totally FREE! >> And you can do it in your jammies! In this episode I'll tell you exactly how to navigate every party, gathering, and anything else that makes your anxiety shoot through the roof. AND some science-backed actions that will change your life. Find balance between feeling vulnerable and being able to lean on your own instincts and plans when in stressful situations. Tap into your ability to feel joy, confidence, and acceptance when things don't go your way, versus fear and anger.  And how to navigate FOMO and loneliness and so much more! I’m going to make the call -- this episode is going to be a fan-fave. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Links mentioned in this episode:  Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

take control of your life When it comes to creating the life you want, most people think they are at the mercy of outside forces.  But what if I told you… you have the power to create what you speak? 🤔😯  It may sound like a cliché, but it’s 💯 true. The thoughts we entertain and the words we speak create our reality.  One of the most important things you can do to take control of your life is to be mindful of your thoughts and words. I’m telling you my friend, everything you think and say has an impact. So be deliberate in what you put out in the universe. → pay attention to the language you use when speaking about yourself and your life       Are you using positive, empowering language, or are you putting yourself down?  → get clear on what you want and focus on creating that reality      When you know what you want, you can begin to take steps towards making it a reality. Your thoughts are powerful and today’s guest, Sloane Freemont, is giving us the lowdown on how to create what you speak. Which is also the name of her podcast!  She speaks from personal experience of hitting an all-time low in her life, knowing she had to make major changes, and how she started digging her way out.  I know, I know…we can all relate to this!  She’s a podcast host, a brilliant mind, and new friend and she walks us through the power we have in our lives: 👉 If you focus on the negative, you'll get more negative. 👉 If you focus on the positive, you’ll attract more positive.  So choose your thoughts wisely and create the life you want! With a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating the life you deserve — simply by speaking it into existence!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Learn more about Sloane here: https://sloanefreemont.com/ Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Finding Passion If you find yourself doing busy work because you don’t know what else to do, or feel like you are at a total loss when it comes to knowing yourself and your hobbies, it’s time to start finding passion in your life. Imagine this: You get out of bed early feeling refreshed and ready for your weekend. You love to spend time with your kids and make their favorite pancakes for breakfast, and you can’t wait to get some time for yourself to do the things you love. You know your happy place, you love your hobbies, and you feel excited to get there! Having activities you enjoy in your life is important! And, as much as we enjoy being workaholics, parents and partners, there has to be more to your life than just work and family. Studies show that taking part in fun and leisure activities improves your overall health, but when you get lost in addiction you often lose sight of yourself and the things you once loved. What are you passionate about? What activities do you enjoy on your day off? If you don’t take action to find what you love to do then you will always look for substances or food or shopping to fill that void. And none of those things will serve you well. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or confused, let’s talk about some actionable steps you can take to find your self again. In this episode you’ll get: 💥 Easy actions to find the self you’ve lost 💥 A gameplan to curb the overwhelm and get clarity on what makes you happy 💥 And a quick note on all the ways your life is going to improve!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call  Research Article:  https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

mommy wine culture You feel embarrassed and humiliated because you know you are hiding this secret, and you feel like you should know better. Unfortunately, way too many moms fall victim to the mommy wine culture and as a result, get completely lost in the comfort of the drink. If this sounds familiar to you, then keep reading, my friend, because today’s guest, Michelle Smith, has a powerful story about losing yourself in alcohol and hiding it from the world, all while trying to work and be a great mom. Michelle is a speaker, influencer, and educator with a digital community for women exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle Her recovery is thriving -- but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, it took a lot of soul searching, exploration, and life struggles for Michelle to land in a safe sober place in her life and how it truly lit her up. And by staying on track and pushing through some really difficult situations, she was able to create the sober life of her dreams Today, Michelle shows women all across the country actionable steps for creating a successful sober lifestyle while also building a solid foundation for motherhood -- and she doesn’t need a drink to get through the day. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her story and how living a double life was taking a toll, and how getting honest with herself ended up being her way out. So if you’re ready to move from the wine mommy culture and the darkness of a double life into sweet sober freedom, get your ear buds ready for this one!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Michelle here: https://www.recoveryisthenewblack.com/   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!