April 13, 2026
Reader,
So, I’ve been so busy the past few weeks. I have been thinking about things to share with everyone.
6 Things I’ve Learned in 6 Years Living Alcohol-Free
Six years ago, I made a decision that changed everything.
I decided that what had been working for me was no longer working and I had to trust God.
Not to it perfectly or permanently. But I had to try living a different way.
And if you’re on this journey—or even just curious about it—I want to share six of the most important things I’ve learned along the way.
1. Alcohol Was Never the Solution—It Was a Mask
For years, I believed alcohol helped me relax, to connect with others, and “take the edge off” a hard day or week! It helped take me away from dealing with real problems and just kick the can down the road to deal with it later.
Alcohol didn’t solve anything… it just delayed everything.
Underneath the habit I still had all the stress, emotions, and unmet needs that God was inviting me to bring to Him and not numb.
2. You Can’t White-Knuckle Your Way to Freedom
Willpower might get you through 30 days, 60 day, maybe even a year…
but it won’t sustain you for years. You have to build up resilience.
True freedom came when I learned how to regulate my nervous system in healthy ways:
- Prayer & surrender
- Breathwork
- Movement & strength training
- Gratitude
- Spending time and walking in nature
- Finishing my showers with cold water only! Or a cold plunge!
I had to replace, not just remove.
3. Feelings Are Meant to Be Felt, Not Escaped
This one was so hard. I used to run from discomfort. (Well, actually, numb.) Now, I sit with it. I bring it to God. I process it. I cry.
And what I’ve learned is feelings, however hard they are won’t kill you, but avoiding them will keep you stuck.
4. Community Is Not Optional
The opposite of addiction is connection. We are not meant to do this alone. The enemy loves keeping us in isolation—but healing happens when we connect with others.
Whether it’s group coaching, online communities, personal friendships, or faith-based communities. Staying connected has been one of my biggest keys to long-term freedom.
5. Life Gets Better More Than You Can Imagine
When I first took a break I thought I was giving something up. I had such a deprivation mindset, until I started to come out of the fog and started to feel better. This can take time! And this process is like peeling an onion! The further I get away from it the easier it is.
What I have gained:
- More Peace - this is weird because I didn’t know how peace felt.
- Clarity - able to see things in a better, more positive light.
- Deeper relationships - I want to connect more intentionally with most people.
- Better health - so many seen and unseen benefits
- More joy than I ever had while drinking!
And most importantly, a deeper relationship with God. This surprised me because I truly felt I had a good relationship but it has grown so much!
6. Identity Change Is Everything
I didn’t just stop drinking… I became someone new. Well, new to me 6 years ago, but really I was being reintroduced to my old self. The uniquely made child of God. A person who is funny, loves to have fun, loves using my hands, a deep thinker who didn’t think I was a deep thinker. I’m a person who cares about others and wants so much for everyone to be free from anything that is harmful to their brains and body.
And gradually, I stopped seeing myself as someone “trying not to drink” and started living as a non-drinker. Asking myself in all situations, what does a non-drinker do in this situation? The answer, simple: they don’t drink. Is this hard? Yes, it can be. Is it worth it? Yes!
I finally and most importantly see myself more fully rooted in Christ. 6 years ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and God told me that if I kept doing this I would die. No audible voice, just a feeling of impending doom. I listened to that warning and decided to do the opposite of what I wanted to do. At least, where drinking is concerned and it has been the best decision of my life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
If you’re where I once was, wondering if life could really be better without alcohol, I promise you it can.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
💛 My next Choose Freedom Group Coaching program starts in May.
If you’re ready to explore what this could look like for you, I’d love to walk alongside you.
👉 Reply to this email, DM me, or book a free discovery call.
✨ Or step into 1:1 Coaching for personalized support
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
→ Learn more at: amyedwardscoaching.com
🎙️ Alcohol-Free Marriage & More Podcast
Latest Podcast!🎧 Listen to New podcasts- Alcohol Free Marriage & More Podcast or you can watch here.
Peace & Joy,
👉 Sign up here for a free discovery call where we can talk through where you are, what you’re struggling with, and whether the Choose Freedom™ Group Coaching or 1:1 coaching would support you in this season.
There’s no pressure—just a conversation.
For more tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram @joyontheothersideofalcohol.
