April 27, 2026
Reader,
Where I’m at right now…
Something interesting has been happening lately.
I’ve been experimenting with my routines and paying attention to what God is doing in the process and I can feel something shifting inside of me.
Things I once needed to stay on track are starting to fall away.
I’m still doing my morning routine—Bible Recap, stretching, workouts, walking, sunlight, water but the urgency to do all the things has softened.
And honestly? I’m sleeping better. Deeper. More restorative. Waking up actually feeling rested is new for me. (It could be HRT, creatine… or all of the above.)
But it’s also had me reflecting on the beginning of my alcohol-free journey.
When I first took a break from alcohol, it was all about structure.
I needed routines. I needed a plan. I needed something to hold me up when my feelings didn’t match my goals.
I created morning and evening habits. I planned for triggers. I stayed busy during the hours I used to drink. I challenged my thoughts and did the opposite of what I felt like doing.
And my routines mattered. They carried me for the last few years.
They gave me stability when everything felt uncertain.
Overtime, something deeper started to happen. I wasn’t just doing different things. I was becoming a different person. My identity as a non-drinker began to grow.
And slowly, these habits stopped feeling like effort and started feeling like who I am.
There was a time when not drinking felt impossible. During those times, I had to lean on tools like FAB (fading affect bias) and “replace the ingredients, keep the ritual.” Playing the tape or the movie forward.
I had to remind myself - Why would I ever want to go back?
Back to sleepless nights, high anxiety, ruminating thoughts. Wondering what I said or who I drunk texted.
No thanks.
Now?
Thoughts about drinking to relax rarely cross my mind most days. And when they do they’re quieter. Not as strong. And way less convincing.
And strangely that can feel confusing.
Because you’re so used to managing urges, sticking to routines, and “staying on track”
So when these patterns soften you don’t always trust it.
But here’s what I’m realizing the routines were never the end goal. Letting go of alcohol wasn't the end goal. They were the bridge to something new. A life I don't want to escape.
Because while I was changing my habits. God was changing my heart.
My mind is renewing. New neural pathways are stronger. My body is healing. My nervous system is regulating. My identity is shifting.
And now, what once felt necessary isn’t fitting the same way anymore.
This is where it gets tricky. Because when something falls away, we often rush to replace it. (I know I’ve been tempted to.)
But what if we didn’t? What if we just sat in that space for a moment and let God meet us there?
Just sit with Him. Not striving. Not white-knuckling. Not trying to figure things out. Just awareness, with curiosity around “I don’t need that anymore.”
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
💛 If you’re in the beginning…
Lean into the routines.
Discipline now creates freedom later.
💛 If you’re in the middle…
Pay attention to what’s shifting.
Stay the course—this is where transformation happens.
💛 If you’re ready to go deeper…
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
My next Choose Freedom™ Group Coaching starts mid-May.
This is where we:
build supportive routines
regulate your nervous system
anchor your identity in Christ
and walk this out in real community
👉 Reply to this email
👉 Or book a free discovery call
What once took effort will start to feel natural.
What once felt necessary will begin to fall away.
And maybe…
that’s exactly what God has been doing in you all along.
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.
