Stories from the Other Side with the Mocktail Mommy, Kristi Tanner

Hi friends, it’s Erica! 
In this week’s episode, I sit down for an open-hearted conversation with Kristi Tanner, the Mocktail Mommy, diving into alcohol as a coping mechanism and the profound journey of self-discovery through sobriety. 

Have you ever found yourself reaching for a drink because life was just too stressful? Or you swore you weren’t going to have a glass of wine after dinner but the habit is harder to break than you thought it would be?

Alcohol has become a cornerstone of how we connect, socialize and cope with life. Have a rough day, pour a drink. Family stressing you out? Pour a drink. Life isn’t what you thought it would be? Pour a drink

You get the picture. We have learned that having a drink or two to unwind is normal and sometimes recommended. Except, when is that social habit masking a deeper issue? When are you reaching for alcohol to avoid the issues in your life and numbing yourself out so you don’t have to deal with it. 

We aren’t talking about blacking out. We are talking about having to have that drink vs sitting with your feelings. 

Join me and my guest as she shares her story of how a life built on socially acceptable drinking habits like wine with dinner led her to hiring a nanny to take care of her family while she went to rehab. 

Our conversation was so powerful, it will air in two episodes so make sure you follow the podcast to be notified of each episode when it drops. 

Stories from the Other Side with the Mocktail Mommy, Kristi Tanner Part 1 - August 1, 2024

Stories from the Other Side with the Mocktail Mommy, Kristi Tanner Part 2 - August 2, 2024

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

• The Impact of Alcohol on Parenting and Personal Well-being: Both Kristi and I opened up about how societal norms around alcohol affected our lives and parenting, including the harsh realizations and challenges post-divorce. We shed light on the normalization of alcohol in social settings and how it can sometimes mask deeper issues.
• The Power of Self-Reflection and Inner Strength: Through the tough journey of overcoming addiction and navigating life after divorce, we found that self-reflection and embracing alone time are essential for personal growth. Kristi and I discuss the importance of alone time, which initially felt daunting but eventually became a source of comfort and self-understanding. Through practices like meditation and self-reflection, we have found inner peace and a renewed sense of purpose. Kristi's transformative journey in rehab and her commitment to sobriety illustrates the importance of prioritizing emotional health. No longer wanting to dim her light or withhold her truth, she values the difficult but necessary conversations that lead to deeper connections and understanding. 
• Embracing Change and Redefining Success: Both Kristi and myself share about embracing change and redefining success in this episode. We both have let go of connections and habits that no longer serve us, which has opened up space for new social structures and opportunities. 

If you're facing similar struggles or are on a journey of personal transformation, I encourage you to give sobriety or even a dry month a chance. Embrace the process of self-discovery, and don’t shy away from redefining what success and happiness mean to you.

Xoxo, erica