This week I'm interviewing Tribe Sober member Hélène

Hélène’s training as a management consultant included after work drinking sessions every day of the week
It was almost a test to see if she could cope with the drinking and then show up looking fresh and professional the next day
Despite taking breaks from alcohol during her pregnancies, Helenes drinking ramped up again and although she loved being a mom she felt lonely and missed the intellectual stimulation she got through her career
Hélène faced various health issues, including thyroid cancer in 2022, - this was certainly a wake up call as she has cancer in her family but she still didn’t quit
She shared the heartbreaking story of her drunken fall when she broke her arm and had to interrupt her chemo treatment
A turning point came after reading Claire Pooley’s *Sober Diaries*, not only did she realize that yes she died have a drinking problem but Clare enabled her to see that it was possible to alcohol free living was not only possible but desirable
Hélène is one of these people who made up her mind to quit and didn’t waver from the path…
Her secret was to prepare thoroughly and set a firm start date: September 1, 2023.
Hélène treated sobriety like a job and adopted a structured approach
Her Action Plan:-
- Informed her family and friends.
- Listened to podcasts, reading literature, and walking her dog during her usual drinking hours.
- Prepared meals in advance to avoid being in the kitchen during her "witching hour."
- Joined Tribe Sober, found support through the community, regular Zoom meetings and Chatgroups
The first three months were challenging but she got through them via a strong support system and a structured routine.
Hélène went through a tough period from 6-9 months when she moved countries but she managed to stay sober.
Around the 10-month mark, she transitioned from just surviving to thriving in her alcohol free life
She managed this via meditation, better nutrition, and self-compassion.
Coaching played a pivotal role in her journey, initially helping her stay on track and later supporting her in self-discovery.
Inspired by her own journey, Hélène is now training to become a coach in positive psychology, focusing on alcohol change.
Her advice to others:-

- Be fully ready and set a clear quit date.

- Prepare by removing alcohol from the house and limiting social events during the first month.

- Engage in daily support via a community and use tools like podcasts and trackers.

- Start with a clear mind, not after a hangover, and be patient with the process.

Hélène celebrated her one-year sobriety milestone by hosting a fabulous retreat at her home in France
Hosting 10 women she had only met online via Tribe Sober was way out of her comfort zone but as she said sobriety enabled her to do this

As we say at TS Sobriety is a Superpower!

Inspired by the success of our French retreat Hélène and I will be hosting a retreat in Bali next year – with the fabulous Tribe Sober coach Lynette…

If you’re interested in a 7 day sober retreat in Bali then just drop me a line janet@tribesober.com

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Helene Throws the Book at her Sobriety!