272. Why Sober Life is the Luckiest Life with Laura McKowen
Jan 16, 2024
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Author Laura McKowen shares her hard-earned wisdom on getting sober and living with dignity, power, and peace. She discusses her rock bottom moment, the healing power of confronting traumas, the beauty in being yourself, the importance of self-care and stillness, and the challenges mothers face with addiction. Laura's journey emphasizes finding joy in sobriety and the need for empathy and support.
Recovery is about finding a bigger purpose beyond addiction, embracing a dignified life.
Addiction should be met with support and understanding, addressing underlying pain and trauma.
Self-reflection helps uncover hidden addictions and desires, leading to a more meaningful life.
Deep dives
The Power of Recovery and Finding the Bigger Yes
Recovery is about finding the bigger yes in life, beyond just the absence of addiction. It's about embracing the dignified life we deserve. Addiction is often a way to cope with pain and trauma, a self-soothing mechanism that becomes maladaptive over time. By removing the addictive behavior, we expose the underlying wounds and give ourselves a chance for healing. We are all capable of finding our true selves and living a life filled with peace, connection, and integrity.
The Unfairness of Addiction and the Need for Compassion
Addiction is often met with judgment, blame, and a lack of compassion. We need to recognize that addiction is not a choice, but a result of adapting to our environment and finding ways to survive. Instead of condemning and shaming individuals struggling with addiction, we should offer support and understanding. It is essential to address the underlying pain and trauma that drive addiction and offer a space for healing and growth.
Discovering the Silent Symptoms of Addiction
Addiction is not limited to substances like alcohol or drugs. Many people have their own silent addictions, whether it's workaholism, overeating, or codependency. These behaviors often go unnoticed or are even praised by society. It is important to be still and listen to ourselves, asking how we truly feel and what we truly want without judgment or rationalization. By being present with ourselves, we can uncover the hidden wounds and maladaptive behaviors that keep us trapped.
Finding the Bigger Yes Through Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a key component in uncovering our true desires and the bigger yes in life. Taking a few moments each day to be still, to listen to our inner voice, and to ask ourselves how we feel and what we want can lead to profound insights. It's important to embrace the first answers that come up without judgment or limitations. This process allows us to connect with our authentic selves and discover the path towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Embracing a Life of Dignity and Authenticity
The ultimate goal of recovery is to embrace a life of dignity and authenticity. It's about being true to ourselves and finding peace, connection, and integrity. Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, where we let go of the self-destructive behaviors that no longer serve us. By letting go of the band-aids and exposing the underlying wounds, we can begin the process of healing and creating a life filled with joy, purpose, and love.
Author Laura McKowen shares her incredible hard-earned wisdom about how to get sober and how to live with dignity, power, and peace.
Laura shares:
Her gut-wrenching rock bottom moment that eventually led her to sobriety.
How healing often begins when we are forced to confront our deepest traumas.
The "Bigger Yes" – and why it's not about achieving grand aspirations, but discovering the beauty in simply being who you are.
Simple acts of self-care and the importance of stillness for self-discovery.
The two fundamental questions everyone needs to ask themselves: "How do I feel?" and "What do I want?"
The special vitriol for mothers who struggle with addiction in a culture that tells mothers to drink in countless ways.
About Laura:
Laura is the author of the bestselling memoir, We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life and Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Life (and Everything Else).
She has written for The New York Times and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Atlantic, the TODAY show, and more. In 2020, she founded The Luckiest Club, a global sobriety support community.
Laura lives with her daughter and partner on the North Shore of Boston.
