Catherine Gray (Replay): The Power Of Personal Writing
Mar 30, 2023
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Award-winning author Catherine Gray discusses the power of personal writing, setting boundaries, and changing the way you live for a better life. They explore sharing personal stories, rewriting neural pathways, reflection on drinking habits during lockdown, the relationship between creativity and sobriety, and embracing stillness.
Setting clear boundaries in sobriety teaches others how to treat you and prioritizes your well-being.
Sharing personal experiences reduces shame and stigma, but it's important to process and reflect before openly discussing sensitive topics.
Deep dives
The importance of setting boundaries on the sober journey
The podcast episode discusses the significance of setting boundaries when embarking on the journey of sobriety. The speaker emphasizes how having clear boundaries helps in teaching others how to treat you and prevents feelings of resentment or being taken advantage of. It is acknowledged that setting boundaries can be challenging as it may involve saying no and facing potential resistance. However, it is highlighted that by establishing boundaries, individuals can maintain their integrity, communicate effectively, and prioritize their well-being.
The power of radical honesty and sharing personal experiences
The podcast episode delves into the concept of radical honesty and the power of sharing personal experiences. It is emphasized that by bringing stigmatized topics and struggles into the light, individuals can diminish the associated shame and stigma. The speaker highlights the importance of reducing the fear of being judged or revealed by openly discussing issues such as addiction, mental health, and other personal challenges. It is acknowledged that sharing experiences in real-time may not be suitable for everyone and that processing and reflecting before sharing can also be beneficial.
Recognizing triggers and addressing past traumas
The podcast episode explores the idea of recognizing triggers and understanding how past traumas can impact present behavior. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and discusses the process of connecting childhood experiences to current triggers and reactions. It is emphasized that many aspects of adult life are influenced by events that occurred during childhood, and tracing these connections can provide insight and facilitate personal growth. The episode highlights the transformative power of gaining awareness and working through past traumas.
The evolution of the sober journey and the potential for personal growth
The podcast episode discusses the ongoing nature of the sober journey and the potential for personal growth. The speaker shares personal experiences and highlights that the journey of sobriety extends beyond simply abstaining from alcohol. It is emphasized that sobriety involves continuous learning and evolving, with new insights being gained over time. The episode encourages a sense of curiosity, self-discovery, and embracing change to create a fulfilling and empowered life.
This is a replay episode from 2021 with award-winning author Catherine Gray, best known for her The Unexpected Joy of books. She’s now back with a brand new book called Sunshine Warm Sober: Unexpected sober joy that lasts which is available in paperback now. The book is all about her eighth sober year and what she’s learned since her last books. We talk about the power of personal writing, setting boundaries and changing the way you live to live a better life for yourself. I find Catherines writing raw, reflective and helps the reader root for themselves. Hope you enjoy this conversation.
My Substack page, come and say hi: https://thehyphen.substack.com/
My books: https://uk.bookshop.org/contributors/emma-gannon
Books mentioned on Ctrl Alt Delete podcast: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-mentioned-on-ctrl-alt-delete-podcast