Catherine Gray, an expert in addiction recovery, discusses gratitude practices, lifestyle adjustments for sobriety, and personal growth. She challenges limiting beliefs, emphasizes the transformative impact of sobriety, and encourages embracing empowering lifestyle changes. The podcast explores reframing addiction as an experience, not a defining characteristic, and highlights the rewarding journey of transitioning to a fulfilling life of sobriety.

Catherine Gray, author of 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober', shares her transformative journey from a raging alcohol addiction to an alcohol-free life. She discusses the anxiety of staying sober and whether hitting rock bottom is necessary for change. Catherine highlights the challenges of moderating alcohol consumption and the importance of self-compassion during recovery. She encourages listeners to consider sobriety as a path to personal growth and celebrates the empowerment found in an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Catherine Gray, an award-winning journalist and author, discusses her fascinating transition from non-fiction to fiction. She dives into creating authentic characters, emphasizing flexibility and personal experiences. Catherine also shares how sobriety enhances her creativity and focus, along with the challenges of balancing writing with family life. Additionally, she reflects on her debut novel 'Versions of a Girl' and the importance of self-criticism in the writing process, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood and storytelling.

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.

Catherine Gray is a Sunday Times Bestselling author of five books, including debut smash hit The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober. She’s sold well over a quarter of a million books and her books have now been translated into nine languages. She’s been sober since 2013. Catherine has also written about being single later in life and learning to appreciate the ordinary.  Eric and Catherine discuss her latest book, Sunshine Warm: Unexpected Sober Joy That LastsBut wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!Catherine Gray and I Discuss The Lasting Joy of Being Sober and…Her book, Sunshine Warm: Unexpected Sober Joy That LastsThe power of getting more specific with your gratitude listsBeing several years removed from addiction and in the advanced stages of recoveryUnderstanding that addiction doesn’t have to define you, but that it’s always thereNo longer defining herself as an alcoholic after several years of sobrietyAddiction can be the difference between what you intend to do and what you actually doHow addiction is a spectrum and not black or whiteThe issues with labeling yourself as an addictWhat matters most is asking yourself if your life would be better without the substance or behaviorThe challenge with addictions that are considered socially acceptable How most experts agree there isn’t such a thing as an addictive personalitySome people may have addictive tendencies based on various traitsUnderstanding that our perception of ourselves is what shapes our realityCatherine Gray Links:Catherine GrayTwitterInstagramWhen you purchase products and/or services from the sponsors of this episode, you help support The One You Feed. Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you!If you enjoyed this conversation with Catherine Gray, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Catherine Gray (2018 Interview)Catherine Gray on Unexpected Joy (2019 Interview)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.