Episode 107: Free Chapter From Euphoric! Make Your Relationships Thrive
Karolina’s new book Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You has officially been on the bookshelves for a month. Offering an empowerment-based approach to changing your relationship with alcohol, tapping into the power of your intuition, and truly living out your best life, Karolina is gifting you with a sample chapter directly from her book in today’s episode! From Part Two titled The Mind, learn how to navigate relationships, address fears of judgment, and how to communicate with those you love while on an alcohol-free journey. Become confident in knowing that this change is only going to create a ripple effect for the better.
Help spread the word so others know about the life changing opportunity! Buy the book, share the book, and tell your friends. And be sure to leave a review on Amazon so others can find it. We so appreciate you helping everyone have access to this knowledge and opportunity!
Authentic connection in alcohol-free partnerships
One of the scariest things to navigate when going alcohol-free is your relationships.
My husband and I met when I was only 23, and alcohol was a large part of our relationship. After getting married and settling down into adulthood, many things changed, but alcohol was still a common thread to our partnership.
It’s definitely scary to make a change and wonder what impact it will have on those you care about. AND I can say with confidence that becoming alcohol-free was a game changer for my relationship with my husband. Learning to embrace who I am helped me to open myself up to the people I love.
My relationship with my husband is better now than ever before, but it also took time. I was open to making changes in myself first and believed that personal growth work would eventually strengthen our marriage.
Here are some tips to help you and your partner adjust:
Your changing is going to impact your loved ones, and they may fear losing you. That’s completely normal. This is an opportunity to learn what your partner needs!
You don’t need your partner to change too. Autonomy is important, and you don’t need your loved one to join you in this transformation. Your journey is your journey.
Don't forget about them! Get creative and find new ways to spend quality time together. What's in your glass isn't what keeps you bonded.
Now what about dating?
Maybe you’re single and looking for that special someone… Here's the reality. When you drink to deal with nerves or bond with someone, you aren't connecting in an authentic way. Alcohol shuts down your intuition and makes it hard to discern if you truly like someone.
If someone is turned off or uncomfortable with your alcohol-free lifestyle, that says more about them than you. You're actually weeding out folks who are threatened by you living your best life, have their own complicated relationship with alcohol, or are locked into limiting stories.
When you ditch alcohol, you create space for much better things and more meaningful adventures. This is true in your dating life too.
Making new friends in an alcohol-free world
Forming new friendships as an adult can seem scary or even impossible. Alcohol can seem like an easy go-to for breaking the ice and striking up conversations with someone you’ve just met. But if you get really honest with yourself, these “friendships” are often superficial and fake, rooted in the commonality of a beverage that leads to disconnection.
The amazing truth is that ditching alcohol primes you for real and authentic connection with others. The friends I've made in the alcohol-free community have completely transformed my life. It's a space designed for love and support and it's ever growing with enthusiasm.
You’ve probably noticed there has been massive growth in alcohol-free spaces over the past years. From mocktail bars, alcohol-free parties and raves, and tons of social meetups and community groups, there are countless opportunities to create real and supportive friendships with others who are making similar lifestyle choices.
Just envision the richness, laughter, and joy that you could experience with other incredible folks challenging each other to live unapologetically vibrant lives.
If you don’t find something available in your area, you have the power to create it. Because if you’re seeking an alcohol-free space to connect, odds are others in your community are too!
This is your reminder that experiencing a sense of community in your life doesn't need to come with a side of hangover and regret. True friendships will enrich your life and empower you to thrive.
Choosing depth and honest friendship over a beverage
When you use an extended break from alcohol to become more intentional about your life, you become more intentional about your relationships with the loved ones currently in your life.
It pains me to say this, but hanging out with my closest friends and family without drinking made me incredibly nervous at first. I realized I was afraid I wasn't good enough just being myself - that I wasn't likable, interesting or fun.
Many people start drinking while they’re in high school or college, and as a result many people haven’t learned how to socialize without it. Society teaches us that alcohol is a quick solution to awkwardness and social anxiety.
Like any skill, it takes practice to get comfortable with something new. This is true for learning to socialize without the false support of liquid courage. As you grow and step into the discomfort of connecting with alcohol, you will find new confidence and comfort living in your own skin and being exactly who you are.
Alcohol creates walls and barriers to vulnerability and openness. What if instead of pretending you’re okay or that life is perfect, you were able to share with your friends honestly and create a safe space for them to do the same?
Change is hard, and it will probably bring some discomfort and challenges at first, but over time, the people who stick with you and champion you were meant to be there. The ones that fall away weren’t meant to be part of this next chapter in your life. And the new connections you make will be with others living high vibe lives just like you!
“Exploring an alcohol free life is all about personal growth. When you redevelop a relationship with yourself and your inner guide, you process your own needs and therefore become a better partner and are able to devote the time and presence to nurture your relationship.” Karolina Rzadkowolska
LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED
Karolina’s book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and as an audiobook! Be sure to get your copy of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You today!
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