To anybody trying to white-knuckle their way through Dry January: hold on ❤️

In some circles I used to be known as Fun Claire -(to distinguish from the other 4 Claires in my class - hello 80s) - and I was a total disgrace.

Streaking up the parade ground at Sandhurst, naked mud wrestling at a charity weekend, getting up to all sorts of hanky panky - I’d be up for anything.

I loved the attention and the validation - although at the time I thought I was having fun and enjoying my youth.

When I think of some of situations I put myself in in the name of high jinks - jeez, it makes my blood run cold.

I was a shy, geeky kid, a total introvert who never fit in.

But all that changed when I discovered alcohol!

Swigging horrible luminous cider in the park, I realised I could be fun! Popular with boys! I belonged!

I spent the next 20 years using alcohol as a lubricator to help me fit in, and feel acceptable.

Fast forward through many tales that would make your hair curl to the horror of lockdown.

Urgh, the first few months of the pandemic.

I was drowning with homeschooling 3 kids and a failing business, and the only escape from the horror was diving into a nice bottle of red at the end of the day.

It was after Malbec May I had a single moment of clarity:

It’s me or the booze.

And in that moment I was petrified, because I knew it was it forever.

I had to quit, go cold turkey - or I would completely unravel.

The first few weeks were awful - every feeling, memory, fear that I’d been suppressing since I was 14 came up.

I had nightmares, panic attacks, palpitations - the lot.

But little by little, something incredible began to unfold.

I discovered I quite liked myself.

I did a whole load of therapy, and laid to rest some ghosts that had been plaguing me.

I cut some toxic shit out, and welcomed in some beautiful new people and passions.

I started running marathons.

I started wild swimming, and hiked countless mountains.

I wrote a book, launched 2 podcasts, launched a new retreat arm of my business.

And I discovered the joy of getting my shit together - to intentionally architecting my identity - in alignment with who I am at my core.

And it all started with the brave decision to quit drinking.

So if you’re a week into Dry January and forcing yourself through gritted teeth to get through it.

I invite you to let go of the struggle, and instead lean in to the beautiful possibility of freedom.

Of who you can be on the other side.

And if I can support you, please message me ❤️