Content warning: this episode contains a discussion about dysfunctional relationships with alcohol that may be difficult for folks new to recovery.
Whenever I talk about my sobriety on Instagram I get a tonne of DM’s, so I’m overjoyed to have the wonderful Karen Johnston, champion of self-love, self-care and self-compassion, on the podcast today.
Karen Marie Johnston is an advocate of women who are sober or are in recovery. She comes from a front-line social worker background who has run award-winning projects, and now, alongside social work, runs The Self Love Hub - an online community along with the most beautiful weekend retreats, (which is totally on my vision board to attend, but always seem to sell out).
So what’s this episode really about?
Why you should listen
Most of us aren’t taught how to navigate our feelings in a way that feels ok. We end up trying to avoid or dismiss them, some of us shop or scroll them away, some of us drink. This often creates a cycle of shame where the ways we cope with the underlying feelings, don't feel good.
But it's the reason why we turn to these shadow comforts that are worth our attention, curiosity and compassion. By finding safe spaces to talk about how we are actually doing, we can begin the process of feeling instead of numbing.
Most of us don't know who we will be on the other side of sobriety, or much-reduced drinking - understandably we feel apprehensive, fearful, even dismissive. It might not be something you have ever talked about with anyone but you can trust that soul-level recognition that wants to make a change.
We talk about how amazing sobriety is, that this shared path creates an incredible intimacy with others.
Links:
Follow Karen on Instagram
The Self-Love Hub
You can quote me on that!
“Being able to feel the full spectrum of your emotions is being alive.” - Sas Petherick
“Our wound is not our fault, but our healing is our responsibility.” - Karen Marie Johnston
“I can access my intuition (now I’m sober), that feels incredible to me.” - Karen Marie Johnston.
Like what you hear?
Why not help me reach more ears (and give my self-belief a boost) with a 5-star rating?