She's Sparkling AF: Lauren Boss

Lauren Boss

Author of All the Girls I Was Before and President of Crane Environmental Services, LLC

When did you commit to an alcohol-free lifestyle?

January 2024 I finally moved the needle on my quest for an alcohol-free life. I had attempted dry January before and failed, including a year where I only made it to New Year's Day brunch before ordering a mimosa...

This time that still small voice inside told me to keep going! I am so thankful that I listened. I suspected life could be better without alcohol and it totally has been!

Name an unexpected joy(s) since going alcohol-free.

Having free hands to dance with my kids and my husband at social events and weddings! And not having nasty headaches after celebrations. My mind, body and spirit became more vibrant after alcohol was removed from my life.

I've also loved meeting other awesome women whose spirits shine even brighter in sobriety!

Name a hard part about being alcohol-free.

In early days of alcohol free I worried about date nights, girl's nights, and social events where alcohol had always been a part of the equation.

I feared if I would be awkward or excluded in some way. But once I got passed the initial firsts, I found that I was actually able to be more present and connect more deeply in these interactions without alcohol in the mix.

Ultimately my husband and some of my best friends also cut back on drinking.

I feel at peace not having to do wrestle with 'will I drink?' or 'how many drinks will I limit myself to?'

Favorite social media accounts, podcasts, or books about sober living
Books:

The Luckiest by Laura McKowen
All the Girls I Was Before by Lauren Boss (see chapter 15 - Breaking Up with Booze)

Favorite alcohol-free drinks!

Sparkling water + a lime wedge, you can get it anywhere!

There are so many nonalcoholic wines and beers these days, give one a try!

Advice for anyone considering going alcohol-free:

Aim for at least a 45-day break, a month is just like holding your breath until your next drink, going a little longer allows you to learn how to swim in real life situations without it! You'll start to feel more confident and clearer minded without alcohol!

I am not anti-alcohol, but I am pro-feeling-your-best. Your mind, body and soul will thank you for giving an alcohol-free life a chance!Steve Jobs once said, "To go forward, you have to leave something behind."

You never know what energy and positive opportunities you might open for yourself by removing alcohol!

If I hadn't let go of alcohol, I may have never opened up the mental clarity to write a book or to become a business owner. For me, removing alcohol was so freeing. I left behind shame and I expanded my mental clarity, intuition and creativity.

Imagine what you might gain rather than worry about what you leave behind by stepping away from alcohol!