Ep. 109: Finding the Joy in your Alcohol-Free Life Again

The No More Wasted Days Podcast

Sara and Heather dive into what it means when that initial "spark" from early sobriety fades—and how to get it back. Whether you're 30 days in or six years alcohol-free, this episode is for anyone who's ever wondered, "Why doesn't this feel exciting anymore?"

In this episode, we cover:

🌟 What “the spark” is in early sobriety—and why it doesn’t always stick around
🔄 The Pink Cloud vs. The Wall: Understanding different phases of the alcohol-free journey
😮‍💨 Why milestones can sometimes feel... underwhelming
🧠 The science behind fading memories and romanticizing alcohol (hello, Fading Affect Bias)
🛑 What complacency can look like—and how to recognize when you're in it
🧰 How to reignite your spark: fresh tools, goals, routines, and even tea rituals
🧘‍♀️ The surprising power of stillness and spiritual reconnection
🧠 Tips for re-engaging with your “why” and updating your mindset
📓 Why journaling your progress matters (even if you're years into this)
🪴 How propagating houseplants became the new party trick 🙃

Favorite quotes from this episode:

🗣 “Motivation fades, but self-trust grows with every step you take.” — Sara
🗣 “I’m worth a good life without alcohol. So is everyone around me.” — Heather
🗣 “Sometimes the spark is in the quiet.” — Sara
🗣 “It’s okay to not feel fireworks all the time on your alcohol-free journey. The real spark is showing up for yourself anyway.” — Sara

✍️ Journal Prompts:
If you’re in a low-spark moment, these questions will help guide you back to what matters.

1. What first made me curious about an alcohol-free life—and what parts of that still matter to me today?
   (This helps reconnect with your original “why” in a deeper, more grounded way.)
2. What signs of growth or change have I overlooked lately?
   (We often miss the subtle but powerful shifts—this brings them to light.)
3. If I trusted that this phase was temporary, how would I choose to show up today?
   (This brings compassion and forward momentum to what might feel like a stall.)

Helpful Articles & Sources

1. The Roadmap to Recovery – ThedaCare
   Covers common emotional stages in recovery, including “The Wall” phase (45–120 days).
   👉 https://thedacare.org/news-and-events/healthy-living/the-roadmap-to-recovery
   
2. When You Find Your Motivation Dwindling – Hired Power
   Talks about losing momentum and how to reignite it.
   👉 https://hiredpower.com/blog/when-you-find-your-motivation-dwindling
   
3. Understanding Anhedonia in Addiction Recovery: A Timeline Breakdown – Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center
   Breaks down how the brain’s reward system rebalances after quitting substances.
   👉 https://arrowwoodaddictiontreatmentcenter.com/understanding-anhedonia-in-addiction-recovery-a-timeline-breakdown
   
4. Fading Affect Bias: Why You Romanticize Drinking in Recovery – Monument
   Explains the psychological tendency to misremember alcohol as more positive over time.
   👉 https://joinmonument.com/resources/fading-affect-bias-alcohol-recovery
   
5. What Is the Most Common Time of Relapse? – Seacrest Recovery Center
   Discusses relapse triggers, especially during stressful transitions.
   👉 https://seacrestrecoverycenter.com/what-is-the-most-common-time-of-relapse

❤️‍🔥 Whether your spark is blazing or barely flickering, you’re not alone. We’re here with you, cheering you on every step of the way.

🎉 Want More Support on Your Journey?

Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather!
✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey.
👉 Learn more here

Resources Mentioned:

• Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
• Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow sober baddie and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛

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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details.
Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

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Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media:
IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach