This Unwasted Life

Ten years, two very different versions of me.

In 2016 life felt messy and imperfect and uncertain in the way your 20s often do. I was figuring it out in real time. Some parts of me were loud, but some very hidden. I didn’t have that same clarity I have now but the season was meaningful in its own way.

Today things are far steadier. Softer. More intentional. Honest. I understand myself and my story in ways I didn’t back then. And I hold so much compassion to that younger version of me who was just doing the best she could with what she knew.

I once struggled with that past version of myself, but in time came to realize growth isn’t about erasing, it’s about embracing and loving every version of ourselves along the way.

📸 Same black coffee. Same style. Same photographer (some things never change) ♥️

Isn’t it interesting reflecting on the road life takes you? When I quit booze, I didn’t know many others living the same way. I spent that first year hibernating with my partner Jonas (who also quit), focusing on self-discovery and figuring out this new way of life. Spin class became my community, where I cried, released frustration, and healed alongside people who had no idea I was newly booze-free.

When COVID hit and the film industry shut down, I filled time by writing and created a page on this app without any idea of what would follow. I never expected to connect so deeply with others on similar paths, let alone meet them in real life. What a world the “IG Sober” community was and still is! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few wonderful humans in person now and it’s really truly a one of my favourite things to do.

It’s amazing how one decision can change the trajectory of your life, opening (and closing) doors and introducing you to people you may never have met otherwise.

My heart is so full and grateful for my time IRL with and her fam 💛 already looking forward to the next!!

Howdy from Aggieland 🤠

53% off my new book (special Christmas sale): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0593582276/