Last week marked a big moment for me. I had the chance to meet Andy Ramage, the coach who trained me and someone who played a huge role in my alcohol-free journey. More than anything, he gave me the confidence and permission to just start. To accept that there’s never a perfect time and that growth comes from taking action, even when things feel uncertain.

Being in a room with fifty other coaches, all specialising in different areas, was electric. The atmosphere was full of compassion, kindness and a shared belief in the power of connection. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with intention and purpose.
 

From grey area drinking to alcohol-free living 

That moment felt especially significant because just two years ago my life looked very different. I was stuck in grey area drinking, edging closer to alcohol use disorder, without fully realising it at the time. The scariest part was how normal it all felt.

Choosing to live alcohol-free was a turning point. Nearly two years on, so much has changed. The early days of sobriety were hard and required real commitment. To support myself, I started a podcast to learn more and to create accountability. Hearing other people’s stories helped me feel less alone and showed me what was possible.

Creating space for clarity and purpose

For a long time, I’d felt drawn to training as a coach. I’m not sure I would ever have followed that path without choosing an alcohol-free life. Removing alcohol gave me time, clarity and focus. Without hangovers or mental fog, I felt motivated to build something meaningful.

Alcohol-free coaching has become my way of supporting others who are questioning their drinking or curious about a different way of living. I truly believe choosing an alcohol-free life doesn’t have to feel restrictive or overwhelming. With the right support, it can be empowering, freeing and life changing.

Why I share this

I share my story to offer the support I wish I’d had in my first year of sobriety. Honest conversations, encouragement and reassurance that you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin.

If you’re exploring alcohol-free living, feeling unsure about your relationship with alcohol or looking for clarity and connection, you’re in the right place. This blog is a space to share ideas, experiences and start meaningful conversations around alcohol-free coaching, positive psychology and personal growth.

Glossary

Grey Area Drinking
Grey area drinking describes a pattern of drinking that sits between “social drinking” and alcohol dependency. It often looks normal on the outside but can feel uncomfortable, exhausting or worrying on the inside. Many people in this space question their drinking without feeling they “fit” a label.

Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a medical term used to describe a spectrum of problematic drinking behaviours. If you’re concerned about your drinking, support is available and you don’t need to wait for things to get worse before seeking help.

If any of these terms resonate, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate this on your own.