The No More Wasted Days Podcast

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE [https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/] to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ What if your drinking isn’t “that bad”—but it’s still not working for you? In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara and Heather dive into the concept of gray area drinking, a space so many people quietly occupy without even realizing it. They break down what gray area drinking actually is, why you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a change, and how to know if it’s time to explore an alcohol-free life—before the crisis. Whether you’re drinking to cope, reward, or escape—or you’ve just started wondering, “Is this becoming a problem?”—this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and tools to help you decide what’s next.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔍 What gray area drinking really is—and why it’s more common than you think 🧠 The internal dialogue that keeps people stuck in the “not that bad” zone 🚩 Signs you may be in the gray area (even if you don’t drink daily) ⏳ Why waiting for a rock bottom delays healing and growth 💡 How to take a proactive, empowered break from alcohol—without needing a label   Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t have to drink every day—or lose everything—for it to be a problem ✅ Gray area drinkers often use comparison and justification to delay change ✅ Moderation rarely works long-term if alcohol is causing stress, shame, or regret ✅ Freedom comes from choosing a break—before alcohol takes more from you ✅ You can quit alcohol just because you feel better without it   Memorable Quotes: * “I was waiting for a rock bottom. Turns out, I didn’t need one to walk away.” * “If you’re Googling ‘Do I have a drinking problem?’—that might be your answer.” * “We don’t need to hit a crisis to start healing.” * “The problem with moderation is it keeps you tethered to the thing that’s weighing you down.” * “You’re allowed to stop drinking simply because life feels better that way.” Challenge of the Week: ✨ Ask yourself three questions: 1. Is alcohol helping me live a better life? 2. Do I like who I am when I drink? 3. Am I curious about what life could look like without alcohol? Let your honest answers guide your next step. 🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge! Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here [http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/weekend] Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!   Resources Mentioned: * Daymakers Community [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/]: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here. * Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛 ************************************************   Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.   [https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/?affiliate=hpg]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/] for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.   [https://clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/] to start working with Heather today. ************************************************ 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 [https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial]   Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE [https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/] to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ It’s Sara’s birthday! 🎉 In this special solo episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara reflects on her 46th birthday and what it means to celebrate another year alcohol-free. With five sober birthdays under her belt and nearly six years alcohol-free, Sara takes you behind the scenes of her personal growth, honest struggles, and the evolving mindset that’s shaped her journey.   To honor turning 46, she shares 4 powerful anchors that keep her grounded in her alcohol-free life—and 6 things she’s working on letting go of in her 46th year. From routines to nature, people-pleasing to perfectionism, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom and gentle reminders to help you reflect on your own sobriety journey.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎂 Why sober birthdays feel better—mentally, emotionally, and physically 🌱 4 practices that help Sara stay alcohol-free and fully present 🧹 6 things she’s actively letting go of to grow into her next year ✨ How letting go of old identities, people-pleasing, and external validation opens up space for self-trust and joy 👣 Encouragement to reflect on your own sobriety anchors and growth   4 Things That Anchor Sara’s Alcohol-Free Life: 1. Nature – Daily hikes, her land, and even her chickens remind her how to slow down and stay present 2. Daily Routines – Structure, simplicity, and reclaimed mornings 3. Connection with Others – Through her community, her family, and new goals for real-life friendships 4. Health & Wellbeing – A shifting focus on intuitive living, joyful movement, and nourishing self-care   6 Things She’s Letting Go Of in Her 46th Year: 1. People-pleasing 2. Old identities (suburban mom, “fun drinker,” perfectionist) 3. Limiting beliefs (especially around body image, success, and worth) 4. Over-functioning (doing everything for everyone) 5. Outdated definitions of fun 6. The need for external validation   Memorable Quotes: * “Now, I remember my birthdays—and I’m present for them.” * “You can’t ‘should’ all over yourself and expect to grow.” * “Sobriety isn’t just about what I let go of—it’s about what I let in.” * “Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.” * “Your animals will teach you how to live a healthy life—watch them.” Challenge of the Week: 🎈Reflect on what’s anchoring you in your alcohol-free journey—and what you’re ready to let go of. Share your answer in a comment or review as a little birthday gift to Sara!   🎉 Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge! 📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here [http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/weekends]   Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.   ************************************************   Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.   [https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/?affiliate=hpg]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/] for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.   [https://clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/] to start working with Heather today. ************************************************ 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 [https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial]   Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE [https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/] to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ In this deeply personal and empowering milestone episode of No More Wasted Days Podcast, Heather reflects on what four years of alcohol-free living has taught her—and what healing truly looks like. From year one’s emotional rollercoaster to year four’s sense of peace and homecoming, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sobriety is not a straight climb—it’s a spiral of growth, softness, and rediscovery. Whether you’re on day one or year four yourself, you’ll feel seen, validated, and inspired by Heather’s story.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎉 What year one, two, three, and now four have looked like on Heather’s journey 💬 How sobriety evolves from survival mode to emotional clarity and softness 👣 What it means to stop counting days and start counting presence 💛 The power of forgiving past versions of yourself—and carrying your story, not your shame 👑 Why year four is about homecoming, self-acceptance, and staying grounded in the moment   Key Takeaways: ✅ You can be sober and still not fully present—true growth happens when you begin to show up for your life. ✅ Healing doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet, subtle unfolding. ✅ You don’t need to earn love by doing more. You’re worthy just as you are. ✅ Forgiveness isn’t a finish line—it’s a softening. ✅ Sobriety doesn’t just help you let go—it helps you let more joy in.   Memorable Quotes: * “Sobriety isn’t a war anymore—it’s a homecoming.” * “Your healing might come with shaking hands in a messy kitchen.” * “Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.” * “You don’t have to apologize for who you were when you were hurting.” * “Keep choosing yourself. Keep coming home.” Challenge of the Week: 🌿 If you're early in your alcohol-free journey, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come—no matter how small it feels. And if you’re further along, ask: What does “coming home” mean to me this year? 🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge! Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here [http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/weekend] Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!   Resources Mentioned: * Daymakers Community [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/]: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here. * Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛 ************************************************   Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.   [https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/?affiliate=hpg]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/] for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.   [https://clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/] to start working with Heather today. ************************************************ 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 [https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial]   Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE [https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/] to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of “never drinking again”? You’re not alone. In this milestone 100th episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara shares a powerful reframe that helped her begin her alcohol-free journey: 👉 You don’t have to quit forever—you just have to decide for today. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or simply struggling with long-term pressure, this episode will remind you that you’re allowed to take things one day at a time. Sara shares how this mindset helped her move from a 30-day break to a confident alcohol-free lifestyle—and how it can do the same for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌀 Why thinking in “forever” terms often keeps people stuck 🌀 How breaking your alcohol-free journey into manageable chunks builds confidence 🌀 The importance of being present and letting go of future pressure 🌀 How to shift your identity one day, one win at a time 🌀 Practical tips to stay motivated without the overwhelm Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t need to commit to forever—just commit to today. ✅ Small wins build momentum, and momentum builds confidence. ✅ You’re not stuck—you’re experimenting. ✅ You’re allowed to change your mind tomorrow, but today you’re choosing not to drink. ✅ With each day, your identity as someone who trusts themselves gets stronger. Memorable Quotes: * “Forever was too much. That’s why I chose 30 days—and it changed my life.” * “You’re not trapped. You’re doing a self-discovery experiment.” * “One alcohol-free day at a time, you’re building a life you no longer want to escape from.” * “Try today. Then try tomorrow. That’s how transformation happens.” 🎉 Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge! 📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here [http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/weekends]   Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.   ************************************************   Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.   [https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/?affiliate=hpg]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/] for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.   [https://clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/] to start working with Heather today. ************************************************ 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 [https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial]   Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE [https://nomorewasteddays.co/weekend/] to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️ Ever forget parts of a night—even when you didn’t drink “that much”? Struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or mood swings? This episode of No More Wasted Days is for you. Sara and Heather dive into the science of what alcohol does to your brain—short-term, long-term, and (most importantly) how your brain can heal when you quit drinking.   If you’ve been wondering whether alcohol has really been affecting your brain—or how to support your brain’s recovery in sobriety—this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and action steps.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🧠 What alcohol actually does to your brain (the short- and long-term effects) 🧠 Why blackouts, memory gaps, brain fog, and anxiety are so common in drinkers 🧠 How alcohol impacts your mood, impulse control, and emotional regulation 🧠 What neuroplasticity is—and how your brain can heal after you quit 🧠 Simple, science-backed ways to support brain recovery in sobriety   Key Takeaways: ✅ Alcohol disrupts the balance of GABA and glutamate, causing sedation and next-day anxiety ✅ Chronic drinking shrinks the hippocampus, increases dementia risk, and impairs memory ✅ Emotional dysregulation is a result of alcohol’s impact on serotonin and dopamine ✅ Even moderate drinking (1–2 drinks/day) can affect cognitive health ✅ Neuroplasticity means your brain can heal—starting within just a few weeks of quitting   Memorable Quotes: * “I wasn’t becoming someone new—I was becoming more me.” * “Drinking doesn’t fix your anxiety. It causes it.” * “Blackouts happen not because you’re unconscious, but because your brain can’t encode the memories.” * “Even if you’re in your 50s or 60s, your brain can still heal.” * “The time will pass whether you drink or not. Why not let your brain recover while it does?” Brain Recovery Tools Mentioned: 🥦 Eat more antioxidants and omega-3s (berries, fish, chia seeds) 🚶‍♀️ Move your body—exercise supports brain healing 🧘‍♀️ Meditate and prioritize sleep to reduce stress and rebuild focus 🎨 Learn new skills and hobbies to activate neuroplasticity   Challenge of the Week: Try one of the brain-boosting tools from today’s episode—whether it’s adding more greens to your plate, taking a mindful walk, or trying something new—and journal how you feel after a week.   🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge! Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here [http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/weekend] Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!   Resources Mentioned: * Daymakers Community [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/]: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here. * Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛 ************************************************   Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.   [https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/?affiliate=hpg]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/nmwd-day-makers-community/] for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.   [https://clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/]CLICK HERE [https://hpg--clickez.thrivecart.com/2-private-coaching-sessions/] to start working with Heather today. ************************************************ 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 [https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial]   Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach