My Sober Travels

21/07/2020

Anyone else fall into this cycle? ♻️⠀
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My energy levels are low bc I’m sad ➡️ “I’m not doing enough” ➡️ “I need to do more” ➡️ “nvm I’m just going to do nothing” ... wait wut? 😭⠀
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When I’m feeling down, I start thinking that I’m not doing enough: “I need to read this book on productivity or listen to this podcast about how to get through creative blocks.” 📚⠀
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Sometimes I get SO caught up in doing more, learning more, listening to this, and reading that... (especially now when I’m learning more about BLM etc). However, for me, being busy becomes another form of escapism and avoidance. 👋🏻⠀
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All the noise then just makes me want to do nothing.... aka decorate my Animal Crossing island 🌴 or watch another language version of The Circle. 📺 ⠀
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I’m learning that it’s ok to rest or “do nothing” every once in a while. I have enough time. Healing happens during REST! ⠀
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[I LOVE this affirmation that I heard on (where else?💖) on the episode where they help out the teenage environmental activist queen 😭🌎 ]⠀
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The hardest part of sobriety for me has been rediscovering emotions and memories that I want to continue suppressing. 🥵🤯🤬⠀
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It’s not hard to imagine why I drank and did drugs for 10 years: because these emotions are raw and make me FEEL horrible. 🤢 ⠀
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No self-help book or podcast is going to heal what I’m feeling right now. It can help but not fully heal. Unfortunately, I have to actually work through this noooooo 😭⠀
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AaaaAnd I’m probably just now discovering this about myself because I have no huge project or trip to plan!! ⛩✈️ ⠀
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AKA It’s getting dull around here sooooo let’s do something new instead of facing my feelings plz!!!⠀
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Omg 😅 I’m meeting a new therapist this week and I don’t even know where to begin bc it has been a ROLLERCOASTER over here 🙃 I may need more than a 1 hour appointment. ⠀
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This post is all over the place buuuuttt can you relate? 😝 lmk down below if you’ve been on a similar rollercoaster lately!!!

15/07/2020

If there’s anything I learned on my first solo trip... LEARN THE LANGUAGE! 😝

Traveling around Japan without knowing more than a few words in Japanese was difficult. I definitely got by but it wasn’t easy! 🙃

Pictured is this sweet lady who gave me a tour of the colossal Todai-ji temple in Nara Park! 🦌 swipe to see the temple!🤯

She offered to give me a free tour to practice her English. She inspired me to work more on my language skills! 💕

💖IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! 🙌🏻

Now, I’m actively learning Spanish so that I won’t make that mistake again! 💃🏼

How I’m learning:
📝Lessons through iTalki
(ITalki is a website where you can receive lessons from native speakers around the world!! My referral link is in my bio if you want to check it out! ⬆️ We both get 💸 off I’ve you decide to try it!!)
🎙Podcasts and YouTube videos
📺Watching Netflix shows
📚Easy Spanish Step by Step workbook

What are your favorite ways to learn a new language? I’m an absolute beginner (started learning Spanish in December 2019) so I need all the recommendations!! 🤷🏼‍♀️ @ 東大寺 / Tōdai-Ji Temple, Great Buddha of NARA

14/07/2020

This quote that’s a new affirmation post it note on my mirror is from one of my favorite meditations EVER!! My sponsor had it on CD (!!) years ago and I found it on YouTube.

In the meditation, the speaker leads you to a healing waterfall where you can cleanse the parts of you that need to be healed 😌 🌊

I imagined myself taking my negative thoughts and memories out of my mind like in Harry Potter ⚡️and letting them go into the water. OMG!!! Amazing. Our minds are WILD. 🤯

Spoiler🚨 She reads this quote at the end about self-compassion, “You are love, and love is everything.” 💖

It’s so true. A place absent of love is not somewhere I want to be. 🚫

It reminds me of when I first picked up my dog from the shelter. All she needed was some love and attention- her demeanor and personality completely bloomed. 🥺

Now, she shows me more love than I ever thought possible!! (I wasn’t a dog person before 😭🦦)

It’s the same with people in our life. If I need some love, I can show others attention and kindness. Then in return, I feel that love as well. 💕

I’m happy to share this healing journey with y’all. Two and a half years sober and my life is still changing every day. 🌞

06/06/2020

Today!!!

01/06/2020

Here’s how you can help TODAY ‼️ donate to the Black Lives Matter bail fund for citizens at the protest arrested last night. Link is in my bio. @ National Civil Rights Museum

20/04/2020

What's one thing that you started doing in quarantine that you want to keep doing after all of this? ❤️🖤⁠⠀
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I want to keep going on neighborhood walks! ❣️ ⁠⠀
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When traveling, I always walk SO MUCH and promise myself that I will keep it up when I get home. ✈️ But it just doesn't happen bc I'm so used to driving everywhere when I'm home! ⁠⠀
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Lately, I've been walking around my neighborhood daily and finding all sorts of murals and beautiful houses, appreciating the scenery! 🍃🌿⁠⠀
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Question inspired by !⁠⠀ @ Midtown, Memphis, Tennessee

18/04/2020

What has brought you some silly joy in this quarantine? For me, it's been listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks for the first time in 10 years! ⚡️⠀
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I’m bringing back pics from the day when all my childhood dreams came true two years ago... when I visited the HP studios in London! 🤓

Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, Dumbledore’s Office, costumes, everything you can imagine is there! 😭⠀
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Something about listening to the audiobooks and watching the movies from start to finish makes me so happy!! 🧙🏻‍♀️⠀
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I’m in the middle of the 4th book and finished the 3rd movie last night! 🐺🐀🦌⠀
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I started to read the books before I turned 11 and I waited for my Hogwarts letter so patiently... ✉️⠀
I think that’s why it’s making me so happy to be back into the books again. 💭⠀
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The wizarding world reminds me of happy childhood memories: ⠀
📚going to the book launches at Books-A-Million⠀
🎥 dressing up for the midnight movie premieres⠀
📘& waiting for my older brother to read the book first bc my mom would only buy us one book! ⠀
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What has been bringing you some happiness in quarantine? Have you been to HP studios? Which Hogwarts house are you?? ⚡️🧙🏻‍♀️⠀
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Let me know down below! 🧡💛💚💙 @ Harry Potter, Warner Studios London

10/04/2020

My team at work has had a "question of the day" on our daily meetings... 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?? ⬇️⁠⠀
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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥? 😋 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰! ⁠⠀
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Trying the cuisines of a new place is one of the many joys of traveling! ⁠⠀
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𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 🥡 (swipe to see! ➡️) ⁠⠀
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🌊 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 on the side of the road in Maine⁠⠀
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🥘 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 at Dishoom in London (we ate there 3x in 3 days bc we wanted to try breakfast, lunch, & dinner!) ⁠⠀
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🧀 𝐅𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭 in Paris (strangest restaurant experience ever!)⁠⠀
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🍳 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐣𝐚𝐳𝐳 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 on a rainy New Years Day in Paris ⁠⠀
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🏔️ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 on the top of a mountain in Banff, Canada⁠⠀
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🍜 𝐔𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬 in Tokyo⁠⠀
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🍱 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮 in Kyoto (fried pork loin with dipping sauce and cabbage)⁠⠀
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Even though I LOVE trying food around the world, my all-time favorite comfort food is home-cooked 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧 & 𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐬! ⁠⠀
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My grandma used to make it and now my husband has perfected the recipe! He cooks it on my birthday every year! 😭⁠⠀
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𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍! 👋🏻⁠⠀
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What is your favorite meal that you've had on a trip? OR! What is your favorite home-cooked meal? @ All Around The World

08/04/2020

☁️☀️NEW BLOG POST✨☁️ I am a sucker for quotes, so I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorite inspiring quotes to help us all during this hard time! >> https://mysobertravels.com/12-recovery-quotes-to-inspire-you/⠀
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Quotes (this one included) are posted around my house to provide daily inspiration from authors and musicians I admire. I hope they inspire you too! ⁠⠀
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This quote is from RuPaul during his recent interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. 💕 (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!) ⁠⠀
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He spoke about how many songwriters and actresses he admires pull from their vulnerability and portray strength at the same time. It reminded me of how much bravery and vulnerability it requires to stop drinking. 🤩⁠⠀
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Becoming sober takes self-reflection, pain, heartache, and TONS of determination. Showing our vulnerability by then sharing our story with another struggling addict or alcoholic is what saves lives. 🙌🏻⁠⠀
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Did you know that RuPaul is sober too?? YAS QUEEN. 👑⁠⠀
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Share this post with someone who needs it today! (This week has been dragging, right!!? 👀)⠀
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Do you have a mantra or a favorite quote?? Share it below! 💬⬇️I'm always looking for more!

01/04/2020

I had no idea who I was and did anything to fit in while I was drinking. 😵NEWSFLASH... I never fit in anyways. DOUBLE TAP IF YOU CAN RELATE 💖👋🏻⁠⠀
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Today, I was SO inspired by the IG live with and - I could relate to them so much about being highly sensitive and different. Watch it!!! 🙌🏻⁠⠀
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As a child, I was always sooooo emotional. Watching the Lion King or Alice in Wonderland?? 😭SO MANY TEARS that I couldn't even watch the entire movie.⁠⠀
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I remember the moment that I found out that I was eating ACTUAL ANIMALS after reading Charlotte's Web. 🐷 I was FLABBERGASTED and didn't eat meat for YEARS. ⁠⠀
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I was the kid in school that told the teacher that she was wrong and erased what she wrote off the board. 🤷‍♀️She WAS wrong but I still got in a lot of trouble!!! ⁠⠀
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Opinions, emotions, asking questions, and confrontation are part of who I am and always will be. 😬⁠⠀
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In my teens and my early 20s, I tried to numb who I was naturally with alcohol and drugs to fit in. I tried to be a "free-spirit" and always "go with the flow" even though that's NOT who I am at all! 🥂⁠⠀
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Remember the Bud Light commercials talking about the girl who was "down for whatever"? I was proud to be that girl! 🤦🏼‍♀️ ⁠⠀
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In sobriety, I've finally understood that it's ok to be emotional and opinionated. I'm not "too much" just because I have too many opinions, interests, and emotions for days! ⁠⠀
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Getting rid of alcohol and drugs helped me to dig deeper and discover my passions. Now, two years sober, I am uncovering that person every day: my goals, my passions, my career, and where I want to travel next. ⁠⠀
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Maybe I'll start working on the graphic novel I've wanted to write for YEARS! 💭⁠⠀
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Some days the cravings and the FOMO creep in, especially lately being physically away from my support system. ⁠⠀
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However, I am CERTAIN today that drinking and drugs keep me from being who I am becoming. (The pic on the left was from my 21st birthday in vEgAs bAbYyyyyy!!!! 😵)⁠⠀
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Life will never be easy. We are all going through a strange time. However, there is HOPE no matter what. We will travel again, reach our goals, and can stay sober th

27/03/2020

Me, on every zoom call- business casual in view, cozies out of view. 💖😝Who can relate??👍🏻 ⠀
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How are y’all holding up?? I couldn’t sleep at all last night bc I read too much about the crisis before I tried to go to sleep. 😳⠀
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I thought that this time could be a great time to slow down but it seems like life has sped up for me. 👀⠀
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Here are some ways I am keeping it together: ⠀
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💃🏼 at-home workouts & Zumba classes ⠀
👋🏻 checking in with friends, family members, and fellow sober folks⠀
💻 attending online recovery meetings⠀
☀️ spending time outside ⠀
🙏🏻 having quiet time and meditation in the mornings ⠀
✍🏻 writing gratitude lists⠀
⚡️ listening to Harry Potter audiobooks⠀
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I have so much to be grateful for today... I got this new job in February right before this all began. Why? How? Idk! But I’m hanging onto it for dear life and doing my part to stay essential. It’s also kept me super busy! 😱 ⠀
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How are y’all staying sober and well this week?? Let’s share some ideas with each other! 🌼🌟

16/03/2020

In light of the Coronavirus crisis, I've put together I list of virtual recovery meetings on the blog! >> https://mysobertravels.com/online-recovery-groups-during-the-coronavirus/⠀
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I personally have never joined in on an online recovery meeting, but this week is bringing a lot of firsts! 😷⁠⠀
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We can stay sober through anything, including a pandemic! Let's get through this together, friends! 💖⁠⠀
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Have you been to a virtual recovery meeting? Tell me about it below! 👇⁠⠀
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Let me know if there are any other online meetings I should add! 😽

08/03/2020

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! 🌻🌼🌸🌺 ⠀
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Where would I be without my support systems of women? This is my main girl squad right here!!! Can you tell we’re related??⠀
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😁😁😁 (pictured: me, my baby sis, & my mom!) ⠀
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My mom went to pharmacy school in her 40s to be able to provide for me and my sister. She has made so many sacrifices for us! ⠀
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My mom taught us that experiences are more important than possessions. We went on family trips instead of getting big presents from a young age. ✈️ ⠀
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We continue to travel together often! (This photo is from when we traveled to Banff National Park in Canada last year 🇨🇦) ⠀
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Tell me who you are celebrating today down below! 🎉💐🌷🌹

26/02/2020

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐒!! 🤡⚜️🎭I lived in New Orleans for a few years and when it was fun, it was REALLY fun!!! When it was bad, it was REALLY REALLY bad. ⁠⠀
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But the night when this pic was 𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐒' 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐄. 🎪👽🚀⁠⠀
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𝐖𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. It is so important for me to remember the bad times to see how far I've come and how sick I was. ⁠⠀
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𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨! 💖I mean, look how happy my husband and I are in this photo! It makes me smile every time I see it 😊⁠⠀
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We had only been dating for a few months at this time. (We met in New Orleans.) I was so happy that I had finally found a guy that would wear costumes bc I LOVE COSTUMES!!! 🙌🏻🥳⁠⠀
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I worked for weeks sewing our matching clown costumes for this ball, including our hats and my cape!!! Swipe for more pics ➡️(I'm still proud of that cape) ⁠⠀
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At the party, we talked casually to a traveling fire-eater. 🔥We played (teetered?) on a teeter-totter for at least an hour, but who knows how long it was. 😂We danced all night among acrobats and dancers on stilts. 🙀⁠⠀
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NOTHING WENT TERRIBLY WRONG (for once) 😬⁠⠀
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧. 🤷‍♀️⁠⠀
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Was I going to disappear? P*e the bed? Cry all night? Twerk upside-down on a wall in a public place? Flirt with a rando? 🙄⁠⠀
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Or was it going to be a wonderful night full of talking and dancing dressed as matching clowns, drunk on love and jello shots, happy as can be? 😍⁠⠀
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WHO KNEW. 🤷‍♀️NOT ME. ⁠⠀
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𝐀𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝. That's why I stopped drinking. The good nights didn't happen anymore.⁠⠀
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𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞. 💕 @ New Orleans, Louisiana

24/02/2020

💖5 Ways I Use Positive Affirmations as a Tool for Growth & Acceptance! 🦋⬇️ save this post! ⠀
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📝 Write affirmations in a journal.⠀
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😌 Repeat an affirmation as a mantra silently or out loud during meditation to center my mind. ⠀
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‼️ Write an affirmation and hang it somewhere I see frequently as a reminder. (This one hangs on the wall at my desk so I see it daily!) ⠀
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😑 Repeat the affirmation silently while taking a deep breath when you are feeling anxious. ⠀
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🚫 When a negative thought arises, reject the negative and replace it with the positive affirmation. ⠀
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Other affirmation ideas:⠀
✨ I accept myself as I am.⠀
💖 I accept my life as it is today. ⠀
✨ I am lovely and able to be loved. ⠀
💖 I can accomplish hard tasks. ⠀
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💕I’ve been on a self-acceptance and self-forgiveness journey lately, if you can’t tell. ⠀
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💕I wrote the affirmation shown a few years ago. So much has unfolded since then! 😭🙌🏻⠀
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💕How do you use positive affirmations as a tool? 🤗 If not, is this something you are interested in trying? Let me know down below! ⠀
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19/02/2020

I *finally* took the enneagram personality test this week! 💐🌷🎉⠀
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(Why do I wait until everyone stops talking about something to finally give in?? Is that a personality trait? 😬)⠀
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I’m TYPE 7: the ENTHUSIAST 🤗⠀
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Spontaneous, extroverted, constantly multitasking, adventurous, enjoys random hobbies, fears boredom & missing out, seeks new experiences, plus the type most likely to be an addict?? 😳🙋🏼‍♀️😬⠀
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Me?? Naaaaw. 🙃👋🏻⠀
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My manager at the new job encouraged me to take the test to see how she can incorporate me on the team! (I’m loving my new job btw 👍🏻)⠀
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What’s your enneagram type? 🤓 Are the same or different?? ⠀
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Lmk down below! ⬇️ It’s so interesting to me!

12/02/2020

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫? 😍⁠⠀
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My most viewed blog post is 𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬! View the post here >> https://mysobertravels.com/10-sober-activities-for-couples/
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I can really relate to people searching for this information! After I stopped drinking, my partner and I were a little bit at a loss of what to do when we spent time together. 🤷‍♀️⁠⠀
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Suddenly, we had to figure out what we liked to do together besides drink and make-out. 💋⁠⠀
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I am definitely the planner of our duo. 📆 My ideal sober activity would be out on the town going to an arcade, escape room or a quirky show I find on Choose901. ⁠⠀
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Caleb is more of a foodie.🍝 If you know him IRL, you know that eating is by far his favorite activity. It is truly a wonder that he is not 500 pounds. 🍩He has a newfound love of cooking and trying new restaurants around Memphis. 🍽⁠⠀
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When we were still partying, our attempts at cooking would be best described as inedible "stew." 🤢Today, we can make dinner at home for a whole week straight! ⁠⠀
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𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 >> https://mysobertravels.com/10-sober-activities-for-couples/

Need fun and alcohol-free date night ideas for you and your partner? Here are 10 sober activities for couples that don't involve TV or alcohol!

09/02/2020

𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄'𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈'𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 👇🏻💕⁠⠀
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The start of 2020 was rough, I'm not gonna lie. 🛑⁠⠀
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Honestly, two weeks ago, I had the biggest cravings for alcohol that I've had in a LONG time. 😱⁠⠀
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I didn't just want alcohol, I wanted SOMETHING to change my thoughts, feelings, and circumstances: alcohol, drugs, ci******es, shopping, eating, or self-harm. 🚫You name it, I've tried it. ⁠⠀
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Earlier in my 20s, I thought that these destructive behaviors were alleviating my pain, but, really, it was only diverting the pain for later. ⁠⠀
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I have been constantly RUNNING from my feelings and I'm finally facing them. 🏃🏼‍♀️⁠⠀
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𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒, younger self!!!! 🙄Because now I am feeling all of that pain SOBER. And it's really really hard! ⁠⠀
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🌞Today, I am on the other side of those cravings I had a few weeks ago. 🙌🏻⁠⠀
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Walking through that pain and NOT giving in... 𝐖𝐎𝐖. That is truly a miracle! 🙏🏻🌈☀️⁠⠀
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I NEVER could have done that a few years ago. I was the first one to give in to any kind of desire and divert all negative emotions.⁠ ⁠⠀
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😳𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞. In the last few days, I have been looking at what I need to work on in order to stay away from that negativity. ⁠⠀
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⚫️Meditation and positive affirmations have helped me not slip back into the pit of negativity. It is EASY for me to get stuck there, so I try not to get there in the first place! ⁠⠀
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⚪️I've also learned that accountability and community are VITAL for my sobriety. ⁠⠀
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🔵I am surrounded by a community of women who can say, "I've been through that too. Here's what I did to get through it without drinking." What would I do without that? ⁠⠀
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🔹Next, I can be that woman holding out my hand to help someone else along the way. ⁠⠀
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🔹All of the pain is worth it so that I can help the next woman who comes along. I can say, "I've been there too."⁠⠀
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So if you are walking through pain right now, IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXPERIENCE IT SOBER. Reach out to your community (message me plz!!!). Find a positive affirmation video on YouTube to listen to in the mornings. ⁠⠀
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You are doing great!!! You are loved!

09/02/2020

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞! 💥𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 🇬🇧 >> https://mysobertravels.com/sober-city-guide-of-york-uk/
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My vision for the Sober City Guide series is to have cities across the world covered so fellow sober travelers can travel with confidence! 🌎⁠⠀
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Since I can't travel to every city in the world, I've asked fellow travelers to write about their home city! ⁠🌇⁠⠀
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The vision is becoming a reality with 6 Sober City Guides so far and many more in the works! SO, let me know down below if you would like to write a Sober City Guide for your City! 🏙⁠⠀
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Today, I am sharing the guide to York, England written by Alison from Little Blog of Positivity !
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This guide is filled with high tea experiences, World War II tours, and magical English gardens. 🇬🇧⁠⠀
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I've been to London, but this guide definitely has me dreaming of going back to England and exploring more of the country! ⁠🗺⁠⠀
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Check out the newest post of YORK, UK here >> https://mysobertravels.com/sober-city-guide-of-york-uk/

Whatever the time of year, York always has a fun vibe. This Sober City Guide of York includes my favourite places to visit.

07/02/2020

Check out my feature in Fiasco Free Friday's newest post!

Travel. It used to be a luxury afforded only the wealthy. Now, thankfully, it’s something anyone can enjoy, which means we’re always looking for a deal that fits our every-day budget. Below I’ve gathered five money saving travel tips, including a few from a very special guest. Savings, here we...

05/02/2020

𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈'𝐦 *𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠* 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟓-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬. 𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍'𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋. ⁠🤷‍♀️👇🏻⁠⠀
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𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗: Started My Sober Travels blog! ⁠⠀
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗: Suddenly quit my full-time graphic design job and booked a flight for Japan. ⁠⠀
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗-𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗: freelancing/working remotely as a graphic designer⁠⠀
𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎: writing out goals with my husband, realized that we need to get serious about our finances. Interviewed for full-time positions! ⁠⠀
𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎: start a new job! ⁠⠀
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Whenever I started this blog, I did want to quit my job and galavant across the world. But in January, I sat down and looked at my 5-year goals. ⁠👏🏻⁠⠀
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The reality is that I'm married and I can't pick up and leave. My husband is in school getting his Ph.D. here in Memphis. ⁠⠀
I want to have a family. I've ALWAYS wanted to be a mom. Like, have 5+ kids. Now that turning 30 in 2020, I've been thinking A LOT about the logistics of that! ⁠⠀
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𝐀𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐆, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. Of course, traveling will always be part of my life and how I spend money, but it's not worth being in debt up to my eyeballs! ⁠👀⁠⠀
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I'm still going to travel, but I've had to get a new full-time job in order to reach my BIG goals: get out of credit card debt, start looking for a house, and get ready for baby time! 👼🏻 ⁠⠀
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**𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐢𝐧-𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠**⁠⠀
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Maybe this rant is all PMS hormones, but, it's coming from the heart!! 💕This blog is super important to me. I've made so many amazing connections so far and it's not going anywhere. ⁠⠀
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⁠If anything, it will be more relatable because most people have full-time jobs! 💼⁠⠀
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How do you balance traveling with your financial and long-term goals? 💰Give me your advice down below! ⁠⠀

04/02/2020

NEW BLOG POST: 🥰 💋 30 Alcohol-Free Date Ideas just in time for your Valentine's Day plans! 💕😘⁠>> https://mysobertravels.com/30-alcohol-free-date-ideas-for-couples/
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When my husband and I first started dating in 2015, even "dating" would be a strong word because we mostly drank heavily together and went to concerts. 🤷‍♀️ I stopped drinking in 2017 and our relationship changed too. 👏🏻⁠⠀
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We don't just go to the movies or eat out as our dates, either. 😻 Now, we have fun planning our dates and time together! 💏 ⁠⠀
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One of my favorite dates recently was following a Bob Ross tutorial together 🤣👩🏼‍🎨👨🏼‍🎨🎨⁠⠀
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Make sure to check out to read the blog post to see all 30 date ideas! 😍>> https://mysobertravels.com/30-alcohol-free-date-ideas-for-couples/
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Let me know you're favorite alcohol-free date ideas below! 👇🏻⁠⠀
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📸: in Amsterdam⁠⠀

02/02/2020

It's been a whiiiiile since I posted a selfie so HEY I'M EMILY G. and I’m NOT watching the Super Bowl today ! 😄 ⠀
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I was thinking about that not drinking is definitely one of the least interesting things about me. (Thanks for the reminder aka sober queen of England.) ⁠⠀
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It's kinda weird to think about since I talk about it on IG a lot, but, I promise, most people I meet IRL have no idea that I am sober unless I tell them! ⁠⠀
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Being a non-drinker is just one thing about me. It's not a personality trait or part of my character. ⁠⠀
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Here are 10 things that are way more interesting about me than the fact that I don't drink: ⁠⠀
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1️⃣ A llama knocked out my two front teeth (that is always my "fun fact") 🦙🦷⁠⠀
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2️⃣ Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher came into the restaurant I worked at in New Orleans! I died. 😵They are just as gorgeous in person!!! ⁠⠀
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3️⃣ Tennis was my life from 5 years old till I was 18! 🎾I was caption of our tennis team in high school. ⁠⠀
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4️⃣ I'm a huge Elvis fan and had an Elvis impersonator at my wedding! 🕺🏼🎶⁠⠀
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5️⃣ My dream in life is to write a graphic novel. 💥I started a women's comic book club called That's What She Read and we meet once a month! 📚⁠⠀
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6️⃣ I met my husband while we were both working at a hot dog restaurant in New Orleans. 🌭 ⁠⠀
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7️⃣ I wasn't a dog person at all and I even told people I didn't like dogs (!!!!!) until my husband and I rescued a dog last year. 🐶Now I am THAT dog mom to our baby Otter! 💕⁠⠀
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8️⃣ I'm learning Spanish right now. I only took Arabic and Latin in school! 🗣⁠⠀
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9️⃣ Total extrovert over here! 👋🏻I don't like being alone really ever and it's something that I am working on. When I'm down, I'll go to the grocery store just to be around people. 🛒⁠⠀
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🔟 Reality TV is my guilty pleasure... 📺 My favorites are Shark Tank, Big Brother, Amazing Race, Drag Race, & Q***r Eye. Any bake-off or cook-off or makeover or competition or race, I'm sure I've seen. EXCEPT The Bachelor... for some reason I drew the line there!! ⁠⠀

31/01/2020

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝟒𝟔% 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟕% 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐮𝐬𝐞.⁠
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Before National Mentoring Month ends, I want to share my experience being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the MidSouth in order 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥. 🙌🏻 ⁠
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Being a mentor has given me so much joy the last year. The best way for me to avoid self-doubt, self-pity, self-consciousness, and THINKING about MYSELF all the time is 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞.⁠
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That’s where my mentee Tatiyana comes in! Her light shines so brightly! Our time together means so much to me. She is the loudest and most enthusiastic cheerleader at Grizz games, always ready for a dance party, and loves to read. ⁠🏀💃🏼📚
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The goal of our time together is to have fun and for me to be a source an encouragement until she graduates from high school! ⁠
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𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝟓𝟐% 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎! 👍🏻⁠
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Tatiyana’s siblings are still waiting to be matched because there are not enough mentors in Memphis! 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫!⁠
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Check out these resources to get involved: ⁠
Grizz Community
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South, Inc.
City Year⁠
Memphis Athletic Ministries
CodeCrew
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Do you have questions about being a mentor or being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters? I’m happy to answer any questions down below! 🤗

30/01/2020

According to a report on the Top 20 Drunkest Cities in America 🍻 Green Bay, Wisconsin ranked 1️⃣ on the list. The other HALF of the list included other cities in Wisconsin! 🧀⁠
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So what’s a sober person to do in Madison, WI? 🙌Despite its heavy drinking reputation, Madison ranked #3 on the 2016 Top 100 Best Places to Live 🏡
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Check out the ✨new ✨SOBER CITY GUIDE of Madison, Wisconsin guest written by a sober Wisconsinite! https://mysobertravels.com/sober-city-guide-of-madison-wisconsin/
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Madison is also recognized as one of America’s greenest cities - there are over 75 miles of bike paths 🚲and hiking trails! 🥾⁠
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Have you been to Wisconsin? 👇🏻Let us know down below! ⁠
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🌇The Sober City Guides are a series of posts to inspire you to travel and see new places because alcohol-free travel isn't boring! 🎉⁠
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What cities do you want to see next? You can write a Sober City Guide to your city too! ⬇️ Comment below! ⁠
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29/01/2020

- Anyone attending? Trying to win a ticket!!

!!!GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! 🌴We are officially 100 days away from SHE RECOVERS in MIAMI with less than 100 passes remaining!

🎉🎉To celebrate we are giving away ONE WEEKEND PASS to ONE LUCKY WOMAN to join us for SHE RECOVERS in MIAMI, May 1-3, 2020!

HOW TO ENTER:
✔️Ensure you like on Facebook!

👍 Like this post

🗨️ Comment on this post why you would like to win and - just for fun - tag a friend too!

👏 For a bonus entry - share the love! Repost to your account with the hashtag .

✨Increase your chances by heading over to the SHE RECOVERS Instagram account to enter there too!

💟 SHE RECOVERS will tag and contact the winner via DM by 12:00PM EST on January 31st, 2020.

The lucky winner will receive a SHE RECOVERS®️ in MIAMI Weekend Pass valued at $599 USD. The SHE RECOVERS in MIAMI event package includes all programming on Friday evening, Saturday (day and evening), and Sunday (morning and afternoon) with yoga & dance, speakers & workshops, a special music event/showcase, and interactive & chill spaces for mingling and connecting. Food & beverage includes lunch and standing reception/dinner on Saturday; SHE RECOVERS Foundation brunch on Sunday and more! This weekend event is for women recovering in all areas of their lives. Airfare, hotel and ground transportation are not included.


Per Instagram and Facebook rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Facebook or Instagram, Inc. By entering, participants confirm that they are 19+ years of age, release Instagram & Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s & Facebook’s terms of use. Winner will be announced and contacted by SHE RECOVERS via Instagram or Facebook DM. No purchase necessary. Contest available worldwide. Prize not redeemable for cash or any other offer. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end at 11:59PM ST on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020. Winner will be announced by January 31st, 2020!