Your Story, Your Terms – How to Share (or Not Share) About Sobriety

Your Story, Your Terms – How to Share (or Not Share) About Sobriety

Episode 06 of The Zero Proof Life Podcast

Not drinking is personal. Deeply personal. And when you're trying to change your relationship with alcohol, one of the hardest parts isn’t the cravings, it’s the questions.

“Wait, are you pregnant?”
“So… were you an alcoholic?”
“You can have one, right?”

Sometimes we need the reminder: your story is sacred — and you get to choose when, how, and if you tell it.

 

1. Boundaries Are Brave

In Episode 06 of The Zero Proof Life Podcast, Karla opens up about the early tension she felt around telling friends and family about her alcohol-free life. The questions. The raised eyebrows. The unsolicited opinions. Her takeaway? Boundaries aren’t walls — they’re doors you choose to open when it feels safe.

Try This Line:
 “Thanks for asking. I’m not really talking about it right now, but I’m good.”

 

2. You Don’t Need a Big Confession

There’s no law that says you must stand up and make a public declaration of sobriety. You don’t owe coworkers an update or old friends a detailed backstory. Carolyn shares how freeing it felt to stop “explaining” and simply live her life without alcohol.

Reminder:
 Silence is not shame. Privacy is not secrecy. You are allowed to hold your story close.

 

3. Trust Your Gut. Every Time.

One of the most powerful things you can do in sobriety? Learn to trust your instincts. That flutter in your belly when someone feels unsafe to share with? Believe it. That sense of “maybe not yet”? Listen to it.

Try this simple tool:

  • Green Light: Safe to share, they’ll support you.
  • Yellow Light: Use caution. Share only what you're comfortable with.
  • Red Light: No go. Protect your peace.


Three Take-Home Tools

1. The One-Liner
 Have a go-to response for nosy questions:
 “I’m just focusing on my health right now.” Simple. True. Enough.

2. Gut-Check Journal Prompt
Before a big event, write: Who might I want to share with? Why? What would feel supportive?

3. Protect Your Sparkle Rule
If someone’s response leaves you feeling drained or judged, that’s data. Adjust your sharing map accordingly.

 

Ready to Start Your Own Alcohol-Free Chapter?

Join the Zero Proof Life Community ✨

Surround yourself with women who “get it.” Inside the ZPL Community you’ll find:

  • Weekly live coaching and Q&A with Brandi, Karla, Carolyn & Becca
  • Guided somatic practices to calm cravings in real time
  • A private forum for daily wins, real-talk support, and resource sharing
  • Member-only workshops on relationships, mindset, nutrition, and more


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