In this episode, Ash sits down with Kate Goold, a working mum of two who recently celebrated her first year alcohol-free. Kate’s journey began with chronic physical pain and three hip replacements in four years—an ordeal that left her on crutches, in and out of hospitals, and barely able to care for her children. But what began as a decision to help her body heal physically sparked something much deeper: a complete emotional and spiritual transformation.Kate shares her experience with chronic pain, debilitating depression, and self-medicating, all while trying to maintain the appearance of having it together. She opens up about the turning point that led her to quit drinking, the unexpected grief and growth that came with that choice, and the clarity she’s found in sobriety.Now 18 months into her alcohol-free journey, Kate is showing up for herself and her family in a way she never thought possible. She reflects on identity, boundaries, motherhood, and what it means to truly come home to yourself. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible and even one small decision can lead to a million changes.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Sobriety03:03 Kate's Journey to Sobriety06:09 Daily Life and New Routines09:07 Transformative Fitness and Mental Health12:08 The Role of Forgiveness and Discipline14:49 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Struggles of Depression18:02 Self-Medicating and the Impact of Pain20:57 Turning Point: The Decision to Quit Drinking23:58 Preparation for Sobriety26:55 Reflections on Alcohol and Confidence34:10 Navigating Sugar Cravings and Caffeine Choices35:36 The Journey of Alcohol Abstinence36:35 Building a New Life Without Alcohol37:48 The Importance of Community Support38:53 Facing Social Situations Sober40:31 Realizing the Lifelong Commitment to Sobriety41:31 Embracing New Experiences and Overcoming FOMO43:08 Learning from Mistakes and Staying Vigilant44:32 The Evolution of Friendships46:29 Finding Deeper Connections47:59 The Impact of Sobriety on Parenting49:27 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery51:25 The Role of Mental Health in Sobriety53:00 Cherishing Everyday Moments54:33 Advice for Those Considering Sobriety56:06 The Journey of Self-Respect and BoundariesYou can connect with Kate Goold on Instagram here.To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website: ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠Facebook Website⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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