You’re invited to a Sober Soulful community pop-up!
I updated SoberStack™ today and thought it’d be a perfect time to reach out and invite you to connect with others.
Please stop by, tell us about yourself, and promote your Substack or latest article. (Yes: self-promotion is encouraged! No: it doesn’t have to be about sobriety and recovery—but can be!)
Share your latest or greatest article: Put the topic in all CAPS, describe what it’s about in a sentence or three, and include the URL. (See my example in the comments.)
Find someone in the comments whose topic interests you: Head over to their article, read it, and leave a comment. Also reply to them here to let them know and say hello.
And/or: Find someone on SoberStack™, leave a comment on one of their articles, and share that article with us here—perhaps saying why you liked it. (SoberStack™ is an annotated directory featuring more than 100soberwriters spanning diverse backgrounds and paths of recovery.)
Bonus: Re-stack any or all of the above on Notes (Substack’s social media platform, for anyone unfamiliar).
Before jumping in, a small request: Please tap the little ♡ to offer the gift of “social proof” and bring some extra brightness to this gathering.
P.S. If you’re new here, welcome!
Sober Soulful offers a safe, expansive space for folks:
In recovery from or examining their relationship with alcohol and other drugs, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive patterning, online technologies and social media, overwork, perfectionism, external validation, fucked-up relationships, etc.
Seeking an intimate, personal exploration of addiction, sobriety, and being human
Not sober? Not a problem!
Don’t feel as though you need to identify as an addict, sober, sober curious, or in recovery to hang out here. If you follow me a while, you’ll learn pretty quick how I feel about conventional narratives, boxes, and labels.*
The 2,500+ member community at Sober Soulful is wonderfully diverse, and I hold recovery and sobriety in a living, breathing, ever-changing way—one that’s expansive, inclusive, and quintessential human. (And we’re all human here, still figuring it out.)
*Caveat: I do ask folks to please not promote drinking alcohol in this space.
Thank you. I appreciate you. I’m grateful you’re here. Dana
***Important note! Some free subscribers have reported that they can’t comment even though this thread is set as free and open to everyone. The settings are correct on the backend, and I’m waiting to hear back from Substack Support. Meanwhile, my apologies if you can’t get in! Please ping me in the comments on SoberStack™, on Notes, or by email, if you’d like.
While we’re waiting for tech support, I’m also happy to post whatever article or publication you’d like to share, along with your links. Just email, DM, or comment on SoberStack™ to let me know.
“When I started this Substack, I expected to write about sobriety. It’s even on my About page. But now, five and a half years into the dry life, it feels so normal that my mind often tricks me into thinking it’s insignificant. Like it’s just a thing I did, not a part of who I am. But the truth is it is very much who I am. It is one of the most me parts of me. Identity via normalcy.
This is not a story about getting sober. It’s a nod to what has followed—the beauty amid the shrapnel. It’s been 17 years since my dad’s death and, though he’s been gone a long while, it is not surprising he’s stepping out from the shadows of my subconscious now, as I am learning to call in ancestors and build altars on this yogic journey. As I learn how to be with myself.”
PIVOTING, ADHD, SOBRIETY, COMMUNITY. This beautiful share is from Kezia Calvert, who’s creating a community where neurodivergent women in recovery can share their experiences and find support.
“Underneath it all one thought kept tugging at my heart…. Kezia, it’s time to pivot. All I could think about was a recent realization that I have ADHD. Uncovering this part of my story was eye-opening, and I had an inkling that there are other women like me who drink and use substances to mask the symptoms of their ADHD. I want to find these women. A month ago I decided to start building this new community here on Substack, a place where neurodivergent women can explore the beauty of our neurodiversity.” https://keziadiannecalvert.substack.com/p/the-unexpected-pivot
This post is how I found your substack, as another substack member put it on a note... and I commented about boundaries... which you then inspired me to write about emotional and physical boundaries. :)
Thanks for sharing that, Ed. It’s also how I found you and the work you’re doing! Everyone, Ed has a brick-and-mortar, alcohol-free space in the works...and meanwhile is building community and making space for important conversations over at Toward Wellth: https://towardwellth.substack.com/
OVERCOMING ANXIETY. This one comes from Katie Bean. In Katie’s words, “This is my most recent post about how deep breaths have been life-changing for me, why it works, and some journal prompts and practices to try yourself. I write a weekly post about my healing journey and how writing has been one of the most powerful healing tools, along with yoga and vulnerable storytelling - always free.” https://katiebeanwellness.substack.com/p/frantic-feelings
This beautiful offering is from Janine Agoglia: YOGA OFF THE MAT. An introduction to a 10 week series I am doing about the Yamas and Niyamas, yogic principles on how to lead a life of more emotional ease. Free to everyone! https://purpleroomyoga.substack.com/p/how-to-move-toward-ease-in-10-simple
This beautiful share is from Ellie Nova - love this one, Ellie! SUPPORTING OTHERS IN SOBRIETY. “Here I write about how my journey to sobriety has now led me to find the most profound purpose in life: to support others through sober coaching. Becoming, as Holly Whitaker says, ‘a beacon of light’. The greatest blessing to alchemise so much pain and darkness into a force for good in the world.”
This beautiful share is from Bonnie Tai: “Sharing my most vulnerable post - BE HEARD: THE VOICE OF A HARD OF HEARING PERSON - that I have finally made peace with my hearing loss after keeping it a secret for more than three decades.”
“I am a former workaholic pharmacist who quitted my 20-year career in 2022 to embark on a healing journey. I am currently on my second sabbatical in two years. I write to make sense of my inner and outer world in the present, to heal from past traumas, to create a future that speaks to my truth, and ultimately to support others on their own journeys.”
Such a beautiful, wise, helpful offering from Dr. Vicki Connop: “This one has been my most popular piece to date - 20 Things I’ve learned from 20 years in the therapy room 😊”
From Marina, of Messy Recovery ❤️ : “I have been writing a lot about life transitions, process of individuation, and women’s themes lately… Here is the last post on a journey of becoming a sage.”
ADHD, SELF TRUST, ADDICTIONS I write about managing/healing ADHD with the ancient practices of Yoga and Ayurveda. Many of us with ADHD experience addictions, and this substack explains why self-trust is key to kicking them. https://www.calmthevatadown.com/p/self-trust-and-adhd-made-not-born
Looking forward to checking out your substack, Kay - thank you for being here and sharing! You and Kezia Calvert might like connecting. Kezia’s creating a community where neurodivergent women in recovery can share their experiences and find support: https://keziadiannecalvert.substack.com/
OMG thank you Dana. And thank you for your courageous and heart-centered offering to the world. I'm savoring your words and thought leadership, I share your reading list! You've articulated concepts and given me language to talk some things and other juicy thought-provoking things to start thinking about. Much gratitude!
Kay this is so interesting to me--my husband and youngest son have ADHD and I've researched and written a lot about the connection between ADHD and substance use. I love your approach to finding healthy substitutes.
Thank you Julie and big hello to your husband and son! My whole family are neuro-divergent and so are most of my friends, we seem to find each other! Many challenges, but also many meaningful and soulful authentic connections with other bright, sensitive beings. It's great they have you reading widely and exploring pathways. Much love!
I so wish I'd understood more sooner (so many of my favorite people have ADHD). Supporting my son has given me a much deeper understanding of my husband's challenges. Grateful for an abundance of ADHD superpowers in our house--loads of creative energy and out-of-the-box thinking (and my 15 year-old is a basketball star). This piece might be of interest: https://theoppositeofaddiction.substack.com/p/my-left-ear
I look forward to learning more from your substack!
Yes, you don't see it until you do. I'm glad for you and your husband that you are embracing the learning and offering compassion through understanding. What a gift. Thanks for the substack, I'll take a look now! Stay in touch :)
...TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE SOCIAL EXPERIENCE OF A BAR... I've been working for the last year to plan a different kind of bar experience, one that doesn't revolve around alcohol and instead revolves around improving the agency of all who walk through the door: https://towardwellth.substack.com/p/to-revolutionize-the-social-experience
RELAPSE - I never thought it would happen to me. This relapse has changed my life and affected my family in ways I never could have imagined. I didn't relapse from alcohol though - so today, I am 98 days sober but 1,256 days alcohol free. It has not been an easy road. https://kimkearns.substack.com/p/i-relapsed
I'm the mother of 4 sons, one of whom struggled with addiction (he is now 21 and in recovery). In theoppositeofaddiction.substack.com, I share lived experiences, loads of research, insights and observations from my work with families impacted by addiction in the hopes of creating compassion and connection.
The most annoying part was that she included her phone number in case I wanted to get more advice from her. Zero self-awareness. Thank you for creating this space!
HOW TO BECOME A HEATHEN - is the beginning of my deconstruction story. How I left Christianity behind. I discovered this is a story that’s difficult to put into one post, and telling it is bringing up a lot of memories and emotions. https://jenniferleahmiller.substack.com/p/how-to-become-a-heathen
THE LIGHT TODAY - Sober since 2019, Heather Marie Morse is an astrologer and lunar-centric yoga teacher known to seamlessly intertwine the ageless traditions of yoga with the mystic wisdom of astrology. Her writings and classes are an immersive journey for the spirit, tethering the natural rhythms of the lunar cycle.
Heather believes that just as the moon influences the tides, it equally impacts the ebb and flow of energy within us. Through her writings and teachings, she hopes to help others synchronize their inner rhythms with that of the universe, harnessing the moon's energy to deepen their daily practices and cultivate self-awareness.
Heather is a storyteller. With every post (every day here on Substack between 6 and 7 am ET), she narrates the significance of each lunar phase, and the astrological influences that are at play. By uniting the tenets of yoga with lunar astrology, she provides a path for individuals to navigate their inner cosmos, discover their potential, and align with the universe's cyclical dance.
Your substack sounds beautiful, Heather. I’m looking forward to reading and am glad you’re here!
You might enjoy connecting with Kaitlyn Ramsay of Loving the Dark Parts: https://kaitlynramsay.substack.com/ Kaitlyn writes about "real life experiences through the lens of astrology; includes sobriety, travel, living abroad, mindful living, and mental health."
What a gorgeous ripple effect of sobriety! Sober people creating things and those waves reach new shores. Grateful to all of those who make these waves!
An honest, open letter detailing how I've been feeling and how this led to me taking a month away from Substack. Not an apology but more a moment to share the fact that I (and I imagine many others) don't always have the bandwidth to post on here consistently. We are only human, after all. Thank you, Dana for creating this space to connect with new people. 🖤
***Important note! Some free subscribers have reported that they can’t comment even though this thread is set as free and open to everyone. The settings are correct on the backend, and I’m waiting to hear back from Substack Support. Meanwhile, my apologies if you can’t get in! Please ping me in the comments on SoberStack™, on Notes, or by email, if you’d like.
While we’re waiting for tech support, I’m also happy to post whatever article or publication you’d like to share, along with your links. Just email, DM, or comment on SoberStack™ to let me know.
Find SoberStack™ here: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/sober-substack-addiction-recovery-sobriety
GRIEF, SOBRIETY. This painful, beautiful, heart-moving share is from Heather Casper, who writes about grieving her dad’s passing both in and outside of sobriety. https://wildblooms.substack.com/p/tell-me-in-the-sunshine
“When I started this Substack, I expected to write about sobriety. It’s even on my About page. But now, five and a half years into the dry life, it feels so normal that my mind often tricks me into thinking it’s insignificant. Like it’s just a thing I did, not a part of who I am. But the truth is it is very much who I am. It is one of the most me parts of me. Identity via normalcy.
This is not a story about getting sober. It’s a nod to what has followed—the beauty amid the shrapnel. It’s been 17 years since my dad’s death and, though he’s been gone a long while, it is not surprising he’s stepping out from the shadows of my subconscious now, as I am learning to call in ancestors and build altars on this yogic journey. As I learn how to be with myself.”
PIVOTING, ADHD, SOBRIETY, COMMUNITY. This beautiful share is from Kezia Calvert, who’s creating a community where neurodivergent women in recovery can share their experiences and find support.
“Underneath it all one thought kept tugging at my heart…. Kezia, it’s time to pivot. All I could think about was a recent realization that I have ADHD. Uncovering this part of my story was eye-opening, and I had an inkling that there are other women like me who drink and use substances to mask the symptoms of their ADHD. I want to find these women. A month ago I decided to start building this new community here on Substack, a place where neurodivergent women can explore the beauty of our neurodiversity.” https://keziadiannecalvert.substack.com/p/the-unexpected-pivot
UNSOLICITED ADVICE. I wasn’t expecting to get such a big response on this essay! Check out the comment section for tons of wise (solicited) advice: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/how-unsolicited-advice-causes-harm
This post is how I found your substack, as another substack member put it on a note... and I commented about boundaries... which you then inspired me to write about emotional and physical boundaries. :)
Thanks for sharing that, Ed. It’s also how I found you and the work you’re doing! Everyone, Ed has a brick-and-mortar, alcohol-free space in the works...and meanwhile is building community and making space for important conversations over at Toward Wellth: https://towardwellth.substack.com/
Such a great discussion in the comments of that post!
Yes! I feel truly grateful for those who shared their thoughts, experiences, ideas, and wisdom.
OVERCOMING ANXIETY. This one comes from Katie Bean. In Katie’s words, “This is my most recent post about how deep breaths have been life-changing for me, why it works, and some journal prompts and practices to try yourself. I write a weekly post about my healing journey and how writing has been one of the most powerful healing tools, along with yoga and vulnerable storytelling - always free.” https://katiebeanwellness.substack.com/p/frantic-feelings
Thank you, Katie!
This beautiful offering is from Janine Agoglia: YOGA OFF THE MAT. An introduction to a 10 week series I am doing about the Yamas and Niyamas, yogic principles on how to lead a life of more emotional ease. Free to everyone! https://purpleroomyoga.substack.com/p/how-to-move-toward-ease-in-10-simple
This share is from Alice Berlow, who writes: “This is my latest newsletter Curious Kitchen (free to all) about healing.” https://curiouskitchen.substack.com/p/goodness-truth-and-beauty-come-first
This beautiful share is from Ellie Nova - love this one, Ellie! SUPPORTING OTHERS IN SOBRIETY. “Here I write about how my journey to sobriety has now led me to find the most profound purpose in life: to support others through sober coaching. Becoming, as Holly Whitaker says, ‘a beacon of light’. The greatest blessing to alchemise so much pain and darkness into a force for good in the world.”
https://ellienova.substack.com/p/could-i-be-a-beacon-of-light
This beautiful share is from Bonnie Tai: “Sharing my most vulnerable post - BE HEARD: THE VOICE OF A HARD OF HEARING PERSON - that I have finally made peace with my hearing loss after keeping it a secret for more than three decades.”
https://letsjustbe.substack.com/p/be-heard-the-voice-of-a-hard-of-hearing
“I am a former workaholic pharmacist who quitted my 20-year career in 2022 to embark on a healing journey. I am currently on my second sabbatical in two years. I write to make sense of my inner and outer world in the present, to heal from past traumas, to create a future that speaks to my truth, and ultimately to support others on their own journeys.”
A share from Lisa Lynne Miller: “I would love to share my piece WHATEVER I DID an open letter from a recovering people-pleaser”: https://lisalynnemiller.substack.com/p/whatever-i-did
Such a beautiful, wise, helpful offering from Dr. Vicki Connop: “This one has been my most popular piece to date - 20 Things I’ve learned from 20 years in the therapy room 😊”
https://drvickiconnop.substack.com/p/20-things-ive-learned-from-20-years
From Marina, of Messy Recovery ❤️ : “I have been writing a lot about life transitions, process of individuation, and women’s themes lately… Here is the last post on a journey of becoming a sage.”
https://maki79.substack.com/p/embarking-on-the-journey-of-becoming
ADHD, SELF TRUST, ADDICTIONS I write about managing/healing ADHD with the ancient practices of Yoga and Ayurveda. Many of us with ADHD experience addictions, and this substack explains why self-trust is key to kicking them. https://www.calmthevatadown.com/p/self-trust-and-adhd-made-not-born
Looking forward to checking out your substack, Kay - thank you for being here and sharing! You and Kezia Calvert might like connecting. Kezia’s creating a community where neurodivergent women in recovery can share their experiences and find support: https://keziadiannecalvert.substack.com/
OMG thank you Dana. And thank you for your courageous and heart-centered offering to the world. I'm savoring your words and thought leadership, I share your reading list! You've articulated concepts and given me language to talk some things and other juicy thought-provoking things to start thinking about. Much gratitude!
Oh, thank you from my heart, Kay. Truly - your comment is a bright, bright light in my day. ❤️
I’ve subscribed to your stack. Eager to read more. 😊
Thank so much Jennifer! Nice to meet you.
Kay this is so interesting to me--my husband and youngest son have ADHD and I've researched and written a lot about the connection between ADHD and substance use. I love your approach to finding healthy substitutes.
Thank you Julie and big hello to your husband and son! My whole family are neuro-divergent and so are most of my friends, we seem to find each other! Many challenges, but also many meaningful and soulful authentic connections with other bright, sensitive beings. It's great they have you reading widely and exploring pathways. Much love!
I so wish I'd understood more sooner (so many of my favorite people have ADHD). Supporting my son has given me a much deeper understanding of my husband's challenges. Grateful for an abundance of ADHD superpowers in our house--loads of creative energy and out-of-the-box thinking (and my 15 year-old is a basketball star). This piece might be of interest: https://theoppositeofaddiction.substack.com/p/my-left-ear
I look forward to learning more from your substack!
Yes, you don't see it until you do. I'm glad for you and your husband that you are embracing the learning and offering compassion through understanding. What a gift. Thanks for the substack, I'll take a look now! Stay in touch :)
...TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE SOCIAL EXPERIENCE OF A BAR... I've been working for the last year to plan a different kind of bar experience, one that doesn't revolve around alcohol and instead revolves around improving the agency of all who walk through the door: https://towardwellth.substack.com/p/to-revolutionize-the-social-experience
Very excited about this, Ed!
RELAPSE - I never thought it would happen to me. This relapse has changed my life and affected my family in ways I never could have imagined. I didn't relapse from alcohol though - so today, I am 98 days sober but 1,256 days alcohol free. It has not been an easy road. https://kimkearns.substack.com/p/i-relapsed
Huge recognition for your sobriety and for your courage in discussing relapse, Kimberly. Sending heart-sourced love and care your way.
JUDGMENT. Dana, a similar experience to yours (reader who sent me a very long email telling me how I was ruining my son's life) led to this piece: https://theoppositeofaddiction.substack.com/p/judgement
I'm the mother of 4 sons, one of whom struggled with addiction (he is now 21 and in recovery). In theoppositeofaddiction.substack.com, I share lived experiences, loads of research, insights and observations from my work with families impacted by addiction in the hopes of creating compassion and connection.
Yikes - that sounds painful and highly irritating, Julie. Thanks so much for being here and for sharing your writing. ❤️
The most annoying part was that she included her phone number in case I wanted to get more advice from her. Zero self-awareness. Thank you for creating this space!
Yikes!
OMG. That’s wild, Julie. That would’ve gotten me so heated!
Beyond. I blocked her rather than responding. And then I paywalled my archive which I never intended to do but she had made me feel so exposed...
HOW TO BECOME A HEATHEN - is the beginning of my deconstruction story. How I left Christianity behind. I discovered this is a story that’s difficult to put into one post, and telling it is bringing up a lot of memories and emotions. https://jenniferleahmiller.substack.com/p/how-to-become-a-heathen
You’re a great storyteller, Jennifer! And huge recognition for your courage in sharing this part of your journey.
YOGA and MINDFULNESS for children and families follow @heidiperry_kidsyoga on instagram
Thanks for sharing, Heidi. What an important, transformative place of focus.
THE LIGHT TODAY - Sober since 2019, Heather Marie Morse is an astrologer and lunar-centric yoga teacher known to seamlessly intertwine the ageless traditions of yoga with the mystic wisdom of astrology. Her writings and classes are an immersive journey for the spirit, tethering the natural rhythms of the lunar cycle.
Heather believes that just as the moon influences the tides, it equally impacts the ebb and flow of energy within us. Through her writings and teachings, she hopes to help others synchronize their inner rhythms with that of the universe, harnessing the moon's energy to deepen their daily practices and cultivate self-awareness.
Heather is a storyteller. With every post (every day here on Substack between 6 and 7 am ET), she narrates the significance of each lunar phase, and the astrological influences that are at play. By uniting the tenets of yoga with lunar astrology, she provides a path for individuals to navigate their inner cosmos, discover their potential, and align with the universe's cyclical dance.
Your substack sounds beautiful, Heather. I’m looking forward to reading and am glad you’re here!
You might enjoy connecting with Kaitlyn Ramsay of Loving the Dark Parts: https://kaitlynramsay.substack.com/ Kaitlyn writes about "real life experiences through the lens of astrology; includes sobriety, travel, living abroad, mindful living, and mental health."
The Light Today is what brought me to Substack. I read Heather’s words every morning and it sets me/grounds me in just the right light for my day.
Heather - you put SUCH care into your daily offerings. I’m so glad sobriety helped me find you!✨
So cool! I love knowing how others (especially writers I adore:) found their way to Substack!
What a gorgeous ripple effect of sobriety! Sober people creating things and those waves reach new shores. Grateful to all of those who make these waves!
DARE TO BE DRY- sober, intentional, heart-led living and writing.
These two were my most honest pieces - the ones that felt equal parts scary and equal parts necessary to post.
https://open.substack.com/pub/allisonderaney/p/i-was-that-kind-of-drinker?r=rkt4u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
https://open.substack.com/pub/soberapp/p/holding-a-glass-of-wine-will-not?r=rkt4u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I loved both of these, Allison. So grateful for your presence and writing!
Ditto!
HELLO - https://beckyhandley.substack.com/p/hello
An honest, open letter detailing how I've been feeling and how this led to me taking a month away from Substack. Not an apology but more a moment to share the fact that I (and I imagine many others) don't always have the bandwidth to post on here consistently. We are only human, after all. Thank you, Dana for creating this space to connect with new people. 🖤
Thank you for being here, Becky. And I loved this honest (and personally relatable) letter. ❤️