Welcome to Sober Soulful, a beautiful, diverse, 3,400+ member community.
As a queer, sober writer and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I offer a safe, expansive space for folks:
In recovery or examining their relationship to alcohol and other drugs, social media and online technology, food and body, money and spending, work and external validation, and ways of perceiving and relating.
Seeking an intimate exploration of soulful living, healing unhelpful patterns, and being human.
Follow along for explorations of how we show up in this body-mind-soul. Also how to navigate being and becoming with love, honesty, and a willingness to un-know—rather than insisting on answers.
Throughout, a heart-sourced question guides the way: How can we live more beautifully?
What you’ll find at Sober Soulful:
Exploration Essays offering heart-sourced, no-bullsh*t insights on addiction, sobriety, and being human (free)
Sobriety Series: letter and resources for changing unhelpful patterns and finding serenity (paid subscribers)
Food & Body: essays and practical guides exploring beliefs, patterns, and fears related to food and the body, including my 3-part series on Quieting Food Noise (paid subscribers)
My Soulful Life: personal shares about soulful living in Thailand (paid subscribers)
SoberStack™ updates and community pop-up threads (free)
Upgrade your subscription for full access here:
Find a few popular essays below, along with some messages, testimonials, and comments I’ve received from this kind, generous community.
Thank you being here, from my heart to yours.
Dana
“I found your work because of your essay on food noise, and I feel seen, understood and cared for in the ways you speak about this topic. It’s a lifelong challenge for me that I continue to heal and work with. Thank you for your contribution to the conversation.”
—Anonymous
“Soulful is not chosen as a newsletter title by accident. Wow...Dana writes from raw, unabashed, unashamed experience. She’s done it...and she tells you about it.”
“Dana truly writes from (and to) the soul. She’s the wise friend in your inbox you can’t wait to hear from, sprinkled with some tough, compassionate love when you need it. I’m glad to have found Dana here, she’s one of the real ones.”
“Dana is a deep-thinking soul whose writing always helps me consider my inner self.”
Victim or Villain: Two Sides of the Same Coin
“A favorite newsletter and community where true connection to self and authenticity in accountability reign supreme.”
“Sober Soulful is packed with beautiful, insightful writing that continues to deliver vulnerable pieces touching on the subjects that enrich life deeply. I always come back for more and each time something resonates with me.”
“Excellent support readings for people who are trying to be sober. Self motivation at its finest.”
“Dana is an incredibly kind soul and a wonderful writer.”
“I read about myself when I read your essay.”
—Kathleen
“My first response is a heartfelt THANK YOU for this piece, for opening up a larger conversation about this.”
“If you’re looking for thoughtful, thought provoking, well-written and considered articles on life in sobriety, then you have to follow Sober Soulful. With exquisite writing, she guides you gently to deep reflections on life.”
Dana’s writing always makes me think a little differently and exhale a little more deeply.”
“Honest and deeply caring. Love this approach to life.”
“So much love and admiration for Dana’s skill at blending storytelling, authenticity and insight into such beautifully-crafted work. Always gold.”
“No bullshit, no pretence.”
Sort-of Sober Isn’t Sober (Also: we don’t get to insert ourselves everywhere)
“Love what you are doing. Thank you for helping to build community here.”
“What an amazing resource for people wanting to live a wonderful sober life!”
“This was perfect. I’ve rarely felt so seen, so well represented, by another person’s words.”
“Dana writes with heart and soul on themes of life post-addiction, bringing a wealth of wisdom from her background in yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.”
“Dana’s writing is a fantastic combination of vibrant and eminently helpful. I appreciate her honest sharing from her own life experiences, as well as her wisdom as a longtime meditation practitioner and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.”
“Beautiful, all of this. Thank you, Dana. I subscribed today because of this essay.”
“I love reading your raw posts. When I get depressed I get really self absorbed but when I read your honest posts it reminds me that every single person is going through just as much of a chaotic experience as I am and I like your perspective on your present and past.”
—Anonymous
“My first visit to her ‘stack was like expecting a quick shower, but realizing you needed a long bath. I slowed down, soaked in her words at a leisurely pace, and became a paid subscriber after reading just one post.”
“This is my first paid subscription on Substack. She writes from her heart and has the courage and strength to talk about meaningful topics. Thought provoking and authentic.”
“Funny, witty, good writing and deeply personal in a way you will relate to. Always a good read.”
“Thoughtful, vulnerable and authentic. Required reading for anyone struggling with addiction of any kind.”
“I was reminded this morning by a friend that I am done diminishing myself for others. I get SO inspired by your writing, Dana, because you are SO real, and every time I read what you share, it makes me love you more, not less. And that’s what I want. I just want to be me, and express me, and do it unfiltered and unfettered. Not in a messy way... but raw and real... like you do. Obviously we filter some... but not in a diminishing ourselves kinda way. I don’t want to dim my light in fear that my brightness will hurt someone else’s feelings. I can’t do that anymore. I need and want to be ME—fully and completely—and let those who love me for me, to show up.”
P.S. Also make sure to poke around the always growing Sobriety Series, My Soulful Life, and Food & Body sections. And find my most recent essays on the homepage here.
