Why do we as humans resist doing things we know will be good for us. Maybe you can relate? Do you ever beat yourself up thinking "if walking, or journaling, or stretching or practicing French or sitting in stillness makes me feel good, why can't I keep it going for more than a few days at a time?" Why do we resist?

It turns out that celebrations during a pandemic have a lot in common with celebrations AF (alcohol free)! You’ve heard the expression that love is spelled T-I-M-E. All across the country, we’ve seen incredible creativity in how people found ways to honor the high school graduates, the expectant parents, the birthday kings and queens!

Much like my early years in the wine business twenty years ago, my budding passion and career in the area of mindful drinking is first and foremost about the community, rather than the liquid itself.

Years back I was inspired by an artist named SARK for her descriptions of a creative, positive, engaged, wild life. I've been moved by brilliant writers (and especially food writers) who capture in words the sensual pleasures of juicy peaches, of soft rain, of huge belly laughs, of sinking fingers into clay or toes into sand.

The outrage and heartbreak we are feeling, and the reckoning long due about systemic racism demand the attention and effort of all of us. I personally have much work to do internally, and amends to make. I’m reading, listening and supporting causes, some suggestions gleaned from this excellent list.

“I’m struck by the idea of self-compassion being like a vaccine. That it is not just to protect and preserve ourselves, but that it is also for the good of the herd.”

If addiction is defined as continuing to do something despite negative consequences, then I have been addicted to the Cortisol Sandwich. The Cortisol Sandwich is my name for my former morning routine which involved waking up very groggy, pouring coffee before my eyes were open and opening my laptop for an assault of news, email advertisements and clickbait.

I posted tips on how to manage, survive and get the most out of a 30-day Alcohol Free experiment. You can read my suggestions here but the one I stress heavily is to engage in supreme self-care. A client asked what exactly I meant by that. Good question!

Welcome!! The first tip to share with you is that you’re joining a true throng….a massive, groundswell sea of us who are questioning our relationship with alcohol. That right there might come as a surprise because we don’t see it!!

This beautiful river in the Pacific Northwest has class III-V rapids. One of those rapids is a complicated one to navigate that brings kayakers from around the world. It’s called The Washing Machine, because if you get tossed from your boat or raft and get caught in it, it will spin you around and around.