November is here, and with it comes a chance to celebrate a big personal milestone—four years alcohol-free! Honestly, it feels surreal to even type that number.
Can you believe it’s November already? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now the holiday season is right around the corner. I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on what’s happening at ZeroProof Experiences this month and share some personal reflections as I celebrate four years alcohol-free. Honestly, it feels surreal to even type that number four years!
Four Years of Change
Four years... wow. I won’t sugarcoat it—it hasn’t always been easy. Socializing, traveling, even maintaining relationships has been a whole new world without a drink in hand. But you know what? It’s been worth it. Every single step. And if I’m being honest, I’m still figuring things out every day.
One thing I’ve noticed is how many of us in the alcohol-free community are leaning into personal growth and wellness. Maybe it’s because when you take alcohol out of the equation, you start noticing everything else your body and mind are trying to tell you.
For me, this past year has been all about nervous system regulation.
Learning to Listen to My Body
I’ve never thought of myself as an anxious person, my friends would probably agree! But recently, I’ve experienced these random, physical bursts of anxiety. Maybe it’s age, hormones, or just life, but it’s definitely been a learning experience. Here are a few tools and people that have been game-changers for me:
Breathwork with James Nestor
Earlier this year, I dove into Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor and let me tell you—it’s been a revelation. I even experimented with mouth-taping at night to encourage nose breathing (yes, it’s a thing!).
I don’t do it every night, and sometimes I wake up to find the tape has mysteriously disappeared, but I’ve noticed a real improvement in my sleep. If you’re curious, you can check out the book here or explore a tape option like this one.
Insights from Laurie Elington
Last month, our ZPE Connect membership had the privilege of learning from Laurie Elington, an expert in nervous system health. Laurie’s down-to-earth, science-backed approach was truly eye-opening, and I loved her grounded, relatable presence.
In 2025, Laurie will be hosting a masterclass with us on topics like heart rate variability and nervous system resilience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! You can learn more about Laurie’s work here.
Movement & Sensory Techniques with Kristin Horstman
At Sober in the City: Seattle, Kristin Horstman led an incredible movement and sensory workshop that left a lasting impact on everyone who attended. Her ability to make these practices both accessible and fun is unmatched. If you haven’t met Kristin yet, get to know her here.
Upcoming: Somatic Experiencing with Brandi Babb
Looking ahead to Sober in the City: Scottsdale, we’re thrilled to welcome Brandi Babb as she shares insights from her journey toward becoming a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I can’t wait to hear her perspective on nervous system health. Learn more about Brandi here.
Join the Conversation
If any of this resonates with you—or if you’re simply curious about connecting with others on a similar path, I’d love for you to check out our ZPE Connect membership. This is where the real conversations and connections happen, as we all figure out what alcohol-free living means today—and what it could mean tomorrow.
So, that’s where I am right now. What about you? What’s “next” on your alcohol-free journey? Let’s keep cheering each other on and embracing the adventure.
Cheers to the journey,
Susie
