In this uplifting episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," hosts Kathleen and Sonia bring a light-hearted touch to the serious topic of staying sober during New Year's Eve. With warmth and humor, they recount their own past holiday experiences, marked by not-so-glamorous moments of substance abuse, and compare them to their now joy-filled, sober celebrations. Kathleen and Sonia take us through the often overwhelming social pressures and emotional challenges that come with the holiday season, yet they keep the mood buoyant by sharing their favorite alternative sober celebration ideas. Whether it's hosting a cozy get-together, enjoying a lively sober event, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, they remind us that there are countless ways to make New Year's Eve special and memorable without alcohol. The duo emphasizes the shift in perspective that sobriety brings, turning New Year's Eve from a potential obstacle into an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. They sprinkle their conversation with encouraging and hopeful quotes, like Sonia's humorous take on relearning how to party sober and Kathleen's expressions of deep gratitude for the new life she has found in sobriety. Listeners are invited to join in on this heartfelt yet light-hearted conversation, where laughter and wisdom go hand in hand. Kathleen and Sonia show that sobriety doesn't mean missing out on fun—it means rediscovering joy in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. Tune in for a dose of positivity and inspiration on how to turn New Year's Eve into a celebration of new beginnings and true happiness. 00:00:00 | Celebration of download milestone!00:02:16 | Reasons why New Year's Eve is tough to stay sober00:04:00 | Importance of having a plan for a sober New Year's Eve00:04:43 | Ways to reframe the idea of New Year's Eve00:07:00 | Sonia's experience of being sober on New Year's Eve00:08:00 | Kathleen's experience of being a messy drinker on New Year's Eve00:09:00 | Story of Kathleen's New Year's Eve where she found herself high, cold, and stranded 00:10:00 | Reflection on the past and commitment to sobriety00:11:00 | Conclusion and end of the transcript00:11:48 | Risky behavior and addiction to risk-taking00:15:21 | Shift in priorities after getting sober00:17:15 | Drug and alcohol-free New Year's Eves00:19:32 | New Year's Eve as a time for reset and renewal00:20:22 | New Year's resolutions and gratitude00:22:00 | New Year's Eve activities and possibilities00:23:29 | New Year's Eve retreat ideas00:25:37 | Exploring alternative plans for staying sober on New Year's00:26:00 | Hosting a sober gathering with a friend and kids00:27:58 | Emphasizing the freedom and possibilities of being sober00:28:14 | Reflecting on the gratitude of being in control and sober