Ep 152. Surviving the Silly Season Sober (and enjoying it!) with Abby Calabrese
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssShow Notes
In the heart of New York City, Abby Calabrese was living the dream on paper but the reality was she was quietly unravelling behind the scenes. Long days, late nights, and a culture steeped in drinking turned alcohol into her go-to coping mechanism, even as the cost to her wellbeing grew harder to ignore.
In this episode, Abby shares how walking away from alcohol became the catalyst for a complete identity shift and the creation of Alcohol Free Rebellion, a movement dedicated to helping others question the role alcohol plays in their lives. Ash and Abby dive into the awkwardness of social events without a drink in hand, the emotional honesty that sobriety demands, and how choosing not to numb out can radically transform relationships and self-worth. Abby offers practical guidance for facing triggers, especially during the holidays, while staying anchored in intention, community, and self-compassion. She speaks to the power of mindfulness in strengthening intuition and making choices that truly align with who you are. At the heart of her story are the non-negotiables she now lives by: authenticity, emotional awareness, and unwavering self-care as the foundation of a full, meaningful, alcohol-free life.
Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Abby Calabrese and Her Journey 02:53 Navigating Life After Alcohol 05:45 The Challenge of Socializing Sober 08:29 Understanding Emotions and Feelings 11:34 Shifting Perspectives on Life 14:20 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships 17:25 Hiding Behind a Smile: Abby's Photo Story 20:02 Recognizing Rock Bottoms and Justifications 22:48 The Roots of Abby's Drinking History 24:19 The Role of Alcohol in Socialization 29:29 Recognizing the Problem 32:21 The Turning Point 37:24 The Challenge of Sobriety 38:44 Shame and Stigma in Motherhood 43:59 Transforming Relationships in Sobriety 45:46 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships 47:22 Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays 49:16 Practical Tips for Alcohol-Free Celebrations 53:40 Listening to Your Intuition 56:50 Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Awareness 01:02:36 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life
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