The Act of Showing Up

Alcohol Mindset Coaching | EP 119

What does it really mean to “show up” in your life and how is that different from simply “turning up”? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most honest motivations she hears from people rethinking alcohol: the desire to be present. She shares why presence goes so much deeper than physical attendance. Alcohol is often used as an emotional buffer, and what’s possible when you start showing up as the unfiltered version of yourself at home, at work, and in every room you enter. Anna offers a powerful reframe: real presence is not just a skill for parties, but a life skill that transforms relationships and the texture of daily life. This episode is packed with gentle invitations to experiment with being genuinely present for yourself and the people who matter most. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Today we’re exploring the quest for true presence 01:32 The difference between turning up and showing up 03:41 How alcohol acts as a costume, buffering us from authenticity 07:05 Alcohol, performance, and the “gap” we’re trying to bridge 10:55 Children and loved ones can feel when you’re only “half there” 11:54 A new version of attention is possible 13:13 The surprising gifts of ordinary, real-time connection 14:19 Why social events can feel the hardest 17:06 Learning to trust your own presence 20:06 Reframing sobriety: not deprivation, but a richer experience 23:26 Real presence includes awkwardness and dullness 24:14 Letting your actual energy lead is both vulnerable and enough 27:35 Real confidence versus performed confidence 30:07 Showing up is a gift to others, not just yourself 34:37 Final question: will you turn up or show up? 34:46 What’s coming next: unpacking the cultural architecture of alcohol and social life.

Anna’s book "What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and The Life You Want", is now out in the world for you to buy! Order your copy, access her free tools and explore her coaching programmes at: https://thebigdrinkrethink.com/ The Thirsty For More Mindset Lab is Anna’s ‘inner circle’ - a calm, thoughtful space where conversations continue, patterns are explored, and things begin to make sense. Find out more at: https://thirstyformore.substack.com/ If you appreciate the podcast and would like to show a bit of love, you can donate the cost of a coffee here. It helps support the time and care that goes into making the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna: Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna: Website: thebigdrinkrethink.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink Produced by winteraudio.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Listener offer: An exclusive 15% off Botivo - a bittersweet, citrusy aperitivo that perfectly marks that end-of-day moment. If you’d like to try it, you can get 15% off at https://botivodrinks.com/ with the code BIGDRINKRETHINK15.