From Awareness to Action: A Sobriety Story of Transformation
When Heather Hawthorne got serious about swapping her wine glass for non-alcoholic options, it wasn't so much an abrupt shift as it was a slow, nearly subconscious, realization. Call it her "spider sense;” a gut feeling that something was off.
Hawthorne found herself drinking alone far more often than she wanted to admit. Subtly, it was starting to create distance in her relationships. When her teenage son began fighting his own battle with substance use, Hawthorne decided to confront the uncomfortable truth that her own drinking habits weren't just personal; they were impacting her family environment.
Read More Below…
The Journey Begins
Hawthorne’s path to sobriety officially began on January 5, 2022. It wasn’t a smooth ride from day one, but she discovered she wasn’t alone in her struggles. Like many others choosing to live life free of the trappings of alcohol, she faced the challenge of redefining friendships, changing routines, and creating new, healthier habits.
“I’d be lying if I said it was easy," she admits. "But I was ready, and that made all the difference.”
With a solid support network, plenty of resources, and a fierce determination, Hawthorne kept moving forward.
Moments of Clarity and Bringing Change
A pivotal breakthrough came when Hawthorne decided to tackle the struggles that seemed to have a mental source. She started facing her issues rather than numbing them.
"It was revelatory," she reflects.
Confronting her past baggage allowed her to finally let go of what no longer served her and see her true self clearly.
Support and Connection
Hawthorne credits her enthusiastic network of friends and family for being her backbone through it all. But she also found additional strength outside her immediate circle.
Holly Whitaker’s quintessential quit-lit book, “Quit Like a Woman” became her playbook, offering guidance and community. She explored sobriety podcasts, connected with online groups, and, perhaps most importantly, aimed to keep it real by being open about her journey.
“Having that support system when you're struggling is so important,” she said.
Monarch Moment: A Life Rewritten
Since embarking on sobriety, Hawthorne has experienced profound changes. About six months into her wellness journey, she found the courage to leave a job that no longer fulfilled her. Not long after, her son faced a major mental health crisis, and Hawthorne was ready. She was sober, grounded, present and ready to support him.
Moving through these difficult times with clarity and resilience has transformed her life. The past three years have been a journey of growth, with sobriety serving as her guiding light. She now shows up for herself, her loved ones, and her future.
Words of Wisdom
For those thinking about taking the first steps toward sobriety, Hawthorne’s advice is simple: “You deserve to experience how incredible it feels to be sober. Just take that first step—and keep going. Your sobriety is yours alone; it doesn’t have to look like anyone else's.”
Connecting with Heather
Hawthorne admits that her relationship with social media has drastically changed since finding sobriety. While her social media accounts are private, she’s open to sharing her story and supporting others. You can find her on Instagram @itsheatherHawthornee—send her a DM if you'd like to connect and talk about your own sober journey.
Want to share your own Sober Story with Dry Lush? Email Erin at drylushatl.com.
We’d love to celebrate your tale of perseverance and strength.
