A Journey to Clarity, Confidence and Better Sex

A Family Legacy Leads to a Wake-Up Call

After turning 40, Megan Klein began to see the effects that alcohol had on her family. Her father, who was always healthy and active, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and associated memory loss. Witnessing his suffering planted a quiet concern in Klein’s heart, and she began to wonder whether his nightly glasses of wine were contributing to his suffering. 

During COVID, Klein found herself living alone and drinking by herself. One night, she looked in the mirror and realized her mind was slipping into a fog she didn’t want to accept. Despite healthy habits like yoga, meditation and eating well, her nightly Negroni was canceling out all that effort. It was then she understood she needed to make a change, not because she thought she was an addict, but because she craved clarity and a sense of vitality she was losing.

"I didn’t want to be someone who always needed a drink to relax or to have fun,” she recalls. “I knew I needed to find a way to enjoy life fully without relying on alcohol." 

Creating Health Habits and Seeking Freedom 

Even still, Klein wasn’t thrilled about giving up the comforting ritual of unwinding after a long day. She thought she could just cut back at first, but what she didn’t realize was how much alcohol occupied her thoughts. She was constantly craving it, obsessing over it, and feeling guilty afterward.  

Then, Klein listened to a podcast where neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explained how even small amounts of alcohol are damaging to her brain and body. That was a turning point for her. 

Putting this new information into practice, she remembers leaving a wedding once feeling ashamed after drinking, then feeling exhausted and regretful the next day. Later, at the airport, Klein ordered a non-alcoholic beer and recognized something that led to the beginning of her journey to a life free of alcohol.

"That realization hit me hard,” she remembers. “I don’t need a drink to enjoy myself or connect with others. I just need to be present." 

Breaking Free from Limits

Klein had a new outlook, but some times of year were still challenging. Holidays, especially her favorite, Halloween, posed a big challenge to her commitment to avoid alcohol. But Klein vividly remembers going to a Halloween party with someone she’d just met, and they didn’t drink. 

"The first holiday without alcohol was eye-opening, “Klein said. “I genuinely had more fun and felt more myself than I ever did with a drink in hand." 

She remembers dancing, laughing and truly enjoying her time, cementing her decision to approach more of life sober. 

Over subsequent holidays, she pushed herself to be alcohol-free, and she found she enjoyed it more than she’d expected. She felt more connected, energized, and present in each moment. She decided that she never wanted to go back.

Support, Rituals and Transformation 

Klein’s new lifestyle evolved into a business idea. She created Little Saints, a non-alcoholic drink lineup offering beverages that mimic the experience of a cocktail. It became her way to indulge in that ritual without the alcohol, and she hoped it would resonate with others. It did. 

The support Klein received from the Little Saints community and her friends was invaluable. She learned that everyone’s journey is unique and that there’s no one “right” way.  

Her daily routines played a critical role in her success. Every morning, Klein puts her phone away and shakes off any negativity by doing back exercises, meditating and yoga. 

"That first hour of my morning is sacred, “Klein said. “It’s how I set the tone for the day; calm, focused and present”

These simple practices keep her grounded, clear and sane amid life’s chaos. Consistency in her rituals keeps her centered and helps her stay committed to her healthy life.

A Life Transformed

Since choosing an alcohol-free life Klein feels like a completely new person. She describes her life as more energized, focused, and vibrant. Her anxiety has eased, and her mental clarity has sharpened. 

"I never realized how much I was holding myself back with alcohol,” she said. “Now, I feel more liberated and true to myself." 

Without alcohol clouding her thoughts, she’s unlocked a deeper sense of confidence and authenticity. She no longer associates fun or relaxation with drinking. Instead, she finds fulfillment in connecting deeply with others and embracing each moment.  

Looking back, Klein sees how much she used to think she needed alcohol to unwind or enjoy social life. Now, she understands true joy comes from being fully engaged in the present. Sobriety has gifted her freedom, health, and a stronger connection with herself.

Words of Encouragement

If you’re contemplating how to start or questioning whether it’s worth it, Klein’s biggest advice is to take small steps. You don’t have to be perfect; progress is enough. The benefits are worth every effort. 

“I don't know anyone who has regretted choosing to drink less alcohol,” Klein said. “Your body feels so much better, you finally feel like you have ‘good energy’ effortlessly, and you feel way smarter and funnier. And you feel like having sex more…and sex is better.”

Most importantly, Klein encourages others to trust that life open and vibrant without alcohol is entirely within reach. All it takes is the willingness to begin.

A New Chapter Begins

Today, Klein describes herself as someone who lives fully and authentically, free from alcohol’s hold. Sobriety has shown her that the most powerful, joyful version of herself is the one who’s clear-minded, courageous, and present. 

Further, she effortlessly embraces the practical side of life. When asked about any advice she wants to share, she suggests drinking as little sugar as possible to help speed up the process of clearing your mind.

“I love to mix Little Saints, which is always zero sugar, with my favorite non-alc modifiers, like Pathfinder and Wilfred's, which have sugar,” she said. “Also, fancy glassware is really helpful. Drinking and N/A cocktail in beautiful glassware makes you want to keep doing it. I show up to most of my sales and fundraising Zoom meetings with a glass filled with a martini made from two parts Little Saints St. Juniper (spirit) and one part Filthy olive juice, shaken with ice and strained into the glass.”

Every day is a gift, and she is grateful for the clarity and freedom she’s found along her journey; especially when a flask-sized bottle of Little Saints is within reach. wink wink

Want to connect with Megan? Find her on instagram @meganjoklein or email her at megan@littlesaints.com. And check out the Little Saints line of non-alc ready-to-drinks and spirits at https://littlesaints.com.