Journey to the Sunnyside

Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. In this episode, Katie Nessel from Soberish Mom and I talk through what Dry(ish) January really looks like in real life, why flexibility works better than white-knuckling, and where people tend to get stuck when they try to force change. We unpack the difference between Dry and Dry(ish), why slip-ups don’t undo progress, and how the Sunnyside challenge supports planning, awareness, and community without pressure. We close with how to think about success in January and how to carry that momentum forward instead of rebounding in February.
--
Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/
- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/
- Twitter:  https://x.com/joinsunnyside
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnyside

ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Creators and Guests

Host
Mike Hardenbrook
#1 best-selling author of "No Willpower Required," neuroscience enthusiast, and habit change expert.

What is Journey to the Sunnyside?

Journey to the Sunnyside is a top 1% podcast, reaching over 500,000 listeners every week. It’s your guide to exploring mindful living with alcohol—whether you're cutting back, moderating, or thinking about quitting.

While Sunnyside helps you reduce your drinking, this podcast goes further, diving into topics like mindful drinking, sober curiosity, moderation, and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert insights, and science-backed strategies, we help you find what actually works for your journey.

Hosted by Mike Hardenbrook, a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, the show is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol—without shame, judgment, or rigid rules.

This podcast is brought to you by Sunnyside, the leading platform for mindful drinking. Want to take the next step in your journey? Head over to sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in our episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We’re committed to sharing diverse perspectives on health and wellness. If you’re concerned about your drinking, please consult a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical providers and the content is not medical advice. We do not endorse drinking in any amount.

Speaker 1:

Katie Nessel from Soberish Mom is back, and today we're getting practical. We're talking about dry and dryish January, and how to approach it in a way that actually works in real life. We get into the difference between going fully dry and taking a more flexible approach, why all or nothing tends to backfire, and where people usually get tripped up early in the month. And we talk about what success in January really looks like, especially if your goal is to carry the momentum forward instead of snapping back in February. Alright, Katie.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for coming back on today.

Speaker 2:

Thanks so much for having me.

Speaker 1:

Alright. We're gonna jump into heading into 2026, and part of that discussion is dry January. And so you did this the past couple years. Right? And in fact, for anybody not listening, January was kind of your starting point just by, your entire history around, like, where you started and where you are now.

Speaker 1:

Yes. Yeah. So tell us a little bit about, like, driest January driest January and what you have planned this year.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Well, like you mentioned, I mean, I started three years ago in January, but it was not January 1. It was January 18. So I, you know, I was somebody who was very reticent to make a change in their life, and I felt like I really did not have the tools or strategies yet to just go thirty days dry. I would try.

Speaker 2:

I would always start, and then I'd be like, I don't need to do this. Three or four days later, I'd be like, this is why am I even doing this? I go break habit. And so, finally, when things started clicking for me last year, Sunnyside and I partnered and did kind of the first community dryish January challenge. And predominantly women, I mean, all are welcome to join, but it's mostly a group of women.

Speaker 2:

And within the challenge, like, we have our own private chat room that women sharing everything that they're going throughout the month with daily prompts. I provide a daily resource or tip or a journal prompt for people to respond to, and it is, like, the most raw, real conversations that are happening in the chat room. And so it was, like, it was a huge success. And and what I love about Dress January is, like, the bar to entry is low. Like, you just have to come in with a curiosity about how drinking less might have a positive on your life.

Speaker 2:

Like, perfectionism is not required. Just come in with an awareness and bringing some mindfulness to how alcohol is playing a role in your daily life and see how the month goes. So that's what I love about the challenge. It's not a you know, dry January is kind of like dry January is, like, less pressured cousin who's just, like, here to see how things can go and just approach it with a very open mind. And I would say, like, one of my number one tips too is, like, I I really didn't wanna just do thirty days dry and then go straight back to drinking like a fish.

Speaker 2:

I would approach dry as January of, like, what is, like, a long term change I could make through q one, like, through March? Like, what's, like, a reasonable realistic change? Is it cutting 50%? Only, you know, cutting back, you know, Monday through Friday, I'm not drinking, or what does that look like for you? And try and think of it as, like, not just, like, I need to quite knuckle it through this month, get there, and then February 1, I cannot wait to get smashed.

Speaker 2:

Like, think about it as, like, what's a long term change I can make for myself? And, like, what feels actually realistic? And I think with that, you're gonna see a lot more positive change for the entire year to come.

Speaker 1:

For sure. So that yo yo effect, I mean, we all know it for diet. Right. But it goes along all habits. And one of the best things here in you saying it doesn't have to be perfection is that even though you didn't necessarily follow a plan, you started on the January 18.

Speaker 1:

That wouldn't be classified as being perfect. So we already know that you're sitting here talking to me that there is proof that you don't have to be perfect.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. It's like three years later, and I've cut back my drinking 90%. I mean, it's it was let's you know, it was the plan for me that worked long term, which was what I was really looking for. So, yes, I'm proof in the pudding however they Alright.

Speaker 1:

So dry as January. So anybody if it's not self explanatory, dry January is taking the full month off. Dry as January is flexibility. You get to choose your goal. It's just a matter of drinking less.

Speaker 1:

Is there is there some guardrails to that, Katie? Like, how should I how do people define doing dry as January? How should they start thinking about it?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. No. I think you're completely right. It's like a harm reduction moderation approach. There's less pressure, and hopefully, you're gonna see a long term change.

Speaker 2:

But otherwise, it's it's really not about rules. It's not about, like, setting up these, yeah, like you said, hard and fast, like, guardrails for yourself. It's about approaching the month with some curiosity and bringing mindfulness to how you're drinking and when you're drinking and what triggers you, why are you drinking, and kinda reflecting on that throughout the month. And, hopefully, you get to the end of the month. And if you've been tracking or following the daily prompts, like, you are gonna learn so much about yourself in this month, and look back and just be really proud of everything you've accomplished.

Speaker 2:

And even if you don't make it, you know, a 100% dry or you even if you don't stick to your goal of, like, drinking 50% less, you are a 100% ahead of the person that never started. So just start is always my always my number of pieces of advice. Just start and see what happens, and you can just baby step it through to where you ultimately wanna end up. Like I shared in the previous episode, like, I did this two week cleanse, and then come the day after, I went out and, like, had four cocktails with my girlfriend. So it was like, I just you know, the the drinking nothing approach, like, I knew wasn't really gonna be a long term change for me.

Speaker 2:

But it was like, I woke up that next morning. I knew, okay. I'm I'm done with this. Like, I am so over this. I've been feeling so good for a couple weeks and now just went and, like, overdrank and I'm I'm done with this.

Speaker 2:

So I instead of beating myself up, I was like, wow. I've learned a lot about myself in this last little kind of mini challenge I gave myself. What's like a goal I could set long term? And that for me, it was like, I'm gonna cut back 50%. And that's what I'm gonna work towards, and that's what I'm gonna track towards in my app.

Speaker 2:

And then I just kept making better and better decisions, kept drinking drink less. So it became, you know, something that was really hard for me. It felt like such a sacrifice to something that was, you know, it was to something I was really enjoying, and I could see such benefit in every other area of my life. So I think come, you know, approach the month with openness and, like, willingness to learn and just stay curious.

Speaker 1:

I think a lot of people might be wondering, you know, what classifies as as dryish. Right?

Speaker 2:

Place.

Speaker 1:

Do I have to be next to nothing? Is it just one day less? Is there is it just no holds barred? Just whatever you want it to be is what it is, and that's dry as January. How do you like, if somebody comes to you and says, like, is that enough?

Speaker 1:

Is did I cut enough? What do you usually say to that?

Speaker 2:

I usually ask them, like, what is your ultimate goal? Do you think you cut enough? Like, how do you feel? How is it are you noticing an impact? And I always put the question back on yourself.

Speaker 2:

And it's gonna change for you. So when you approach the month, number one, make a make a plan. You know? Okay. I'm gonna start with a period of abstinence if I can, or I'm gonna cut back 50% for the month.

Speaker 2:

And and this is my plan. Use the app. Keep tracking. And then along the way, like, just take note of what's happening, how you feel. And at the end of the month, like, how do you feel?

Speaker 2:

What what was good about the month? What was hard? What was bad? Like, what do you wanna do moving forward? And what is your ultimate goal with alcohol?

Speaker 2:

Is it to become somebody who can drink just, you know, a glass of wine once in a while or have a cocktail or two on a date night and and that's kinda it? Is it somebody who never drinks at all? Is it somebody who has having no more than one drink a day? You know, it's there's so many ways to approach it. And I think what's the most important question is, like, what feels best to you?

Speaker 2:

What makes you wake up and feel really proud of yourself, have no regrets? And that is what I would work towards. That's a question I get a lot. Like, don't she feel guilty still drinking? Absolutely not.

Speaker 2:

No. I don't. Like, I feel really proud of myself because I know how much I was drinking. I know how much I could, and I'm not in that place anymore. And I'm so proud of myself.

Speaker 2:

And I wake up after sticking to my goal, and I'm like, oh, that was you know, I'm I'm I'm so proud of myself. And and there are a lot of mornings I wake up where I was like, okay. I don't actually really think I needed that drink. So that's something I'm gonna take note of. And, like, maybe next time I'll drink, you know, something different, hot mucktail and see how that feels.

Speaker 2:

Just stay curious and, like, think of it in the long term.

Speaker 1:

Oh, it's so good. And, you know, it makes me think the same way. Like, my goal was always no longer be a a daily nightly drinker.

Speaker 2:

Right. Yes.

Speaker 1:

And I ever since I made that commitment and, you know, stumbling early on, but after that, I've always kept to that commitment. Have I maybe exceeded the recommended amounts, you know, according to some of the biohackers? Yes. I have. But I've never but I feel proud of myself because I've never returned to the ultimate goal.

Speaker 1:

For you, it was 50% less.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

For me, it was no longer to be a nightly drinker. And for somebody else, they're gonna know what's right for them. Right. You know? We all know, I think we we all ultimately know the answers.

Speaker 1:

And in fact, a good coach will not give you an answer. They will pull the answer out of you just like you do right there. And so if anybody's listening and they're thinking through it, course, you can go for some guidance and say, hey. This is what I'm thinking about. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But, ultimately, you know what's best for you, at least, you know, to get started.

Speaker 2:

Right. Right. Absolutely. Yeah. And I I I think, you know, speaking for women, from my personal experience, I think women put an enormous amount of pressure on themselves, and and women have a lot of deprivation in their life.

Speaker 2:

Don't eat this. Make sure you look like this. Like, don't speak this way. You can't do this because you are the designated parent. Therefore, you are responsible.

Speaker 2:

The children are a reflection of you. It's it's like it's to to me, there's a lot more women than men in that in my personal experience. So I didn't want one more thing in my life that was a rule that, like, I was no longer allowed to do. And I and I know that will sound maybe a little controversial to some people, but, you know, giving myself the option to drink, like, it it just allowed me to drink way less than I ever planned. So that's why I think dry ish or damp January and an approach to moderation is is so impactful and, like, resonates with so many women is, like, there's less pressure and hopefully more long term gain.

Speaker 2:

Like I said, like, I didn't wanna just do a dry month and go back to drinking like I was for the rest of the year. And so moderation really allows you to set yourself up for, like, that change through the entire year. So that's you know, having some flexibility approaching it that way is how I would look at the month ahead for sure.

Speaker 1:

I like that as far as it's we're playing long ball here. Like, just getting through January isn't gonna set you up if you're not if you're not doing something that's sustainable, makes you happy, if it just makes you miserable. Mhmm. It's just anything that you do. I mean, you see the 75 hard, which is that program where people do seventy five days, like, two workouts, like, all these different things.

Speaker 1:

Gross. And everyone that I know, like, they they take pictures of their before and after. And then if you see them thirty days after their after picture, they look more like their before picture. Yeah. It's Because they're just not sustainable.

Speaker 2:

Not at all. No. I know I've never done certified hard. My friends sometimes will do it in January, and I'm like, no way. Like, that is I'm gonna swing the other side of a yo yo effect.

Speaker 2:

No. I will. I just know myself. And to deprive myself of, like, you know, the diet's very strict to, like, all your social time is gonna have to go working out and reading and walking. Like, I mean, it's just, like, I can't live life that way.

Speaker 2:

And so for moderation, it was like, oh, I can live my life this way. Like, I absolutely can. I'm really enjoying this too.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So this year, you're doing the driest January Sunnyside. You did it last year.

Speaker 2:

Mhmm.

Speaker 1:

First, let's start with what makes it feel different, I guess, in practice versus doing it on your own.

Speaker 2:

Oh my gosh. Yeah. Well, it's, for me, like, the system of accountability, like, having that that was life changing for me. I started when I was, you know, starting my Silver Curios journey. I was tracking by hand, like, with a big calendar and, like, putting stickies and stars, but it was like, I just couldn't keep up with it.

Speaker 2:

And I I couldn't really measure how accurately, like, I was cutting back or I would forget, you know, a day or and and the graphs in the month over month and the trend predictions that you get in the app were absolutely life changing. So even if you're slipping up or like, oh, crap. I had four drinks last night. Like, track it. Because it is eye opening how much you were actually drinking if you were tracking every day.

Speaker 2:

So definitely using the app as a system of accountability was what made it stick long term for me. The second thing is the community. Like, we have a private community chat room for people in the challenge, whether you're doing the main Sunnyside challenge or my Soberish Mom challenge. And that is, like, that changed my life too because I realized, like, I wasn't alone. People post anonymously so vulnerably.

Speaker 2:

Like, I was doing so great. And then, dang it. I was gonna have a glass of wine. Drank the entire entire bottle last night. I'm so upset with myself when people will, you know, write in tips or support.

Speaker 2:

And it's just just seeing that is like, oh my god. You too. Because I think that we are just we have so much shame around our habits. Like, I was scared to tell anyone. I didn't think anyone was drinking like me.

Speaker 2:

It turns out millions of people were. Like, didn't wanna tell my husband. I mean, I was just like, you know, I wasn't really hiding it or getting to that point, but I was like, I don't think he's noticed. And he was like, oh, I've definitely noticed stuff. He was maybe getting a little nervous too.

Speaker 2:

But I was I was like, shame was my blanket. I wrap myself every night. Yeah. I woke up. I fucking hating myself.

Speaker 2:

And so I just wanted to break free from it so much. And so the community allowed me to, like, share my struggles, my wins, my successes, questions in a completely anonymous, nonjudgmental way. So definitely encourage you to look at the community, portion of the app each day or as often as you you'd like. And then I think, like, the no judgment approach, like, I love the messaging and and the prompts and the emails and things that Sunnyside gives you because I have tried a different before, and it was like a lot of scare tactics and a lot of making you feel terrible. And and I love that that that Sunnyside doesn't do that.

Speaker 2:

And then one of the biggest things we've changed this year is that I, over the past year, had written a guide of, like, a day to day guide of everything I did in my first thirty days to including, like, nutrition, you know, foods that will help you curb alcohol cravings, exercise and movement practices, education. I mean, it's it's it's only about 50 pages, but some education around habit loops, how to break habit loops, some some tips, and, like, a day to day resource that you because we did not that last year. And I think it's like, unless you're just doing a lot of that yourself, like getting your book or, like, listening to podcasts and things, it's it kinda feels like, oh, where are you? You know, I got the app. This is great, but, like, I need more.

Speaker 2:

And so, with Sonny's side, we created, like, a guide that you get for free. Everything for the month is free in our challenge, and you will have a resource to kinda help you through some of the hardest points and understanding cravings and how to get through those. So that's something that's one thing that we changed this year that I hope people find really, really helpful.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. What was the difference? What's the big changes from the update from maybe there isn't a big update, but, you know, can you talk about a little bit things that maybe you're excited about from past year that you're bringing in this year and some things that are new?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Yeah. So the so the guide will be completely new, and then we're also doing, like, thirty one days of giveaways. So some more like positive, you know, reinforcement, some more fun little freebies, and we have some amazing partners coming in. Every day we'll be doing different giveaways.

Speaker 2:

And then we've really changed all of the daily prompts to be more science based strategies to actually, like, work through your thought process of reflecting on, like, how the month is going. And, at the end of the month, you'll be able to look back at everything you've tracked. And my hope is that you will be just be so proud of yourself, everything you've accomplished. And also, you'll learn some of your triggers. Some of, like, why am I drinking?

Speaker 2:

What am I using it to cope with or hide that's going on in my life? Like, for me, when I started, as soon as I was able to start, like, journaling and reflecting, I was like, oh, I don't wanna be a stay at home mom anymore. Like, I had always had a very successful career. I quit to take care of my kids, which I really wanted. That was exactly what I wanted and I loved for about two years.

Speaker 2:

It was too much. I was too isolated. I was ready to go back to work. And within three months of, you know, cutting back and starting soberish mom, I went back to work, you know, full time. And that was like, I just couldn't see it clearly when I had the fog of alcohol kinda every night.

Speaker 2:

It was like, I'm just I was just like, this is not a good fit for me. God bless any stay at home parents that are listening, like, you have the hardest job there is truly. And it was not the best fit for me after after the first year too. So so I think just looking back on the month and reflecting on, yeah, what what really alcohol has been maybe hiding or has been your escape from. Like, for sure, was hiding this big conversation I needed to have with my husband about going back to work that I was just avoiding.

Speaker 2:

You know? Yeah. So yeah. So I hope you I hope you have to take away some some big learnings this month.

Speaker 1:

I feel the same. I think you and I are liking that, like, self reflection and journaling and that kind of stuff is very much, like, transformational or impactful and feels like there's a hole there without it once it once it gets filled. But looking at back at last year, what was your favorite part for you? I'm gonna ask you personally. Everybody could take something and connects with a certain way.

Speaker 1:

Some people are gonna love this or that. What was Yeah. What did what really draws you into the Sunnyside challenge that you connect?

Speaker 2:

For me, it was the community. It was the first time that Sunnyside had ever set up a private chat room for women in the Sober Small Challenge. And so we had, like I don't know. I think it was 2,500 people, and it was mostly parents, and it was the most it had the most profound effect on me. And I'd already been almost two years into my journey, so I'm like, I'm pretty, like, solid.

Speaker 2:

Sometimes, you know, it's hard for me to kinda remember where I was when I started. But it was, like, so eye opening for me to see all these women, you know, coming together and then relationships were formed and bonded. And we only planned on keeping the community open for January, and then we ended up doing it all year. So then all year, I ran challenges with Sunnyside, and we kept the chat room open because it was just so beautiful seeing people share so openly. So I think, especially when you are starting out and maybe you're scared to talk to your own friend group or family or you don't have a lot of cheerleaders in your life, you'll find those in that, which is really nice.

Speaker 2:

And then people were, like, trying to exchange emails, like, in the you know, because it's all anonymous, but they would have bonded. So they're trying to, like, find a way to, like, get to know each other outside. I mean, it was really cool. It was really special. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. I agree with you. Community, I think, is so important, and the communities that we have inside of Sunnysiders are, like, very supportive and nurturing and tips and and do the try this, and this is what worked for me maybe, you know, and supportive in just every single way Totally. Which makes that really is is so integral to to success. It's really to feel supported.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Alright. So if somebody's interested in doing dry ice January, what's what's one mindset that will actually set them up for success getting leading up to it?

Speaker 2:

Oh, yeah. I I think when I was starting out, it felt like I was giving up so much. Like, was drinking was my favorite. Like, I loved pouring that drink in the evening. I look forward to it.

Speaker 2:

I just it was like my cozy little treat. And so it felt like a huge sacrifice. Approach the month thinking about everything you're gonna gain by giving up this one thing. And and I know you you might not be able to see it right away. I didn't.

Speaker 2:

It felt like just this huge, really hard, boring thing I had to do. And and as I did that, I reflected and wrote things down. So I started writing down like, wow. My sleep scores are are better. I'm sleeping better.

Speaker 2:

Wow. I have more energy. Oh my gosh. I need less products on my skin. My skin looks better.

Speaker 2:

Like, I am more patient with my kids. I have less anxiety. My relationship is improving. I my my I'm lost three pounds. Like, I all these things started coming into place were huge benefits.

Speaker 2:

So I started writing those down. And then in I would also write in a list, like, what I got from alcohol that I love. Love. And I was honest. Two hours of fun.

Speaker 2:

Like, super fun. I loved it. I could, like, binge watch a show, eat a bag of chips without feeling guilty about it. Like, it just, you know, does all those things in your brain. And then I would spend forty eight hours not feeling good.

Speaker 2:

And eventually, started to see that alcohol was not my treat, that it was not my reward. It was actually holding me in every aspect of my life at the way I was drinking. And I that mindset really started shift sinking in, and that's when I knew I was gonna make it a long term change. It was like, I'm trading everything for ninety minutes, maybe more, maybe a little bit more, maybe two hours max of, like, relaxation and sun. I'm trading forty eight hours and all this huge list of other downsides to it.

Speaker 2:

And for me, it was like, okay. Well, this is not worth it anymore. Yeah. Sure. Having one or two drinks on a date night with my friends, like, I'm gonna keep that in my life because I was I still enjoy that.

Speaker 2:

But, like, this daily drinking habit I've gotten into or almost daily is like, I'm done with this. And so that process, like your pro and cons list is, like, very, very full, I think. Yeah. The so that's a mindset I would think, start with. It's like, I here's everything I'm I'm not giving up out, you know, so much in my life.

Speaker 2:

Like, I'm here's everything I'm taking back, and that really helped me see, like, the role alcohol was actually playing in my life.

Speaker 1:

Oh, yeah. For sure. I mean, it's not a sacrifice where you stand to gain. It's all about positioning what you're doing and Yeah. And you're and inquiring your why.

Speaker 1:

Why are you doing this? Because but when people are like, yeah. But I really like to drink, but it's like, do you really, though? And, like, what about it? You know, like you said, what?

Speaker 1:

A couple hours or maybe even less than a couple hours.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Oh, I love the taste. Do you really, though? And then compare it to your list on let's say that's on your left. Compare it to the list on the right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Get up early, work out, feel great about myself. Yeah. Get in tune with spirituality. Whatever your list is, like, look how lopsided that looks.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Yes.

Speaker 1:

And I'm not saying give it up, but I'm just saying it might not be as great as you think

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

When you start to weigh it out and really really take inventory of, like, what's most important you.

Speaker 2:

Yes. And that's one thing I should have mentioned to you, writing out your why. Did you do that in the beginning? Did you do that?

Speaker 1:

Yes. Yeah. Yes. I did.

Speaker 2:

That's another thing I really one of your first things I would do right now today, either on your phone. I did probably on your phone so you can keep it with you. It it is nice handwriting things out too, but, like, your why. Why are you here? And that's that's a prompt we have, like, in the chat room, and people will write, like, these paragraphs of, like, you know, for my health, for this and that, but also, like, for my kids.

Speaker 2:

Like, I grew up in a drinking household. And I didn't think that had a big impact on me for a long time. I did not believe that that had an impact on me. And then I went through some therapy, I realized that actually did have a huge impact on me. And then I realized I was falling in my my parents' footsteps.

Speaker 2:

And so I think my kids for sure became my wife. And that was above the health benefits, above all else. It was that was my why. And so whenever I have a craving or I think about reaching for that second drink, like, I'll I'll still to this day sometimes need to read that list and remind myself. And having your why on hand at all times is very important right now.

Speaker 2:

Also, at the end of your why, I just want you to write, like, I'm gonna be so proud of myself if I make it through this. And you will. You cannot believe how stoked you are when you get through a craving the next day or at the end of the month. Like, it will start those good habits will start building on themselves. Another, you know, really important thing is you're starting out education.

Speaker 2:

I mean, for sure. Your book absolutely changed my life. And then few podcasts I listened to were life changing. That Huberman Labs is it Hoverman or Huberman? Huberman?

Speaker 1:

I say Huberman.

Speaker 2:

Okay. Huberman Labs podcast, like, what alcohol does to your brain, body, and health, I listen to every January because it it was so eye opening for me. I had no idea how alcohol was impacting, like, my body, my anxiety. It was not something I associated with. Like, I got hungover hangovers.

Speaker 2:

Like, okay. My skin isn't great. I'm dehydrated. I get it. But the way it was impacting my anxiety, like, am somebody who run runs very anxious.

Speaker 2:

That I had no idea. And then within about a week, I could feel my anxiety changing and, like, confidence in myself coming and confidence in my decision making. I never had to ask myself anymore, like, would I have done that if I had been drinking? Would would I have snapped at my kids like that if I hadn't if I hadn't been drinking? Excuse me.

Speaker 2:

And I didn't have to ask myself that anymore. So I think some education is really helpful right now and inspiring. Like, find a book, a podcast, you know, our podcast, obviously, Sunny Side's podcast. Your podcast. Sorry.

Speaker 2:

You know, is like getting some education about what's really happening is helpful. Also, it's really helpful for breaking a habit. Just understanding, like, your brain is wired right on a certain way. We just need to rewire it. It's gonna take a little time and work, but you can absolutely get there.

Speaker 1:

I love that I love that, and I'm gonna tack on to it. One thing that I I like to do is think through what would my perfect day look like.

Speaker 2:

Right. Right.

Speaker 1:

And I don't think most people would say my perfect day would start with being hungover, probably with a little bit of anxiety. What? Yeah. But maybe it would be like, I feel good, and I'm not even actually thinking about drinks because the night before, I only had one, and I feel I'm just on with my day today. And and then it would lead into so it's it's not to say that your perfect day has to say that you were, like, a 100% sober, but you're not letting yourself down.

Speaker 1:

And it's that walk through that perfect day. I think that'll help unfold exactly what your why is, what's most important to you. And then you can align that to what your actions need to make that happen.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Alright. So let's let's finish out here. So we talked about the mindset walking in. Mhmm. What actually when when January's over, does define success for dryish January?

Speaker 2:

Oh, I mean, I think if if you can just learn one thing about yourself this month or about your habits with alcohol, like, that's that's success. I mean, no no matter how you finish, you're 100% ahead of yourself if you didn't start and the person that never started. So if you are slipping up, maybe you didn't make it exactly it wasn't the month didn't go exactly how you thought, reflect. Continue answering the daily props in the app and, like, continue tracking. And, ultimately, you should just feel so proud of yourself and just learn a lot about yourself during the month.

Speaker 1:

Oh, well, that's great advice. Sorry, Katie. Well, this has been amazing. I always loved hanging out with you. Anyways, listen.

Speaker 1:

If you can't tell, Katie and I are actually friends. So

Speaker 2:

Right here.

Speaker 1:

No. Just sitting here on the podcast together.

Speaker 2:

Thank you.

Speaker 1:

Well, anybody that's listening, though, I want I want you to have some chance to share about anything that you have going on. Of course, you have dry ice January with Sunnyside, but anything else or if anybody wants to get in contact with you

Speaker 2:

Oh, I would always say Go for it. DM me on Instagram. I mean, that's where I that's my bread and butter. I'm on all the platforms, but that's my quickest response time is is Instagram for sure. I would love to hear from you.

Speaker 2:

And, yeah, just I mean, I'm just working on building the business. It's so hard with young kids and you know how it is.

Speaker 1:

You're doing it, though. You're doing it, and you're doing an amazing job.

Speaker 2:

Thank you.

Speaker 1:

And it looks like you're having fun doing it.

Speaker 2:

It's great. Yes. I'm very, very lucky. Yeah. Great to see you.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Well, thanks so much. And, anybody that's listening, happy New Year.