Why I Became a Sober Coach: My Story

Let me start with the truth: I never thought I'd be writing a blog post about sobriety. Five years ago, if you'd told me I'd be a sober coach helping other women transform their lives, I'd have laughed and poured myself another glass of wine.

But here we are. And honestly? I wouldn't change a thing.

The Social Drinking Trap

I came from what you'd call a "very social drinking family." You know the type, wine with dinner was normal, drinks after work were standard, and every celebration, commiseration, or random Tuesday needed a beverage to accompany it. Alcohol was just... there. Always.

As my roles became progressively more demanding (hello stress!), so did my drinking. What started as social became habitual, then necessary. By 2020 - ah, lockdown, that magical time when we all learned new hobbies like 'day drinking' I was having wine every single day.

Now let me tell you about the negotiations I had with myself. "Just one glass tonight." "I'll start fresh on Monday." "It's been a hard day, I deserve this." Sound familiar? Those conversations became exhausting, and guess what? They never worked. Not once.

My Wake-Up Call (Or Should I Say, Heart Call?)

My turning point wasn't some dramatic rock-bottom moment you see in movies. It was my body staging an intervention.

My cholesterol was climbing, my heart was doing weird palpitations that scared the hell out of me, and sleep? What's that? I was lying awake at 3 AM with my heart racing, knowing the wine that was supposed to help me relax was actually making everything worse.

When my doctor started talking about medication for issues that could potentially be addressed by lifestyle changes, I got scared. Properly scared. Not the "I should probably cut back" scared - the "I need to do something NOW" scared.

Independence Day: July 4th, 2021

I chose July 4th as my quit date, and yes, the irony wasn't lost on me. My Independence Day indeed.

I was smart about it though (teacher brain kicking in). I deliberately started in summer when I'd be off for school holidays. Less daily stress, more time to figure out this whole "not drinking" thing.

The early days were... well, they were what they were. Managing stress without my usual coping mechanism was like trying to write with my non-dominant hand - technically possible, but everything felt awkward and weird.

Fridays were brutal. Social situations felt like navigating a minefield. But here's the thing that saved me: planning and support. My daughter Hilbre, who's a life coach and also living alcohol-free, became my anchor. Having someone who understood made all the difference.

The Transformation That Changed Everything

Here's what they don't tell you about sobriety: it's not just about not drinking. It's about becoming a completely different version of yourself.

My health turned around. My anxiety decreased dramatically. I started sleeping properly for the first time in years. My fitness improved. But more than that, I started growing as a person in ways I never expected.

I've always worked with service and purpose close to my heart - they're core values for me. As I watched my own transformation unfold, I realised I had skills from my education background and lived experience that could help other women going through the same thing.

It felt like a calling, honestly. How could I keep this to myself?

Why I Focus on Women Like Me

I became a qualified sobriety and life coach with The Sober Club and trained as an NLP Practitioner because I wanted to do this properly. I started coaching professionally in September 2024, and I wish I could tell you how rewarding it's been. I 'retired' from my education role in July 2025 so I can focus wholly on coaching.

Here's what makes my approach different: I get it. I've lived it.

I understand what it's like to manage high-stress roles while trying to maintain your sobriety. I know about the unique challenges of midlife - hello perimenopause and menopause, I've navigated career transitions, relationship changes, aging parents, empty nest and all the other curveballs life throws at women in their 45+ years.

My coaching is holistic because sobriety isn't just about not drinking, it's about developing your new sober identity and future-pacing your life. I provide comprehensive notes for my clients because I know how overwhelming this journey can feel, and sometimes you need to go back and remind yourself how far you've come.

What I Wish I'd Had

During my own recovery journey, I desperately wanted accountability from someone in my age bracket who truly understood the issues midlife women face (my daughter in 34).

I wanted independent advice from someone who'd walked this path and come out the other side stronger. I listened to a zillion AF podcasts and read books, for me connection is key.

That's exactly what I provide now. I love helping women 45+ who feel stuck and often unhappy in other areas of their lives - career, relationships, you name it. Because here's the secret: when you get sober, everything else becomes possible to change too.

It's Never Too Late

If you're reading this and thinking "maybe this is me," I want you to know something: it's never too late to transform your life. I was 57 when I made this change, and it's been the most life-changing and best decision I've ever made.

You don't have to hit rock bottom. You don't have to wait for the "perfect" moment. You just have to be ready to start.

And if you are? I'm here. Because we're stronger together, and your story is just beginning.

Polly x

Enjoying life at 60