How one habit led me to a whole new way of living — and why I’m choosing health this year

Hi loves,

There’s nothing like pregnancy to motivate you to protect your body (and the little one growing inside of you). So very easily and naturally, I stopped drinking.

Years earlier, I had already quit the heavy partying in the name of healing, so it really wasn’t a big deal. But after pregnancy, I decided to stay sober-curious. I was simply interested in seeing how long I could keep it up. And the longer I went without drinking, the better I felt.

I'm not writing this to convince you to never have alcohol again (although I will share why I decided to stay sober). What I really want to share is this:

👉 It’s possible to start — and stick with — habits that are good for you, even if they go against cultural norms.
This is a reminder to me, too. Today, I’m starting a new challenge: eliminating processed foods and added sugars. And this post? It’s my roadmap — a reflection on how I successfully changed my relationship with alcohol, and a guide to help me (and you) move through any big lifestyle change.

4 Ways I Stayed Sober After Pregnancy

1. My reason was deeply compelling

I had the most motivating reason of all: growing human life. The risks far outweighed any perceived benefits. Not every decision is that cut and dry — sugar, for example, is more subtle and socially accepted despite its well-documented health risks.

Still, I challenge you to get quiet and really ask yourself why you're making a change.
Is it a soul-aligned reason? Or are you doing it because you “should”?

When I check in with my intuition, I usually get a deep inner knowing. If it feels right in my bones, I move forward. That’s when I know I’m on the right path — not from pressure, but from truth.

2. I kept a running list of the benefits

Your brain will gather evidence for whatever you believe. Use that to your advantage.
I noticed that without alcohol:

• My energy increased
  
• My sleep improved
  
• My thoughts were clearer and more productive
  

Every time I noticed a positive shift, I celebrated it (sometimes literally with a happy dance). That joy fuels momentum.

3. I held it lightly

This is why I love the term “sober curious.” I never declared to the world that I’d be sober forever — I simply gave myself permission to explore what felt best. That kept it spacious.

Example: I recently tried a sip of champagne at a celebration. It looked so good! But when I actually tasted it… it was gross. That sip only deepened my clarity. And because I wasn’t rigid or harsh with myself, I felt totally free — empowered, not restricted.

4. I surrounded myself with support

My environment made this easy. My family knew I was breastfeeding and choosing not to drink, so anytime wine came out, someone would pour me a sparkling water — no questions asked.

But even if you're not in a fully supportive space, remember:
You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
You can simply pour your own drink and keep it moving.

Still, I highly recommend having at least one person you trust to have your back when you're actively making changes.

Why I Chose to Stay Sober

• Because I wanted to.
  
• I feel better when I don’t drink.
  
• Alcohol is literally a neurotoxin. I didn’t like the fog, fatigue, or brain fuzz.
  
• It blocked my intuition. Energetically, my channels felt fuzzy and misaligned.
  

How I Got Here

Before I really healed myself, alcohol was my go-to for:

• Confidence
  
• Numbing my emotions
  
• Fitting in
  
• Unwinding from stress
  

I’d wait for the weekend, or the clock to hit 5pm, and then use it as a crutch. Can you relate?

But the truth is: I was just avoiding my feelings — stress, loneliness, awkwardness, insecurity.

Once I learned how to actually be with myself… and once I got sick enough of the side effects of drinking… I slowly let it go. First occasionally. Then altogether when I began trying to conceive.

Now, I joke that my new motto is:
👉 “If it ain’t good for a baby, it ain’t good for me.” 😉

This Year, I’m Choosing Healthy Habits

Not just for me, but for my daughter — whose little mirror neurons are watching and learning how to navigate life by watching me.

If you have kids, try this:

✨ Exercise:

Pretend you’re watching yourself through their eyes.
What are they seeing you do?
How are they learning to deal with their own feelings?
What are you unintentionally teaching them about food, alcohol, emotions, and body image?
And what do you actually want them to know?

It’s not enough to tell.
You have to show them the way.

With so much love,
Thalia