My Sobriety Story with Jennifer

“I realized I never needed alcohol to enjoy myself—I just need the right people and the right energy around me.”

This series showcases personal stories of addiction recovery and sobriety. Today’s edition features Jennifer, from Ireland and the founder of The Glow Guide by Jen, a platform dedicated to sober clarity, intentional living, and wellness rituals. Her work blends lived experience with data-driven insights—shaped by her background as a statistician and her passion for helping others live more fully. Now 1,000 days alcohol-free, she shares her journey and, through her writing and storytelling, inspires others to build lives they are proud of. You can find Jennifer on Instagram @theglowguidebyjen and on Tiktok @theglowguidebyjen.

When and how did you get sober?

New Year’s Day 2023 was my last night of drinking—one final festive night out to close the Christmas and New Year period. The next morning, waking groggy and feeling sick, I told myself, “I’ll try Dry January.”

I committed to just one month. That one month became six months, then a year, then two years—and today, Monday, 29 September, I’m celebrating 1,000 days alcohol-free.

I made a promise to myself to try alcohol-free for a month, get my weekends back, and focus on other things and people that were important to me. And every single day since, I’ve kept that promise—and I’m so grateful I did.

What was the turning point in your decision to get sober?

I wouldn’t have considered myself a heavy drinker, but during the holiday season I drank more than normal—both in the lead-up to Christmas and throughout that stretch between Boxing Day and New Year’s. Most days included a few sociable wines, beers, or cocktails, and while it didn’t feel excessive at the time, looking back, I was constantly groggy. I was sleeping in every day, missing out on time with loved ones, and wasting the holidays I had always looked forward to.

That morning of January 2nd hit differently for me. I felt sick, drained, disconnected, low, and knew the partying over the entire festive period had taken its toll. I’d never attempted Dry January before, always telling myself I couldn’t, especially with a January birthday. But in 2023, I committed to one month alcohol-free, just to see how it felt and what life without alcohol could look like. That decision changed everything.

What surprised you about getting sober?

I genuinely thought I’d miss out by not drinking—how wrong I was. One of the things I say most often when people ask me about my journey is: stopping drinking has never stopped me from doing anything. If anything, it’s allowed me to do more, to expand my experiences, and to be fully present for them.

From day one, I’ve been surprised by how little I miss alcohol. I don’t crave that cold beer that I once loved on a hot summer day. I always loved a night out with friends or family—good music, lots of dancing, and the buzz of connecting with my people. I still love those things. You’ll still find me on the dance floor until my feet scream at me or I’ve lost my voice. The difference now is that those nights are saved for special occasions, not every weekend. I realized I never needed alcohol to enjoy myself—I just need the right people and the right energy around me.

That said, there are still certain settings in which I don’t feel as comfortable. Over time, I’ve become more aware of which environments support me and which ones drain me. I’ve learned that I can choose to avoid those spaces or simply cut my time short in them. Equally, in the right setting and with my favorite people, I’ll be the last to leave an event.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered on your alcohol-free journey?

In the beginning, it was navigating “The Firsts”: the first hen weekend, wedding, concert, family event, and holiday. I worried I wouldn’t enjoy them the same or would feel left out. But I showed up, and now I’m proud every time I put myself into an environment where alcohol is present and I choose what is right for me.

I also tried to keep up with the social life I had before, which was very centered around alcohol. At first, I felt pressure to stay the full night, to say yes to every invite, and to prove I could still have fun without alcohol. Now I can show up fully for the moments that matter, stay as long as feels right, and leave on my terms. This shift over time has been powerful.

Another challenge has been how vocal some people are in questioning my decision, especially in settings where alcohol is involved. It’s strange how choosing something healthier for our mind and body can still be met with resistance. I’ve learned to protect my peace by deciding what I am happy to share and what I am not. Not every question needs an answer, and sometimes, “I’d rather not talk about that now” is the best response.

Setting boundaries has been essential. I’ve learned to honor my time and my energy and to choose the environments and people that support me best.

What are the biggest benefits or gifts of sobriety?

One of the biggest gifts has been the impact on my mental and physical health. There were times I felt really low, and alcohol made those moments heavier. Hangovers amplified everything—the anxiety, the emotional overwhelm, the unhealthy food choices.

Now? I’m calmer. I’m more resilient. I can handle stress better, and I work through my emotions with clarity. I am focused on my physical health—I’m in the gym three mornings a week by 5:30-6:00 a.m., and my Saturday Hyrox is one of my favorite hours of the week.

Living an alcohol-free life has given me more time and money to invest in myself and my relationships. I’ve embraced new hobbies, said yes to adventures, and built relationships that align with who I am. I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone more in the past 1,000 days than ever before—from group events with strangers to those strangers becoming friends I now travel the world with. From six weeks on the East Coast of Australia to Singapore, the Philippines, and across Ireland, I’ve created new memories with other like-minded groups. Those trips have been full of laughter, connection, and clarity—with people who do and don’t drink alcohol.

I realized I never needed “Dutch courage.” I’ve embraced sober dating fully, and it led me to my partner—also sober, incredibly supportive of my journey, and someone who shares my desire for fun, adventure, and connection. Together, we create beautiful memories and continue to use the money saved from not drinking to explore the world.

Sobriety also gave me the clarity and courage to start The Glow Guide by Jen, a space where I use my voice to help others live life to the fullest, connect deeply, and explore sober living with intention.

It has opened doors I didn’t know existed. It’s helped me build a life I am proud of—one rooted in wellness, connection, and adventure. I’ve grown alongside incredible people, and with the support of my family, my partner, and my friends, I truly believe the sky’s the limit.

For me, the highs have always outweighed the lows. I started this journey for me—but every time it helps someone else, it fuels my passion to keep going.

What words of advice would you give someone who’s considering sobriety or newly sober?

If you are considering going alcohol-free, don’t overthink it. If you keep putting it off because there’s a big night out, wedding, or holiday coming up, you’ll never start. There will always be another big event coming up.

Be proud of your decision. Whether it is for your health, peace, or simply curiosity—own it. You’re taking a positive step toward a lifestyle with so many benefits, and you don’t need to justify it to anyone. This journey is yours, and you get to define what it looks like.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important communication is. Your social life will shift—and that’s okay. If you find alcohol-centered events draining but those people are still important to you, be vocal about your needs. My friends and family know I love a brunch, yoga class, walk, spa day, or catch-up over a cuppa—and I’ll always be up for those. If you still want to be invited to the big nights out and you’re comfortable being there, let that be known too. Then you get to choose what you do or don’t attend. You get to choose what supports you.

Be proactive in planning meet-ups that align with your energy. You don’t have to isolate yourself, but you do need to create spaces where you can thrive.

One of my favorite pieces of advice from my mum, which I continue to carry through every season, is: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

You can’t expect different results if you keep doing the same thing. If you want to feel better and show up more fully, start making small, positive changes. Begin with one night alcohol-free, or one weekend, or one month.

I’ll always support and be a cheerleader for others who are considering giving alcohol-free a go or making positive changes in their lives. Sober October is coming up—maybe that’s your moment. Dry January was mine, and I haven’t regretted that decision once.

Please say hello in the comments, and consider sharing your sobriety story.

Thank you for sharing, Jennifer! We look forward to connecting with you in the comments.