In this candid and deeply personal solo episode, Amanda reflects on five years of sobriety and the transformative lessons she has learned along the way. She shares how getting sober wasn’t just about giving up alcohol—it was about coming home to herself, rebuilding trust, and learning to live with integrity.

Amanda opens up about the complexities of early sobriety, the emotional work of healing without numbing, and the clarity that comes with facing life fully awake. With warmth and candor, she offers insight into what sobriety has taught her about connection, presence, and becoming the person she was always meant to be.

Together, we explore:

• Why sobriety is more than abstinence—it’s about self-reclamation

• The unexpected grief and beauty that come with living un-numbed

• How relationships shift and evolve in sobriety

• The role of daily rituals and emotional honesty in long-term healing

• What it means to choose integrity and self-trust, over and over again

A few key takeaways:

• You don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a better life

• Healing requires both gentleness and radical honesty

• Sobriety can be a doorway into deeper purpose, connection, and joy

• The journey is ongoing, and worth it

The Five Lessons That Changed Amanda’s Life:

• Lesson 1: Never Question the Decision (NQTD)—a guiding mantra through doubt

• Lesson 2: You Don’t Live There Anymore—on identity shifts and owning personal growth

• Lesson 3: Keep Your Side of the Street Clean—emotional sobriety and boundaries

• Lesson 4: Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens—learning to see the beauty in the small things

• Lesson 5: It’s an Inside Job—the truth that real change starts from within

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, felt the pull toward something more honest, or just needed a reminder that change is possible, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Amanda’s reflections offer hope, clarity, and encouragement for wherever you are on your path.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast?

We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out!

Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email [email protected].

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.