Sarah, 50, has fully embarked on the path of transformation. She has since launched a profitable business of her own, leading mocktail workshops. That recent launch represents a pretty dramatic departure from her former life, one that’s been no doubt punctuated by hardship and sudden twists. Sarah reflects on what she’s learned over the last ten years. While she isn’t shy about admitting her struggle, she’s quick to mention how her struggles became the chisel that crafted her into the woman she is today.
For Sarah, life at 50 wasn’t quite what she had pictured. The last decade has thrown her one curveball after another — including the dissolution of her marriage, which only deepened her emotional conflict. As this chaotic time unfolded, she began to develop disordered eating patterns. To deal, she started drinking every day. During the hyper-competitive world of electoral politics, Sarah was working long hours—often days on end—such that self-care, or even time with family, just wasn’t realistic. Within these challenges, she discovered a route to healing.
In a truly remarkable twist to this tragic saga, Sarah has managed to stay in recovery herself for the past four years. She is an outspoken advocate involved with support groups. It’s through this commitment that she writes, “I finally regained control over my life which led to better habits with food and exercise.” Sarah has been quietly and fiercely raising her two greatest masterpieces—a budding 22-year-old and a colorful, provocative, artistic teenaged 16-year-old. She had a strong urge to just be the mom that her kids would actually choose to hang with.
The turning point for Sarah was when she started getting close to her 50th birthday. Rather than dreading this big milestone, she used it as a springboard to discover the new her. Sarah followed her love of creativity and community to start her own business. She’s actually most interested in the mocktail workshops, ceremonies, and events — basically training and teaching people how to create a fun, flavorful, non-alcoholic drink experience.
Her workshops have quickly gained popularity. Participants rave not only about the skills they learn through new camp experiences, but about the inviting environment that Sarah has become known for creating. She inspires all of those that attend to open up and share their stories and experiences with each other in a caring, compassionate environment. This sense of community beautifully parallels Sarah’s journey of self-discovery. Along the journey, she’s turned into her own best friend, consciously creating an environment of people and activities that promote her happiness and health.
Sarah’s choice to concentrate on mocktails is particularly poignant considering her past issues with alcohol. In offering a delightful alternative to classic cocktails, she offers an encouraging glimpse into a life filled with joy where alcohol doesn’t have to be the crutch. Her workshops are a great educational experience. In addition, they function as a therapeutic release for participants who are coping with their own circumstances.
Sarah’s here to share her personal story and what she’s come to realize are the most important lessons learned. By sharing her story, she encourages everyone to follow their own path—even those that feel impossible. The resilience she has developed from a lifetime of adversity has been the bedrock of her success. Sarah’s story is a reminder to all of us that change is possible. It reminds us that we’re never too old to reinvent ourselves and find delight in new pursuits.
