Now 50, Sarah has moved from loss to liberation. Her journey has been surprising and as profound as it has transformed her life. She got quickly sucked into the brutal, cut throat world of politics. Despite the pandemic and all the other curves life threw her way, she felt compelled to create her own lane and built a new business. These days, she runs mocktail workshops and turns her love of alcohol-free drinks into a burgeoning business. Through this odyssey, she has returned renewed, reborn and more in touch with herself than ever.
And for much of the last 10 years, Sarah was the captain at the helm of that stormy seas. Her marriage was disintegrating, and she went through losses, challenges, grief that many would not be able to endure. The grueling hours and competitive world of politics added to the pressure. To cope, many resorted to disordered eating and binge drinking every day. Through it all, she is now back and stronger than ever. Today, looking back, she appreciates even the bumps in the road that pushed her to get stronger and grow.
As she reflects on her journey, the depth of this last decade weighs heavy on Sarah’s heart. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “There were days I didn’t recognize myself.” She wouldn’t trade the struggle for anything, because every painful experience brought her to this point. On her path to recovery the past four years, Sarah has discovered an abundance of healing and a sense of purpose. She goes to support groups and classes every week and has made a point to turn her vulnerabilities into strengths.
Sarah’s relationship with her (now 16 and 22 year old) children has changed fairly drastically. Where once there was enmity, now there is a sincere camaraderie. She thinks of herself as the kind of mom her children want to hang out with. This is a huge improvement from the past when her challenges would overshadow precious family time. Most of all, with self-acceptance and heart I’ve learned to cultivate, I’ve become my own best friend,” she reflects, tucking a warm nugget of wisdom inside her verse.
To build on her own skills and knowledge, Sarah participated in a mentoring program for women and studied a business qualification. By taking these steps, she was able to greatly increase her confidence. They prepared her with the practical knowhow required to debut her mocktail workshops. She hoped to make something uplifting that people would appreciate, “to create pure joy,” she says. “Mocktails are a festive, creative way to enjoy the celebration without alcohol.”
Her workshops have become a hot ticket, attracting young people from many different communities who all have one thing in common – they want their social environments to be healthier. It’s that same love for teaching that’s driving Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to being a poet, she writes to inspire healthy living and mindfulness practices in others.
Looking towards the future, Sarah is excited at the prospect of what’s to come. Today, she’s still perfecting her business model and seeking new avenues for connection and discovery among the wellness community. Through each class, she motivates people to rethink their alcohol consumption and empowers others to make wiser choices while being more socially active.
Sarah’s journey is a true story of resilience and personal growth. Her story proves that no matter the challenge, anyone can overcome their circumstances to rediscover and redefine their personal aspirations. She is a light to other people who are suffering. Her example proves that sometimes, unexpected twists and turns in life can set us on a path toward greater fulfillment and happiness.
