Now 50, Sarah is on a transformative journey that’s positively evolved her life and identity. Once established in the voracious and punishing political life, loss of personal connection as well as the violent realities of political engagement left her lost and exiled. Today, she owns her own business, producing and teaching mocktail workshops. This venture represents her exciting new passions and it represents her amazing journey of personal growth over the last 10 years.
Sarah’s life at 50 is a far cry from the life she had planned for herself. The past decade has been hell for her. She’s dealt with the dissolution of her marriage and an ongoing struggle with disordered eating. Yet, she endured extreme stress as she toiled day and night in a fast-moving and tumultuous political climate. The stress of her job ended up being detrimental to her health. During this turbulent time, Sarah developed a dependency on alcohol and was drinking every day. Like many people, this habit didn’t fix her underlying problems; it just numbed them.
The struggles haven’t been for nothing. Sarah values the last ten years as a formative excursion. It has bettered her community and transformed her as a person, healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. Looking back on her battle with appreciation, she understands that it has provided her the tools to be strong and wise.
After four years of deep recovery, Sarah’s become the version of herself her kids look up to and want to make happy. She is the mother of a 22-year-old and a 16-year-old. She no longer feels overwhelmed but enjoys her new role as an engaged and supportive mom. The story of this change deepening her bond with her children goes beyond the prevention of harmful effects. Equally, it’s given her an awesome connection to herself.
Along with caring for her family, Sarah’s been fostering her own best friend. She’s been deeply committing to self-care practices. In doing so, she’s formed a more powerful relationship with herself, a relationship she had overlooked for decades. She goes to a women’s support group weekly, where she not only tells her story but hears from other women walking the same journey. These meetings have given her clarity, encouragement, and the creative community she needs to continue developing her craft.
Sarah’s inspiration to teach mocktail workshops came from wanting to help people live healthier lifestyles and enjoy life socially with or without alcohol. Her classes draw in people who are just trying to get the rich, delicious flavors in a drink without the punch of alcohol. She expands her love of mixology with this endeavor. In her own life, as a personal trainer and health coach, she inspires others to adopt a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being.
These interactive and collaborative workshops have provided a unique space for Sarah to meet and learn alongside others who share similar values. Through this, participants develop new technical and social skills, all while building lasting friendships in a supportive and inclusive space. The joy of creating delicious mocktails serves as a metaphor for Sarah’s own life—mixing different ingredients to create something beautiful and fulfilling.
Now, as she looks back at her path, Sarah recognizes the radical transformation she’s experienced since turning 40. As you can see, the person she is today is qualitatively different from the person she was a few years ago. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and authenticity in navigating life’s challenges, encouraging others to embrace their paths with openness and courage.
