You’re Not Giving Something Up, You’re Taking Yourself Back: Lauren Fay on Sobriety, Self-Trust, and Midlife Confidence
Many women in midlife begin to question habits they once accepted without much thought, for some that includes their relationship with alcohol. In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with alcohol-free empowerment coach, keynote speaker, and author Lauren Fay for an honest, compassionate conversation about reclaiming your power and choosing a more conscious way of living.
Lauren shares what life looked like before she stopped drinking in 2018, and why she doesn’t frame sobriety as a loss, but as an act of self-trust and self-respect. Together, they explore how alcohol can quietly shape identity, relationships, confidence, and intuition, often without us realizing it.
This conversation isn’t about labels or perfection. It’s about awareness, choice, and what becomes possible when you stop numbing and start listening.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why midlife is often the moment women begin questioning alcohol’s role in their lives
- Reframing sobriety as reclaiming power rather than giving something up
- Subtle signs of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, even without addiction
- Navigating relationships and social situations while living alcohol-free
- Rebuilding identity outside of drinking culture
- Letting go of shame and secrecy and learning to live more openly
- How sobriety can activate confidence, ambition, and deeper self-trust
- Reimagining joy, rest, and celebration without alcohol
Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, or simply reflecting on how you want to feel in this season of life, this episode offers permission to choose yourself.
Connect with Lauren:
- Website: https://laurenfaycoaching.com/
- Grab The Book: https://laurenfay.co/book
Connect with Marianne:
- Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
- Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
- Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne
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