Episode 408- Wandering through the Shadows: Navigating Addiction, Solitude, and the Consequences of Alcoholism

ELizabeth chance

Today I reflect on what it was like to get sober, it isn’t easy but it is possible. 

We must buy into the fact that we must change! 

Change can be easy if we set our mind to it. 

Are you willing to walk through the uncomfortable feelings? It is all up to you. 

This disease is cunning, baffling and powerful. 

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

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For more information, feel free to reach out to me at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

Always remember, you're not alone! Live life one day at a time!

You've got this!

Wishing you a fantastic day!

With love, Elizabeth


On a side note,My thoughts go out to my friend that didn’t make it, he was a wonderful person and I pray that today he is free and out of the pain that he endured while he was on this planet.

Episode 407- From Newsroom to Midlife: Lizzie B's Unfiltered Journey to Empower Women Through Menopause and Digital Realness

Lizzie Bermudez (a.k.a. "Lizzie B")

I found Lizzie B on Instagram and I totally resonated with her journey and where she is today as an empty nester and going through menopause. 

Lizzie is a digital lifestyle host and social media influencer. She helps women embrace the "middle ages" by sharing tips, tricks, and interviews about looking and feeling your best when it comes to midlife and menopause. Lizzie B's audience knows she doesn't take herself too seriously, and viewers love following her entertaining behind-the-scenes stories on Instagram and TikTok. 

Lizzie also spent 20-plus years as an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist and host. During that time, she interviewed everyone from celebrities to CEOs to presidents and developed the skills of storytelling and engaging viewers.

If you ask Lizzie her favorite thing about switching from traditional media to digital, she’ll proudly tell you she can say just about whatever the eff she wants and no longer needs a full face of makeup to go on camera.

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

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To Reach Lizzie 

Instagram: @LizzieBtv

TikTok: @LizzieBermudez 

Co-Host of "Our Halftime Show" podcast: you can listen on all podcast platforms

Podcast Instagram: @OurHalftimeShow

For more information, feel free to reach out to me at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

Always remember, you're not alone! Live life one day at a time!

You've got this!

Wishing you a fantastic day!

With love, Elizabeth




Episode 406 Embracing the New Year with fresh perspectives, navigating change, and the art of letting go—sometimes it can be challenging. Discover effective tools to guide you towards a better place!

New year new perspectives

In 2023 I had to embrace huge changes and not take things so personally. Life is ever changing and it can be hard, frustrating and painful but you can manage. The world of estrangement has always been a part of my life and I absolutely hate it but, I have learned to navigate and let go….

Time is a huge tool! As human beings living in an age where things happen instantly knowing in your heart that it won't always be like this is a real comfort. 

Let go, breathe and have gratitude for the gifts you do have. 

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlchance/busy-living-sober/   

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For more information, feel free to reach out to me at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

Always remember, you're not alone! Live life one day at a time!

You've got this!

Wishing you a fantastic day!

With love, Elizabeth

P.S. My new favorite song of 2024 is by Shanin Blake and the title is Energy Vampires go listen wherever you listen to music.

 

 

 

Episode 405 Happy New Year: Journey to Wholeness - Navigating Addiction and Trauma with Kimberley La Farge Berlin, LCSW

Kimberley La Farge Berlin, LCSW

It’s a new year and time for reflection, inspiration, and light.

It was such a pleasure to meet my new friend Kimberely La Farge, Berlin, LCSW.

Kimberley La Farge Berlin, LCSW, is an Integrative psychotherapist, and Level 3 IFS (Internal Family Systems) practitioner specializing in addiction and trauma. She has been providing expert clinical, consulting and training services worldwide for the past 20+ years. 
Her approach is grounded in spiritual traditions, merging ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience.As a person in long-term recovery, Kimberley knows the struggles of anyone seeking to recover from alcohol and/or other substance use disorders. 

Her own journey inspired her decades of research, writing, and presentations at regional, national, and international conferences.
Kimberley is a former professional dancer, an avid photographer, chef, and gardener. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband and four rescue dogs.

Kimberley’s newest book, titled "Rise in Recovery: The Spiritual Path for Healing Addiction

Alcohol and substance abuse disorders have baffled medical practitioners for centuries. Addiction is more than a neurological or physical disorder. It is a malady that eats at the soul. Rise in Recovery: The Spiritual Path for Healing Addiction merges ancient wisdom with neuroscience and introduces the powerful effects of spiritual practices to heal the overall damages of addiction. It answers the questions, “What is spirituality, how do we find it, nurture it, and live it – and how do we apply it to healing from a soul-crushing disease?”

Unlike most books on the market that discuss “meditation” as a tool for recovery, this book discusses “spirituality” (of which meditation is a part) as a path to recovery. While neuroscientists have proven that spiritual practices positively affect and heal brain areas, no book has taken the wisdom of ancient spiritual guidance and applied it to treating addiction. It takes a unique and proven approach that breaks through outdated ideas to bring a sea-change in how we can achieve long-term recovery.

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast

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Sign up for email updates: http://eepurl.com/iDtRnw 

For more information, feel free to reach out to me at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

To reach Kimberley

https://www.kimberleyberlin.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-berlin-lcsw/

https://www.facebook.com/KimberleyLBerlinLCSW/

https://www.instagram.com/riseinrecovery/

Always remember, you're not alone! Live life one day at a time!

You've got this!

Happy Holidays!

With love,

Elizabeth aka Bizzy

Episode 404 Laughs & Life: Unleashing Comedy with Maggie Hughes DePalo in the Windy City

Maggie hughes depalo

It is time for some laughs!!! Maggie is hysterical and her mom has been sober decades, having a sober mom gives us the opportunities to be and do whatever we WANT!

Get ready for a dose of laughter! Maggie, the comedic force from Chicago, brings hysterical moments to the stage. Growing up on the city's south side, Maggie discovered the joy of comedy later in life, trading 'book club' for stand-up. Her deadpan style and sarcastic tales captivate audiences of all ages.

Maggie has graced stages at Zanies, Laugh Factory, ComedyBar, and more, leaving her mark at local venues, private and corporate events. As the co-founder of ALL THAT GOOD STUFF, a comedy showcase and production company, she continues to spread the joy of laughter.

Beyond comedy, Maggie is a managing partner and co-founder of BottomLine Recruiting & Ellevate Staffing—female-owned and operated firms specializing in sales and technology recruiting.

Join us for a podcast filled with chuckles as we explore Maggie's journey in comedy and life, where having a sober mom opens doors to endless possibilities!

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusyLivingSober 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlchance/busy-living-sober/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@busylivingsoberwithec 

Sign up for email updates: http://eepurl.com/iDtRnw  

To reach Maggie:

https://bottomlinerecruit.com/

https://ellevatestaffing.com/

Chicago shows: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/all-that-good-stuff-25235719079

Instagram: @maggiehughesdepalo

Always remember, you're not alone!

Live life one day at a time!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

With love, 
Elizabeth aka Bizzy 

Episode 403- A Christmas of Renewal: Erin Sabin and Mary Fuller Sober Extend a Helping Hand at 'Her 2nd Chance'

I am so excited to share today’s podcast which is filled with inspiration and hope!

In the battle against alcoholism and addiction, Erin Sabin and Mary Fuller are frontline supporters, offering guidance to women embracing newfound freedom. Their stories, marked by resilience, inspire me to share their journey.

Erin Sabin, now the Executive Director of Her 2nd Chance (H2C), joined in 2019 as a woman seeking a second chance. Despite returning to finance, she felt a calling back to H2C by the end of 2022.

Her 2nd Chance is more than an opportunity; it's a fresh start. This Boca Raton non-profit empowers women through paid employment, job training, and wellness programs. Participants contribute to personalized gift items on Etsy, gaining skills for future employment. The organization fosters a safe environment, addressing the challenges of recovery and providing a sense of belonging.

The Wellness Works program includes well-being workshops, meditative breaks, and team-building events. The Bridge to Employment program equips women with workplace skills.

Mary Fuller, the Community Awareness/Public Relations Supervisor, plans to elevate H2C in 2024. Erin and Mary, living sober lives, are dedicated to empowering women in recovery. Their commitment reflects the transformative power of community, support, and second chances.

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusyLivingSober 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlchance/busy-living-sober/   

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Sign up for email updates: http://eepurl.com/iDtRnw  

For more information/get involved/donate about today’s guest and to buy their products is one of the best ways to support this incredible organization! her2ndchance.org

Purchase with a purpose and take advantage of their lowest pricing of the year through December 31st at  etsy.com/shop/Her2ndChance

Follow us on Instagram @Her2ndChance    

Like us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/HerSecondChance

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/her2ndchance/

Always remember, you're not alone!

Live life one day at a time!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

 

With love, 
Elizabeth aka Bizzy 

Episode 402-"Savoring the Sober Season: Unwrapping the Magic of Stress-Free Holidays"

Henry and elizabeth chance with einstein at georgia tech

How are you going to navigate this holiday season, with self-love and tools that work for you?

Meditation is a huge help, here is the link for the long meditation from Deepak Chopra from YouTube that I mentioned in todays podcast…

https://youtu.be/5ZoddZQKNHo?si=kyX25fzTT3kAH4CN

You are only in control of you…you don’t have to react…you can just walk away.

Find your personal magic and enjoy!

Remember you got this!!!

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusyLivingSober 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlchance/busy-living-sober/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@busylivingsoberwithec 

Sign up for email updates: http://eepurl.com/iDtRnw  

Always remember, you're not alone!

Live life one day at a time!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

With love, 
Elizabeth aka Bizzy 

 

Here is the acceptance prayer from Alcoholics Anonymous

 

Acceptance Was The Answer

Fourth Edition Big Book Page 417

When I stopped living in the problem and began living in the answer, the problem went away. From that moment on, I have not had a single compulsion to drink. And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation - some fact of my life - unacceptable to me. I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes. 

 

Episode 401- Julie Tobey: Overcoming Adversity to Inspire Healing

julie tobey

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

It was such a pleasure to meet Julie, she is a real warrior!

Listen to her story of HOPE!

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast

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For more information, feel free to reach out to me at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

Julie Tobey—a person with a journey defined by triumphs, challenges, and a commitment to healing.

Early Years: I’m from the small town of Beaver in southern Utah, where my love for sports was ignited. High school not only witnessed my academic achievements but also my abilities on the basketball court, a passion that carried me through college.

Academic Pursuits: My athletic journey continued at Southern Utah University, where I played Division 1 basketball while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine, Physical Education, Health and Secondary Education. Five years of dedication laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to health and well-being.

Family and Career: Post-graduation, I married Luke Tobey, and together we built a family with two boys and a girl. Driven by a desire to expand my knowledge, I pursued another Bachelor's degree in Radiological Sciences, and became a Certified Radiology Technician securing a position at the local hospital, specializing in CT scans, X-rays, and Ultrasounds.

The Turning Point: Life took an unexpected turn when a back injury led to surgery and the introduction of opioids for pain management. As physical activity dwindled, my reliance on opioids deepened, eventually leading to a tumultuous struggle with addiction and later alcoholism. Silent battles unfolded behind the facade of professional success and a seemingly perfect family life.

The Journey to Recovery: The breaking point arrived when my addiction with alcohol surfaced at work. This moment became a catalyst for the transformation I desperately needed. Nine and a half months of intensive treatment marked a period of profound change, challenging me to confront my demons and emerge stronger.

Podcast and Advocacy: In a pivotal moment of owning my narrative, I shared my story on a podcast—revealing how addiction was provoked by perfectionism and how shame took me deeper into its clutches. The response was overwhelming, affirming the power of vulnerability and honesty. I've chosen to own my story, using it as a beacon to help others break free from the shackles of shame and reclaim their power.

Life Beyond Addiction: Now in recovery, I've rekindled my passion for holistic well-being. Physical activity, once a source of pain, has become a source of joy. My husband and I continue to explore new athletic pursuits, embracing the camaraderie of strength training and challenging ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves through mind and body.

Advocacy and Community Building: Driven by my own experiences, I've become an advocate for addiction awareness, mental health, and destigmatizing the journey to recovery. I am actively involved in community initiatives, offering support and resources to those seeking a path to healing.

The Future: As I chart a course for the future, my focus is on building a community where stories of resilience are shared, fostering an environment of understanding and support. Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own paths of healing, knowing that there is strength in vulnerability and power in recovery.

Always remember, you're not alone! Live life one day at a time!

You've got this!

Happy Holidays!

With love,

Elizabeth aka Bizzy

Episode 400!!!! Milestone Celebration + So Many Questions!

When it all began in 2017!!!

400 episodes who would have ever thought!!!

It has been so much fun doing this podcast…my dream of being able to help others has been coming true.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my listeners and supporters, to all of my friends and to all of the guests that I have had on! Without you all there wouldn’t even be a podcast.

Enjoy the 400th and all of the answers to the most compelling questions.

Remember you got this!!!

Be sure to connect with Busy Living Sober! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busylivingsoberpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_chance_podcast 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance 

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusyLivingSober 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethlchance/busy-living-sober/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@busylivingsoberwithec 

Sign up for email updates: http://eepurl.com/iDtRnw  

Always remember, you're not alone!

Live life one day at a time!

Happy Holidays!

With love, 
Elizabeth aka Bizzy