FOCUS: My "transformative journey" going sober... six months on

Friday 21 July 2023

A Jersey CEO has opened up about the "transformative" personal journey she has been on since choosing to go sober six months ago – which has helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity she leads.

Caring Cooks' Yvonne Corbin embarked on her sober mission in January.

More than 40 people joined her in the challenge, with most opting for a one-month commitment, but just four took on the full six months

Overall, they raised over £7,000, with more donations still coming in. The money raised will go towards supporting Caring Cook's Educational Programme in Primary Schools, such as the Let's Get Cooking Programme which aims to promote healthy eating habits and culinary skills among children.

Pictured: Yvonne said she previously drank most weekends and often two or three times a week.

Explaining why she had chosen such a challenge earlier this year, Yvonne said she thought stopping to drink alcohol would not only be "relatable" as many people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol but would also help her pay homage to her sister, whom she lost through alcohol.

Having reached the end of her challenge a few weeks ago, Yvonne said the easiest part had been "the initial motivation and determination" that propelled her into the journey.

"The strong desire to make a positive change, support a charitable cause, and honour my late sister Joanne provided an unwavering sense of purpose," she said.

"In those early days, I was filled with determination and enthusiasm, which made it relatively easier to resist the temptation of alcohol."

But although she had said back in January that her first month hadn't felt too hard, she confessed it wasn't all a smooth sailing and the frequency of wanting to drink alcohol varied.

Yvonne, who would drink most weekends and often two or three times a week, explained she craved alcohol more in the early days as her body adjusted to the absence of alcohol.

"The habitual cravings and the association of certain situations with drinking posed challenges," she said. "However, as time passed and sobriety became more ingrained in my lifestyle, the cravings became less frequent and less intense.

"While there were difficult moments, resisting the urge to drink became easier over time. The combination of personal determination, support from others, and the commitment to the cause provided a strong foundation to overcome those challenges."

"Navigating unexpected triggers and temptations", however, proved to be the most challenging aspect of Yvonne's challenge.

"While I had anticipated certain situations that might test my resolve, such as social gatherings or celebratory events, it was the unforeseen moments that caught me off guard," she explained.

"The allure of enjoying a glass of rose on a sunny Friday afternoon after a great week at work - why do we celebrate with booze?? - or sipping wine in Paris, tested my commitment to sobriety. However, the biggest disappointment was having to decline tickets to Glastonbury, knowing that the festival's environment would have been overwhelming in terms of the drinking culture. I'm strong but not that strong!"

"Overcoming these hurdles required resilience, deep self-reflection, and finding alternative ways to cope with the urge to drink," she added. "Throughout the journey, I experienced both ups and downs, moments of ease and moments of difficulty. Nevertheless, with the support, motivation, and commitment to the cause, I managed to overcome these challenges and remain steadfast.

"Ultimately, staying sober required a conscious effort and a mindset shift. It was about choosing to prioritise my well-being, personal growth, and the commitment to the charity challenge."

Whilst her sober mission proved "challenging at times", Yvonne said it was all worth it for the rewards of sobriety and the positive impact it had on her life.

"I've experienced remarkable improvements in my mental and emotional well-being. The absence of alcohol has been like winning the lottery when it comes to reducing anxiety. The clarity of mind I've gained has been a game-changer, allowing me to be much more productive at work. With a clearer headspace, I've been able to focus better, make informed decisions, and tackle tasks with heightened efficiency. It is a valuable and empowering benefit that can significantly enhance your quality of life. I've also noticed better sleep patterns - no more waking up at 04:00 with a busy brain!

"Embracing sobriety has had a multitude of positive effects on my overall well-being, encompassing not only healthier skin, brighter eyes, mental clarity, reduced asthma, and diminished anxiety but also a host of additional benefits. These include improved digestion and reduced bloating, a strengthened immune system leading to fewer instances of illness, enhanced emotional stability and a more balanced mood, and even financial savings resulting from not investing in alcohol-related expenses."

Through it all, Yvonne said she was able to rely on the "invaluable guidance and unwavering support" of Jo Ferbrache, aka Sober Jo, among others.

"Her insights and encouragement have been pivotal in helping me navigate the highs and lows of sobriety," she said. "I'm also immensely grateful to Nicki Kennedy, Anna Maria Haines, Susanne Hogetoorn, and Ashley O'Connell, who not only joined me in the full six months, but also provided constant support and camaraderie along the way.
"Their dedication and shared experiences have been truly inspiring. Last but not least, a special shout-out to my long-suffering partner, Noel, who has been my rock through it all. Their belief in me and their understanding have made this journey all the more meaningful. I really don't think I could have done it without them."

Reflecting on the past six months, , Yvonne described the challenge has "a transformative journey of personal growth and self-discovery."
"It's been a period of challenges, triumphs, and introspection," she added. "From battling temptation in Paris to navigating social situations without a drink in hand, it hasn't always been a walk in the park. But through it all, I've witnessed the power of sobriety to bring clarity, peace of mind, and a newfound appreciation for life's simple pleasures. It's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but one that has ultimately left me stronger, wiser, and grateful for the journey."

A week after the six-month period ended, Yvonne had her first taste alcohol. She said that while she enjoyed herself at the time, the after-effects were "quite horrendous". "I experienced bloating, headaches, and even my poor arthritic toe started throbbing again(!)," she said.

Pictured: Through her challenge, Yvonnes has raised funds for Caring Cooks' Weekly Meal Service.

"The anxiety I had left behind during my sobriety journey came back with a bang, making it difficult to focus and be productive. I also found myself making poor food choices and feeling tired and low. This experience made me realise that moderation may not be the right approach for me if the effects are going to be similar."

When she celebrated her 50th birthday last weekend, Yvonne ended up having only one and a half glass of champagne over the course of 10 hours, without feeling the desire to drink.

"Surprisingly, I felt content and genuinely happy with my alcohol-free beers and tonic waters," she said. "This decision allowed me to be fully present in the moment and enjoy every detail of the party – unlike my 40th party which is quite hazy in parts. I danced the night away with my favourite people, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude."

This experience, she added, reaffirmed her commitment to prioritise a "sober lifestyle".

"It reinforced the notion that I can thoroughly enjoy myself without alcohol," she explained.

"The challenge has significantly changed the way I perceive drinking. Over the course of six months, my mindset has undergone a remarkable transformation. I'm now struggling to understand why drinking is seen as a necessity or so normalised in society.

"While I have no issue with people who choose to drink, the journey of sobriety has allowed me to witness first-hand the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle. This newfound clarity has made me reflect on why drinking is often seen as an integral part of socialising or relaxation. It has made me question the assumption that alcohol is necessary for enjoyment or fulfilment."