How do you face your fears and make changes when your partner isn’t ready yet? Charlotta grew up with a parent who struggled with alcohol and drugs, which shaped her views on drinking. As an adult, wine became a way for her and her husband to bond, but over time, she began to feel trapped and unhappy with her life. Meanwhile, Donni has been married for 26 years, and drinking played a big role in her connection with her husband. When she decided to stop drinking, her husband continued, which affected their relationship. Now, Donni feels sad, lonely, and worried about his drinking habits. In this episode, Coach Sam encourages Charlotta to focus on living in the moment, trusting herself, and taking small steps toward the life she dreams of. Coach Mike helps Donni focus on her growth, practice compassion, be patient, and gently share her concerns with her husband. In Charlotta’s session: - Feeling trapped in her current life - Her mom’s struggle with alcohol and drug use - Sharing a bond with her husband over wine - Imagining what life would look like without alcohol - Charlotta’s fears about changing her life - Discovering her true self and identity - Learning to trust herself and listen to her inner voice - Finding peace by focusing on the present - Making changes from within In Donni’s session: - The role of alcohol in her relationship with her husband - Dealing with feelings of fear, sadness, and loneliness - How retirement added stress to their relationship - Why it’s hard when only one partner stops drinking - Balancing dependence on your partner and personal growth - Focusing on yourself instead of trying to “fix” someone else - How to have tough conversations without creating conflict - Using alcohol to cope with tough emotions and life changes - Inspiring others to change by taking care of yourself first - Sharing ideas gently and giving them time to grow - The importance of patience in making big changes Sam Goldfinch is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach, and the founder of Rebel Spirituality and the Rebel Spirituality podcast. He also co-hosts the Present & Sober podcast with Ellie Crowe. Having lived nine years alcohol-free, Sam will show you how to live your best life and uncover the truth of YOU before and beyond your conditioning. Learn more about Coach Sam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/sam-goldfinch/   Mike Shennan is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. He was a long-time social drinker, and his drinking habits increased in his forties due to various life events. However, he has been alcohol-free since February 23, 2018. By sharing his personal experiences and using techniques from This Naked Mind, Mike supports clients who feel their drinking habits have grown as they age, helping them regain control and create a healthier relationship with alcohol. Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/  Related Episodes: EP 222: Reader Question – What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/  EP 615: Naked Life Story – Amy Edwards https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-615-naked-life-story-amy-edwards/  EP 636: Reader’s Question – The Art of Balancing Your Needs in a Relationship https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-636-readers-question-the-art-of-balancing-your-needs-in-a-relationship/  Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!