Courage to give up drinking.
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This is how Sarah Kate Kiriliuk, a leading non-alcoholic drinks expert & founder of “Some Good Clean Fun” thinks of it:
“Courage isn't necessarily the doing of it. It's the doing it when you're scared. If your stomach is feeling sick when you're pouring that glass of wine on a Tuesday night, that's your instinct telling you that you need to make a courageous move. It’s going to be hard, and you're going to be scared, but do it anyway.”
Sarah’s definition of courage gets to the heart of what it means to change your life from the inside out. Doing it when you don’t feel ready- but when your gut says something needs to change.
Her decision to give up alcohol in the early days of the pandemic wasn’t easiest choice. It went against the tide of social habits and cultural norms. But she trusted her instinct, and over time, she built a new path of wellness, connection, and joy—without the booze.
So how do we build that kind of courage ourselves?
It’s not about dramatic overnight transformations. It’s about quiet, persistent acts of truth-telling to ourselves. The kind that clears space for something better.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your alcohol-free journey, redefining how you work or relate, or simply seeking a more aligned life, see below for ten ways to grow your courage:
If you’d like support creating a healthier, happier, impactful life, go to our Life Lab services HERE
Dare to do things differently, for a happier, healthier, impactful life.
Here are practical ways to embrace courage & support a healthier, more sustainable world:
10 Actionable Steps to Build Courage:
Connect to your instincts
When something feels off, it probably is. Tune into the subtle signals your body sends you—discomfort, dread, unease. Trust those.Own your truth
You don’t need a label or a dramatic reason. “This doesn’t feel good anymore” is enough. You get to choose differently.Uncover your “why”
What’s driving your desire for change? Is it peace, presence, better health, more joy? Write it down. Revisit it often.Reframe what’s possible
Joyful socializing doesn’t require alcohol. Neither does creativity, relaxation, or celebration. Redefine what fun and connection look like for you.Ask for support
Courage isn’t a solo sport. Find people (even just one person) who understand and support your journey.Go gently
You don’t have to do it all at once. Progress counts, even if it’s slow or imperfect. Be kind to yourself.Experiment with joy
Try mocktails, movement, art, sound baths, singing, or nature. Find alternatives that light you up without depleting you.Observe your patterns
Notice when and why you reach for a crutch. What are the triggers? What could you do instead?Uplift your body
Nourish your system with sleep, hydration, magnesium, vitamin D, and adaptogens like ashwagandha or reishi—support resilience from the inside out.Say yes to tiny acts of bravery
Every time you say no to something that doesn’t serve you, or yes to something that does—you’re growing your courage muscle.
Sarah Kate Kiriliuk redefines courage as following your instinct despite fear- these 10 steps will help you live braver and truer every day.
PS. As your Wellbeing Coach, I give you the tools to heal, grow & create the life you want.
If you’d like support in growing your inner Brave New Girl for a healthier, happier, impactful life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT
PPS Join our one-day Brave New Girls Wellbeing Retreat to reset from our crazy lives HERE
