What if the care you needed wasn’t one more task, but a radical act of self-trust? In Episode 150, I’m joined by Amy C. Willis, sober coach, speaker, and founder of Hol + Well. Amy works with women and queer folks to explore what’s possible in a life free from alcohol—one rooted in rest, boundaries, and real self-care. We explore the concept of mothering yourself—a tender and transformative practice that helped Amy through early sobriety when she didn’t yet feel worthy of care. This idea ties beautifully into our Summer of Real Rest series, especially for those who are exhausted from being everything to everyone. In this conversation, Amy and I discuss: Why “mommy wine culture” is predatory, not empowering How sobriety and burnout recovery share similar emotional truths The stigma around choosing to be alcohol-free—even if you don’t identify as “in recovery” Why we need to dismantle the binary between problem drinking and “normal” drinking What truly restorative self-care looks like in recovery (hint: it’s not what Instagram tells you) One of the most powerful things Amy says in this episode is: “Whatever you’re looking for in alcohol, you’ll actually find in sobriety.” Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or simply burned out and craving more care—you’ll find so much resonance and reflection here. Amy’s Resources & Recommendations 🔗 Instagram @msamycwillis 💻 Website: holandwell.com 💬 Join her private Facebook group 📚 Book Recommendation: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri More from Medium Lady I’ve been alcohol-free since 2018—not because of addiction, but because alcohol made my anxiety and migraines worse. Still, even naming that choice out loud feels like a big deal. Amy and I unpack why alcohol is still seen as a default, and what it means to make a different choice. This episode is part of the Summer of REAL Rest series—where we’re talking about sustainable care, nervous system softness, and how to stop outsourcing your well-being. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.  Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads