Trigger Warning:
This episode touches on sensitive topics such as addiction, family complexities, COVID 19, and grief. Please listen with care.
This episode is a raw and inspiring conversation about turning pain into purpose, embracing change, and creating something positive out of loss. Don't miss Cat’s powerful story and her commitment to helping others find their path to recovery.
In this episode, we continue Cat’s story from the previous episode. Cat shares her personal journey of breaking old patterns and embracing radical change. Her path toward recovery began with a simple yet profound step: booking her first yoga class. Through yoga, she discovered a natural high, a sense of clarity, and a feeling of wellness that carried into the next day—signaling the start of a new chapter in cultivating positive habits to replace the destructive ones.
Cat also discusses how her awareness of the harm alcohol was causing in her life grew as she sought quiet space for reflection. Over time, she came to understand the importance of getting out of her comfort zone to make meaningful changes and the role that community plays in supporting recovery.
As Cat navigated her own healing journey, she also struggled with the guilt of not being able to fix her sister's struggles with alcohol, especially during the turbulent time of COVID-19.
The pandemic escalated the impact alcohol had on Cat’s sister Paulette and Cat had to process the overwhelming challenge of accepting that she couldn’t cure her sister. Cat reflects on how nobody thinks alcoholism or alcohol-related death will ever affect them, but the reality of these consequences is undeniable.
Cat opens up about how Alcohol Change UK supported her, and how she is now an ambassador for the organisation. To honour her sister Paulette, she is running the Manchester Half Marathon to raise funds for Alcohol Change UK. You can support Cat and her mission by sponsoring her for the race, with all proceeds going toward the cause.
Links:
Sponsor Cat for the Manchester Half Marathon by visiting her instagram and clicking in the link in her bio @yoga_up_cat
To find about all of Cat’s Yoga Up classes visit: https://www.yogaup.co.uk/
For resources to support you in your sober journey please visit: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/
The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.
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The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions.
For more information visit kupod.co.uk