BE BRAVE
The day I left treatment I was scared shitless. I didn’t know a single sober person and definitely did not want to go to AA. That is exactly where I went though. Somehow, I squashed down my pride and pushed that heavy door open. Although it’s a long-standing joke that I didn’t speak the first year (for real, I just cried) I kept showing up. And I kept staying As I grew more comfortable in my sobriety skin, I knew I wanted more. More connection, more opportunities and more spaces to socialize alcohol free. This drive kept me searching and eventually transitioned into my creative outlet of planning sober events for the Chicago-based sober community. #ChicagoAF Upon becoming a Certified Recovery Coach, I spent a weekend hiking in Sedona with a friend early in her sobriety. We were fairly new in our friendship and I was somewhat apprehensive about the trip. The ease with which we hiked and shared our mutual stories was so remarkable, I was awe struck. I didn’t understand it then, but I was experiencing the power of Adventure Coaching! My head started spinning about creating a long weekend to bring more women together to hike and laugh. I envisioned a warm and welcoming setting where women could organically connect, feel more comfortable in their sobriety and just have fun. My entire sobriety I had been chasing the elusive component of experiencing sheer fun. It felt dull to me. I wanted to elevate the sober vibe. Brave’s first Signature Sobriety Hiking Retreat was hosted in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains of Asheville, North Carolina in October 2021. The bold Red Rock Canyons in Sedona, Arizona set the stage for Brave’s second retreat. Brave’s guests are greeted with a party ambiance from the very start with mocktails, appetizers and music.
Photographs by Hayley Haws. Instagram @hayhaws
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