Ep. 38 Pink October: Mammograms Matter and Revolutionizing Workplace Culture
Oct 02, 2024
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Thriving Alcohol-Free: How Tabbin Almond Transformed Her Life
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction and Promoting Awareness
In Episode 38 of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, hosts Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin welcome Tabbin Almond. Tabbin, a certified alcohol freedom coach, shares her incredible journey from being trapped in the throes of alcohol dependency to leading a fulfilling, alcohol-free life. Her poignant story, deeply intertwined with her professional challenges, health battles, and advocacy work, provides profound insights into overcoming addiction and fostering a supportive environment for others on a similar path.
Unearthing the Roots
Tabbin Almond traces her problematic relationship with alcohol back to her upbringing in the UK countryside. Alcohol was a normalized part of daily life, almost a tradition, which seeped into her formative years and beyond.
"I grew up in the countryside on a farm, and alcohol was completely normalized in our lives...It was expected," she recalls.
Her teenage years and university life further deepened her drinking habits, as pubs and social events revolved around alcohol. Moving into a career in advertising, notorious for its heavy drinking culture, only exacerbated the problem.
Embracing the Wake-Up Call
The tipping point came when Tabbin found herself increasingly reliant on alcohol while at home with her young children. Despite not experiencing any dramatic rock-bottom moments, her realization that she was "sleepwalking through life" prompted her to seek change. Seeking help through courses like This Naked Mind, and eventually becoming a certified coach, Tabbin exemplifies the possibility of transformation and the importance of seeking support.
"I didn't have any really spectacular rock bottoms...but I just knew that I was not functioning very well," she admits candidly.
The Professional Struggle
As an expert coach, one of Tabbin's significant advocacies is changing workplace culture around drinking. Having worked in advertising, she witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of alcohol on productivity and mental health. She emphasizes the need for businesses to provide resources and support systems for employees struggling with alcohol use disorder.
"Including alcohol awareness within stress management and well-being courses and changing the culture...to help employees reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption," Tabbin emphasizes.
Her work targets professionals in high-pressure industries where client entertaining and social events often revolve around alcohol, such as marketing, law, and media.
Health Battles and Personal Advocacy
Tabbin's story took another turn in 2013 when a routine mammogram revealed a significant tumor, later diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Despite facing the scare of potential cancer spread and the emotional toll of battling the illness, Tabbin remained alcohol-free. Her vigilance and advocacy for second opinions and thorough health checks played a crucial role in her early diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
"Insisting on further tests...led to the discovery of a significant tumor," highlights the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.
The Alcohol and Cancer Connection
Although alcohol was not initially discussed as a factor in her cancer diagnosis, Tabbin's post-treatment research revealed the links between alcohol and cancer. This revelation strengthened her resolve to spread awareness and advocate for others.
"After my treatment, I discovered the connection between alcohol and cancer, and now I emphasize the importance of awareness," she shares.
Changing the Narrative
Tabbin’s story underscores the broader implications of alcohol culture in society, especially within professional environments. Her call for open conversations about alcohol and the provision of alternative bonding activities resonates deeply in industries dependent on client relationships.
"Providing alternative bonding activities and changing workplace culture to accommodate diverse reasons for not drinking," she suggests, is crucial to creating inclusive and healthy workspaces.
Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with a heartfelt discussion on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the significance of self-care and regular health checks. Ruby and Susan urge listeners to join the Feel It Facebook community, leave reviews, and explore resources like 'A Wine Free Weekend' to support their journey toward alcohol freedom.
Tabbin Almond’s story is a testament to the power of transformation, self-advocacy, and the real impact of addressing alcohol use disorders. Her journey provides valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to reclaim control over their life from the grips of alcohol dependency.
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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/
