If you're ready to hear a raw, honest story about breaking free from drinking habits and taking control of your life, this episode with Sean Robinson is for you.
More info, resources & ways to connect: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/sean-robinson
In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Sean Robinson, a 39-year-old author, speaker, and motivator, who shares his journey of overcoming habitual drinking. Sean, who works in construction and is a volunteer firefighter, speaks candidly about his struggles with alcohol and how it affected his life, relationships, and mental health.
Sean grew up in an environment where drinking was normalized. His parents were young, and parties with alcohol were a regular part of life. He recalls learning to mix drinks at a young age and cleaning up after parties, which contributed to his view that drinking was a normal and ingrained part of social life. As he grew older, these habits stuck with him, especially in his construction job, where drinking with coworkers was a common way to bond and share stories.
By the end of 2020, Sean’s drinking habits had worsened due to the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. He reached 320 pounds and felt mentally and physically miserable. Despite being in a masculine, tough-it-out environment, Sean knew he needed to make a change. He started by venting his frustrations through journaling, which became a key outlet for him. On New Year’s Eve, he decided to participate in Dry January, initially focusing on losing weight, but as he progressed, he began to realize how toxic his drinking routine had been.
What began as a one-month challenge turned into an extended period of sobriety. Sean continued his journey through February and then decided to aim for an entire year without alcohol. Along the way, he immersed himself in self-help podcasts and books, which helped him develop strategies to maintain his new lifestyle. He became an advocate for personal growth, learning the importance of consistency and accountability. He tracked his progress on a calendar, marking each day he stayed sober, and this visual aid helped him stay motivated.
Sean talks about how his transformation also impacted his relationships. He admits that, over time, he naturally grew apart from some friends with whom he had mainly bonded over drinking. However, he also developed stronger connections with new people who shared his new, healthier interests. He emphasizes the importance of being around people who support personal growth.
At home, Sean made significant changes in his family life. He began implementing positive habits with his wife and three children, including a new tradition where they shared their favorite thing about each day at the dinner table. This small change helped improve the family’s dynamic and encouraged a more positive atmosphere at home.
Sean’s story is one of perseverance and self-discovery. He stresses that change doesn’t happen overnight and that there’s no single path to overcoming habitual drinking. He encourages listeners to seek support and explore various resources, including free content like podcasts and social media, to find inspiration and motivation.