Mental Health Awareness Month Reflections

First, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. To all of you who have supported It's Hard over the past 4 years, I am forever grateful. In this episode, I explain why I made this difficult decision to move on from this chapter in my life. It wasn't an easy choice but I know it is what is best for me in the long run.

In this transition, I am thrilled about my time being shifted toward Sober Squad -- here to cultivate a community of sober curious people by creating spaces and events where we can connect with likeminded individuals. We are operating fully in SLC at the moment but are open to conversations regarding other cities. Message me at @paigejholmgren if you are interested in learning more. 

I love you all so much, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to, have questions, or want to share something!

Toxic relationships are heavy and hard to understand. Why me? Why would this happen? Did I deserve that? Today, I talk openly about my personal experience in a toxic relationship and how studies have shown the way alcoholism and addiction play a role. It is highly likely that you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing abuse and toxicity in a relationship, you aren't alone. 

SALT LAKE CITY EVENTS:

June 8th at 6:30PM - Sober Meetup at Curiousity! Free event and just show up, no need to sign up anywhere. 

July 5th at 6:30PM - Sober Meetup at Curiosity pt. 2! 

If you are interested in more consistent sober events in SLC or MPLS please reach out to me on social media. 

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

Do you often google: "How to know if I should stop drinking?" or "Do I have a problem with alcohol?" and come up with the same unhelpful results? This episode is centered around encouraging you to ask yourself the questions that will help you come to the conclusion of how alcohol plays a role in your life and what you want that to look like moving forward. I am not giving professional advice on how to get sober, but rather helping you get curious and come to that decision on your own. 

SALT LAKE CITY EVENTS:

June 8th at 6:30PM - Sober Meetup at Curiousity! Free event and just show up, no need to sign up anywhere. 

July 5th at 6:30PM - Sober Meetup at Curiosity pt. 2! 

If you are interested in more consistent sober events in SLC or MPLS please reach out to me on social media. 

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

We Talk About:

• What drinking was when she was young
• When/why/how she drank for the first time
• My Dad's struggle with alcohol + how it impacted her
• My drinking habits
• My decision to get sober + her thoughts on it

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

How to accept your past with drinking. We all know we made mistakes, embarrassed ourselves, and failes miserably. How can we move forward and accept that part of our past? 

Today I talk aboout:

1. Remembering/Reflecting on what you did in your past. Who did it impact? Who might you have hurt? How and why?
2. Forgive YOURSELF
3. How to Apologize Properly
4. Decide to put your best foot forward
5. Show graditude towards those who stuck it out with you
6. Accept that part of your life and use it as fuel to move forward

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

Emerson Hannon is an engineer turned full-time blogger/content creator based in Minneapolis, MN. She has been sober for over 6 years and she comes on the show to share her experience through choosing sobriety and enhancing her life through this choice. 

What we talk about:

• Finding sobriety through trial and error
• Bachelorette Parties
• Blogger events
• How sobriety impacts health and wellness 
• Fun things to do while sober
• Getting sober 6 years ago
• Negative connotation around sobriety
• Living in a new place + meeting people while sober
• Being surrounded by people who drink

Emerson Hannon Resources: 

• https://classycleanchic.com/2018/03/24/the-journey-begins/#more-3
• https://www.instagram.com/classycleanchic/
• https://www.shopltk.com/explore/classycleanchic
• https://www.pinterest.com/Classycleanchic/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSrM28fIv6rShA4ffa5Qa7Q?view_as=subscriber
• https://www.tiktok.com/@classycleanchic?lang=en

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

It's been nearly 2 years since my last drink, but I still crave the buzz of alcohol, getting drunk with friends, and the taste of a true IPA. In today's episode, I share what I do when I have those feelings. 

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

What did you grow up believing you couldn't talk about? My friend Sandy and I are starting a new series where we chat openly about the stuff we were all taught to keep quiet growing up. Today we talk openly about alcoholism. 

Catch Sandy and I every first Thursday of each month for this new series!

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com

Fiona Peterson joins the podcast today to share her story of choosing sobriety and becoming a new mom within the same year. Fiona understands her privlege of being able to CHOOSE sobriety. She got sober and found out she was pregnant just a few weeks later. Today, she shares her story of choosing sobriety while becoming a new mom and how it has impacted her life. 

It’s Hard Resources: 

• https://www.itshardpodcast.com
• Follow It's Hard on Instagram if you don't already! I share updates on the episodes, chats about mental health and other parts of my life--go check out https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/
• Follow It's Hard on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itshardpodcast?_t=8U6RZblQ79X&_r=1
• Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-hard/id1487375933
• Join me in It's Hard. You'll love it as much as I do. https://it-s-hard.mn.co/feed?autojoin=
• Get 10% Off your first month at BetterHelp:  https://betterhelp.com/itshard
• Email us at: hello@itshardpodcast.com
• Submit your hard thing -- be on the show! https://www.itshardpodcast.com/contact
• Hearts 4 Henry: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_4_henry/
• Get 15% off BIZZY Coffee: https://www.bizzycoffee.com/collections/shop-all?dt_id=110082
• Get 10% off Kindlips Chapstick with code ITSHARD: https://kindlips.com
• Get 15% off your first Gruvi purchase with code ITSHARD: https://www.getgruvi.com
• Get 15% off your entire purchase of Three Spirits with code ITSHARD:https://threespiritdrinks.com