Sober Senorita: Interview with a Recovery Blogger
Image Credit: Jesi Cason Photography
Next up in our top-blogger interview series is Kelly Fitzgerald, of Sober Senorita.
We’ve been following Kelly’s blog for a while now, maybe 2-3 years. Her personal and professional growth, as well as that of her blog, have been nothing short of inspiring.
What started out in 2014 as a blog about Kelly’s personal recovery journey, has since become a cornerstone resource for the online recovery community. With her new e-book, podcast, upcoming memoir by Passageway Press (2019), and her signature Bloom Club, Kelly’s work has provided a foundation for healing, community, and growth.
We were thrilled when Kelly agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to interview with us. Without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to this month’s featured top recovery blogger, Kelly Fitzgerald (interview printed below with permission).
PR: What has been the most rewarding part of being in recovery?
Kelly: Everything. Having my life back, becoming who I am, being a person I am proud of.
PR: What has been the most challenging part of recovery?
Kelly: Navigating a drinking world as a sober person.
PR: What has been most helpful for you on your recovery journey?
Kelly: The support and understanding of family and friends, exercise, meditation, writing.
PR: If you had to choose one defining moment in your recovery to share with our readers, what would it be?
Kelly: Reaching one year sober, which I never in my life thought I would be able to do, or enjoy it, or be happy about it.
PR: You shared on your blog that you eventually decided the 12-step program wasn’t for you. How did the public/your readers respond?
Kelly: Overall the response to that blog was good, people could really relate. I’ve gotten tons of emails and messages from people who had similar experiences and were afraid to talk about it for fear of judgment. I also got a few negative comments and messages from 12 step members who took my experience as bad-mouthing the program and told me it was damaging to anyone trying to get sober.
PR: Were you expecting the reaction you got?
Kelly: I am no stranger to controversial blog posts, haha. I’ve been critical of AA and 12 step recovery in my writing in the past so I knew that I would definitely receive some criticism going into it. I’m happy I wrote it and I’m glad that all of the people who could relate to my experience felt seen and heard and were no longer afraid to say so.
PR: What is the best advice you’ve ever received about recovery?
Kelly: Be the example. Live the highest good you want to see in others.
PR: What is the worst advice?
Kelly: That you won’t stay sober if you don’t go to 12 step meetings and that you shouldn’t go to bars/clubs/parties if you’re sober.
PR: What would you like to share with anyone who is just starting their recovery journey?
Kelly: It gets better. And despite what this world tells you – you CAN live a fun, exciting, satisfying life without drugs and alcohol!
A heartfelt thank you to Kelly from Sober Senorita for her bravery and dedication in providing resources for those in recovery. Her raw, unscripted blog posts have reached the hearts of many, and in allowing her authentic self to shine through, she’s shown all the good that can come from change.
If you or a loved one are in need of cutting-edge, person-first addiction treatment, our outpatient services may be able to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – you don’t have to do this alone.