Reclaiming Self-Worth in Sobriety: My Mirror Moment
How Negative Self-Talk Shapes the Way You See Yourself in Midlife
For years, I could barely take time to look at my reflection. The flow of nasty thoughts were on an automatic loop.
They’d become so vicious that even a glimpse of myself in the morning would be enough to set them in motion.
They stung.
They hurt.
And worst of all, I believed them.
Why Self-Love Feels So Hard for Midlife Women (and Where to Start)
I know many of you will relate to this, because it happens to nearly all the women I help.
The struggle to believe that they are worthy of self-love.
It was about 3 months into my sobriety journey, when one morning as I was washing my face, I looked in the mirror and didn’t automatically start to criticise myself.
On this particular morning, I remember the colour of my eyes. How they could look brown one minute, and then green the next! Hazel eyes can do that you know?
I held my gaze for just a moment longer, looked deep into my eyes and felt respect, pride and love for the woman looking back.
The tears of gratitude and joy flowed.
Then I remember telling myself, out loud, “Thank You”...
Thank you for quitting drinking.
Thank you for removing what was holding you back from being the best version of yourself.
Thank you for putting yourself first and finding your own path.
What Sobriety Taught Me About Self-Worth and Identity
I couldn’t believe how this ‘conversation’ with myself changed the energy in my body – I could actually feel it! It was powerful, scary and funny, all at the same time.
I’ll never forget that morning. I was 53 at the time and I sometimes can’t quite believe that I spent 40 years NOT believing I was worthy.
Sobriety Is Only the Start: Rebuilding Confidence and Self-Worth Takes More
I should warn you though, it doesn’t stop there.
When you can look at yourself in the mirror and finally see the truth of that strong, powerful, and capable woman looking back, it’s just the beginning.
Once you know that how you speak to yourself changes how you feel about yourself, you start to do it deliberately!
Just imagine, something you have been avoiding for years is now a tool in your self-empowerment toolbox.
It’s a very powerful way of looking inward and finding answers when you’re struggling to make a decision, scared of taking a big step, or when you need to remind yourself that you’ve got your own back and YOU are your biggest cheerleader.
Mirror Work for Self-Worth: A Powerful Practice for Midlife Women
The honest answers to YOUR important life questions are not “out there”, they are within… always.
So, how do you get to that point?
3 Self-Coaching Questions to Reclaim Your Confidence and Self-Belief
🙏🏼 What’s the first thought that comes up when you look into your own eyes?
Is it kind?
Is it critical?
Is it even your voice, or one from long ago?
🙏🏼What would you say to yourself if you truly believed you were worthy?
Try saying it out loud.
How does it feel?
🙏🏼What have you been avoiding seeing in yourself—because deep down, you know it’s powerful?
A strength you’ve downplayed?
A truth you’re finally ready to admit?
Book a Free Call and Start Reclaiming Your Worth
If this resonates… if you’ve been avoiding your own reflection, or you’re just beginning to see the woman you really are—strong, capable, worthy of more—then maybe it’s time to take the next step.
Book a call to explore what’s keeping you stuck, what you truly want, and how to start moving toward it.
📝 Disclaimer:
The content on this blog is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am an Accredited Sober Coach, Certified Nutrition Coach and Life Coach, but I am not a medical professional. If you are concerned about your health, mental wellbeing, or alcohol use, please speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare provider.
