Hello Sunday Morning

🏆⁠ 🌟 This week we feature the determined Kaija aka . Kaija is celebrating 3 years alcohol free! 🏆⁠🌟

Kaija:
‘3 years ago, my doctor told me if I didn’t stop drinking, my fatty liver would become cirrhotic - and there’s only one way that ends. I was indifferent - resigned. Having had my first drink at 12 to taking it up pretty heavily in my teens, drinking heavily ever since, I thought at the tender age of 45, oh well I might finally shed some of these unwanted kgs. So much of my initial quest was driven by vanity. Upon reflection it highlights to me what a shallow existence I had been living under the shadow of alcohol dependence.’

Kaija managed to regain control of her life with the boundless support of her husband, family and friends. In the Daybreak community, she found that, ‘There’s always someone, somewhere in the world listening, who cares and gets it. Sometimes all it takes is the kindness of these strangers. And they are so encouraging when it comes to celebrating your wins, be it 3 days or 3 years!’

Sending massive congratulations to Kaija on her amazing milestone.

Daily drinking: a problem or not?

Does drinking every day mean you have a problem? This is a tough question for anyone to ask themselves, but it’s worth asking because the answer may surprise you.

Read more in out latest blog.
https://bit.ly/4e8pm8l

Stuart, a father of 3 and Daybreak member, shares how he changed his relationship with alcohol and talks about the boost of ‘extended battery life he gets each day’.

Check out Stuart’s inspiring story of awareness and determination.
https://bit.ly/3TeoRkW

Did you try Dry July? Or have you recently cut down on drinking or stopped altogether? The benefits often come quickly. If you’re wondering how to build on your progress, we’ve got a few ideas for you and how you can stick to the plan.

https://bit.ly/3WUZSEi

Memories. ✨️📷

It was exactly a week ago that Sydney turned on the picture-perfect weather last Sunday morning - all blue skies and sun - for the 2024 City 2 Surf. 🌞

And was all smiles crossing the finish line in Bondi! 😃

Thanks to the support of all of the generous people who've donated to our City 2 Surf team this year, we're proud to say that we've raised over $7,500 in donations in just a few short weeks! Donations such as these can help us fund behaviour change programs like Daybreak and our drink tracker tool. So grateful.🙏

Looking forward to getting the team together again next year!

Check out Daybreak here: https://hellosundaymorning.org/daybreak/

🏆⁠ 🌟 This week we feature the resilient Jenna aka . Jenna is a past ‘Hero of the week’ and was 1 year alcohol free at the time, having come back from alcohol induced liver failure. Fast forward to now, a year and a half later, Jenna is celebrating 2 and a half years without drinking! Check out Jenna’s inspiring story below. 🏆⁠🌟

REPOST from @ resilientjenna

‘2.5 years ago, this was me, hopeless after being given a 50/50 chance of recovering from alcohol induced liver failure. I was discharged from the hospital, unsure of my fate, so sick I couldn't walk but a few steps and with very little resources. I wasn't able to get into rehab but I did have one thing on my side, pure grit and determination.

I made the decision to never drink alcohol again whether I got better or not. I changed everything about my life, environment, diet, habits, and mindset. It was not easy, and progress felt painfully slow. I've lost a lot along the way, including people I love but what I've gained along this journey cannot be measured, a whole new perspective, passion for learning about health and fitness, started my own greeting card business, and found a recovery community I never knew existed.

My hope is that if you are struggling with alcohol that this somehow makes it across your feed today. I know how it feels to feel like a lost case, like it's GAME OVER. But hear me out, It's not too late for you.

You don't have to stay stuck in this cycle of insanity, but you do need to take ACTION – and with URGENCY. This disease will catch up with you eventually and some of us don't get a second chance like I did.

Which is why I'll never stop coming back to show you that it's not only possible to make it out, but you can make it out and THRIVE, but the only person who can give you the gift of freedom from your dependency is yourself.

Get help by any means possible. And it's 100% okay to be scared. It means you're about to do something really brave. I believe in you 🖤’

Could that night cap be sabotaging your sleep?

It's Sleep Health Week this week and, together with our friends at the , we explore in our latest blog whether alcohol and sleep mix and find out if people can have a drink if they choose to without sacrificing their morning after.

Read here: https://bit.ly/4dblOlw

🏆⁠ 🌟 This week we feature the inspiring Fraser aka . Fraser is a past ‘Hero of the week’ and was 1 year alcohol free at the time. Fast forward to now, exactly 2 years later, Fraser is celebrating 3 years without drinking! Check out Fraser’s story of determination below. 🏆⁠🌟

REPOST from

‘Today marks 3 years alcohol free.❤️

3 years ago, I was waking up hungover. It wasn’t the worst drink I’d ever had but it was to be my last.

Removing the drink made me look at myself. Made me sort myself out. It’s the first time I’d dealt with emotions and actually had to feel them rather than numbing them away. It’s allowed me to find out who I truly am. It’s given me friends, a purpose and a connection to something bigger than me.

I could say a load more but I won’t bore you with the rest. Just know that if you’re in a cycle that you feel there is no way out from, trust me there is. I’ve seen the most incredible examples. People at rock bottom that now lead lives beyond their wildest dreams.

I used to count the days sober, then it went to the months and now the years seem to just come around. It’s not something I even think about. I just remember July 31st as that day that I’d had enough.

I couldn’t have done it alone. So, thanks to everyone that allowed me to get back to living life as the person I was always meant to be. 🙏🏼❤️’

Hello Sunday Morning is proud to have a team running in this year's City2Surf on Sunday 11 August.

If you're thinking of what you might do with some of the extra money you saved from cutting back on drinking in Dry July or would simply like to support Hello Sunday Morning, feel free to make a donation on our City2Surf page. You can be sure that every dollar will go towards helping people make healthier choices to live their best lives.

Four out of five Australians believe that drinking is a problem but not everyone has the tools to help them or a loved one change course.

Your donation can help us fund behaviour change programs like our peer support Daybreak community and our drink tracker tool.

Big or small, all donations are gratefully received. The team is looking forward to lacing up the runners and getting out there.

https://city2surf24.grassrootz.com/hello-sunday-morning/

Did you take a break or cut back from your drinking during July?

If you're looking to continue or begin your journey of change from August and beyond, you might be wondering whether moderation is possible.
At Hello Sunday Morning, we recognise that each person's relationship with alcohol is different. A few months ago, longtime Daybreak member Mick shared his journey back to social drinking and how he did what worked for him and his relationship with alcohol.

Check out Mick's story here: https://bit.ly/3v8k5wv

Have you made the decision to change your relationship with alcohol?

It’s OK to ask for help from support networks, such as family and friends and our anonymous Daybreak community. Whichever you decide, know that you don’t have to do it alone.

More details in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/3ylfcSs

Might you be in the process of cutting back on alcohol this Dry July and are thinking of what you could do with the extra money you've saved?

You might remember seeing our blog about Dry July and how to continue into August and beyond. At Hello Sunday Morning, we're proud or our mission to change the world’s relationship with alcohol – one Sunday at a time - and the fact that we also have a team running in this year's City2Surf on Sunday 11 August!

If you’d like to support Hello Sunday Morning through a donation on our City2Surf page, you can be sure that every dollar will go towards helping people make healthier choices to live their best lives.

Four out of five Australians believe that drinking is a problem but not everyone has the tools to help them or a loved one change course.

Your donation can help us fund behaviour change programs like our peer support Daybreak community and our drink tracker tool.

Big or small, all donations are gratefully received. The team is looking forward to lacing up the runners and getting out there.

https://city2surf24.grassrootz.com/hello-sunday-morning/

🏆⁠ 🌟 This week we feature the resilient Shane aka . Shane is a past ‘Hero of the week’ and was 1 year alcohol free at the time. Fast forward to now, over a year later, Shane is celebrating 2 years without drinking! Check out Shane’s story of change below. 🏆⁠🌟

REPOST from

Today marks a significant milestone: 2 years of sobriety from alcohol. Over the past 24 months, I’ve rediscovered my self-worth and found strength I never knew I had. It’s been a path of healing and growth, filled with so many moments of gratitude.

I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family & friends. This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating a personal victory, it’s also about acknowledging the love and support that made it possible. Thank you. I love you.

To anyone struggling, know that change is possible and the journey is entirely worth it. It happens one day at a time. And you are not alone.

Chelle and her team's trek is underway in the Murchison River Gorge, with an exciting overnight hike and some breathtaking scenery. Check it out below.

You might remember that Chelle's celebrating her 10-year alcohol free anniversary by hiking the Murchison River Gorge and generously donating the proceeds from this year's trek to Hello Sunday Morning. 🙏🙏🙏 We're thrilled the hike is going so well and love the pictures.

If you'd like to make a donation, you can click on the link below, knowing that you're helping us change the world's relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time.

https://bit.ly/3WfisrK

Daybreak member, Chelle begins her hike of the majestic Murchison River Gorge on the 16th July, celebrating her 10 year anniversary of being alcohol free.

Chelle has replaced hangovers with hiking and has gone on some epic treks over the years, raising funds for purpose. To mark her 10th year, Chelle is generously donating the proceeds from this year's trek to Hello Sunday Morning. 🙏🙏🙏

If you'd like to make a donation, you can click on the link below, knowing that you're helping us change the world's relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time.

https://bit.ly/3WfisrK

Thank you Chelle!

An opportunity to share...

You might have noticed a few stories on our socials and blog about people just like you who have changed their relationship with alcohol.

Have you ever wanted to share your story? If so, we'd love to hear from you. 🙏

We appreciate that different people have different relationships with alcohol. Some of you may have followed a path of abstinence and some of you, moderation. Some of you might be followers of our socials and some of you Daybreak members too. Whichever your experience, feel free to reach out to us with your story. You could make a difference for someone else who might be on a similar journey to yours.

Send us a DM or email us at [email protected]

Oh, and if you'd like to join the Daybreak community, here's the link: https://bit.ly/40mVPku

Have you taken the step to do Dry July or cut back on your drinking?

In our most recent blog, Hello Sunday Morning CEO, Dr Nicole Lee shares her insight on the changes that embarking on Dry July might bring and how to navigate these changes into August and beyond.

Read the blog here: https://bit.ly/3RYZYco

Read Chelle's 10-year journey of change and how she replaced hangovers with hiking and the comfort of nature. It's an inspiring story as Chelle had a couple of day ones until she found what worked for her.

https://bit.ly/3W04WHn

Our mission at Hello Sunday Morning is to change the world’s relationship with alcohol – one Sunday at a time.

We’ve made huge inroads towards that goal in recent years but we need your support to help us reach more people.

This year, we have a team running in City2Surf, led by our CEO, Dr Nicole Lee.

If you’d like to donate to our page, you can be sure that every dollar will go towards helping people make healthier choices to live their best lives.

Four out of five Australians believe that drinking is a problem but not everyone has the tools to help them or a loved one change course.

Your donation can help us fund behaviour change programs like our peer support Daybreak community and our drink tracker tool.

Big or small, all donations are gratefully received. The team is looking forward to lacing up the runners and getting out there.

https://city2surf24.grassrootz.com/hello-sunday-morning/

To celebrate her 10 year alcohol free anniversary, Chelle is hiking the Murchison River Gorge from the 16-19 July to raise funds for purpose and is generously donating the proceeds from her trek to Hello Sunday Morning.

If you'd like to make a donation, you can click on the link below, knowing that you're helping us change the world's relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time.

https://bit.ly/3WfisrK

Thank you Chelle - we see you and appreciate your kindness. 🙌 🙏

We'll be sharing Chelle's full story soon. Watch this space.

Almost 10 years ago, Daybreak member Chelle literally took steps to change her relationship with alcohol, replacing hangovers on Sunday mornings with hikes in nature.
Over the years, Chelle has celebrated each year of abstinence with multi-day treks, raising money for chosen charities and for-purpose organisations.
This year, to celebrate her remarkable milestone of 10 years alcohol free, Chelle is trekking the majestic Murchison River Gorge and raising money for Hello Sunday Morning! 🙌 If you'd like to support Chelle, check out her GoFundMe page: https://bit.ly/45TEZgT

Are you considering abstaining from alcohol for Dry July? Whether you’re in it for health reasons, to support a cause, or just to see if you can do it, getting ready for Dry July is the key to success. Check out our latest blog to find out how.

https://bit.ly/4clQLmJ

🌟 This week we feature the inspiring Mel aka who is celebrating 900 days alcohol free! 🏆⁠🌟

Read Mel’s encouraging story:
“I’m 900 days alcohol free!!!! I have saved over $15K and more importantly, spent over 3,000 hours doing something better with my life! For over 25 years, I battled with binge drinking, trapped in a cycle of promising to cut back, only to find myself repeating the same patterns of regret and hangovers. Then, something within me shifted, and my desire for alcohol vanished. I was just done. I embraced a healthy lifestyle, prioritising movement, nutrition, and self-care. The transformation was remarkable—I shed pounds, gained energy, and radiated happiness. Finally free from alcohol and unhealthy habits, I discovered a newfound joy and inner peace. Not only that, but I finally get to be the woman, the mom, the friend that I always wanted to be. Now, I’m passionate about helping other women experience the same transformation, proving that sobriety is just the beginning!”

This week we celebrate the amazing Chelle aka , who will soon be celebrating 10 years without drinking! A mum of 3 and proud grandma, Chelle found her answers hiking in nature and being part of the Daybreak community. Read all about Chelle's special plans for her 10-year alcohol free anniversary.
https://bit.ly/3KJt23z

Ready for a helping hand?

Admitting you need help can be hard, and people put it off for lots of reasons. But barriers can be overcome. There are many different options for treatment when you’re ready, and as people’s concerns may range from mild to serious, here’s what you can expect.
https://bit.ly/3z71pik

Given the sober curious movement, people are starting to drink more mindfully, asking themselves, “Do I really need this? And how does alcohol really make me feel?” These questions can be game-changing.

For women, and the different effects of alcohol on their bodies, it’s even more significant. Find out more in our blog: https://bit.ly/3Xc2CPB

"It changed me. It changed everything."

Fiona’s story of growth, her discovery of a new path and how changing her relationship with alcohol helped her gain clarity is an eye-opening one.

She shares her encouraging experience and how she got to where she is now.
https://bit.ly/45e9aPR

If you're interested in keeping up to date with Hello Sunday Morning's latest blogs and stories, you might like to sign up to our newsletter.

Filled with interesting articles and personal stories, it's currently sent out every fortnight on a Sunday morning - just what you might need to reset for the upcoming week.

You can sign up for our newsletter on our website. Simply scroll down to the sign-up box at the bottom of the Contact page: https://hellosundaymorning.org/contact-us/

Did you know that the earlier someone starts drinking, the more likely they will develop alcohol problems in future?

Parental influence is strong, so it’s super important to give our kids the right start in life when it comes to alcohol and attitudes to drinking.

Find out more in our latest blog or view our recent newsletter sent on Sunday.

https://bit.ly/4bzKFyd

If you're interested in receiving our fortnightly newsletter, feel free to sign up on the contact page of our website.

🏆⁠ 🌟 This week we feature the inspiring Emma aka . Emma is a past ‘Hero of the week’ and was 1 year alcohol free at the time. Fast forward to now, 2 years later, Emma is celebrating 3 years without drinking! 🏆⁠🌟

Emma’s a mum of 3 and a wife. With the support of her family, she’s gone through many rewarding changes and has remained determined despite a shift in her social circle when she first quit. She felt like she successfully shifted from fighting with herself not to drink to simply living a life without alcohol.

Emma says:

“I had no plan to start, but these are some of things I did on day 1 (when I was stuck on the lounge feeling sorry for myself):

-Filled my Instagram with inspo
-Started notes in my phone about why I should quit and continued to add all my thoughts to it. That note is still growing.
-I set a small goal of getting through the first week and took baby steps to lengthen that goal.

Being where I am now, for anyone who doesn’t know where to start, I would also encourage you to reach out to someone you feel comfortable talking to, join groups and surround yourself with alcohol free positivity.”

Emma had her day 1 and didn’t look back. She stayed the course, is now celebrating 3 years alcohol free and did it one step at a time. One Sunday at a time.