Gretchen’s story is one I’ve become so familiar with as I interview more incredible women like her, and welcome more members from around the globe to Sexy Sobriety.

So many of us found that we struggled with people pleasing, approval addiction, over-exercising, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, before we even had the chance to pick up our first drink.

For a young girl, they’re some heavy burdens to bear! Not to mention what they do to our self-esteem and ability to really know and trust ourselves.

“Our frontal cortex isn’t fully formed until our early twenties. My addiction began at eighteen, so it’s taken me six or seven years to really become a full adult, in many ways. Like, how I process things, how I perceive myself… “

One of my favourite IIN lecturers, Daniel G. Amen, MD, Psychiatrist, founder of Amen Clinics, and one of the world’s foremost experts on applying brain imaging science to everyday clinical practice, concurs:
 
“If you want to be more successful in all aspects of life, you need to protect and take care of your brain… [Our] brains aren’t fully developed until about age 25. This is when the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the part of the brain that controls decision-making, judgment, forethought, focus and impulse control, among other functions, is considered fully developed.”
 
Gretchen recently celebrated 7+ years of sobriety and 8+ of recovery from an eating disorder. Hers is a story of not only healing, but of channelling her passions into a way to help others. Now happy and healthy, she devotes her days to helping other people to find more peace, wellness, and self-love.

“Everyone told me this, and you think, ‘oh I’ve got it figured out’. But you can’t love someone else until you love yourself. And it’s so clichéd, but it is SO true.”

Join us as we talk mental health, getting to the truth of who we really are, and the process of rebuilding our relationships with ourselves…
 

Gretchen Hoechner is a wellness consultant and public speaker in Nashville, TN. Having recently celebrated 7+ years of sobriety and 8+ of recovery from an eating disorder, she is an inspirational speaker for support groups, schools, churches, and other organizations that desire to learn more about addiction and reduce the associated stigma. She also works individually with people looking to improve their lives by taking a holistic approach, with resources, strategies and personalised programs in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and mindset.

Find Gretchen at  Get Healthy 615 :: Instagram :: Facebook :: Twitter