<p>This week you’re invited to listen in as Ash sits down with her lifelong friend Edwina, to explore what it means to remake your life in the wake of loss, motherhood, and big internal change. Edwina opens up about the sudden death of her brother, how grief reshaped her sense of self, and the quiet, courageous decision to question her relationship with alcohol.</p><br><p>She shares what happened when she chose an alcohol-free life, not just on the surface, but in her identity, her friendships, and the way she shows up as a mother and a woman. Ash and Edwina dive into the role of therapy on this path, unpacking powerful modalities like EMDR, and how these practices helped her meet the younger parts of herself with compassion instead of criticism.</p><br><p>Together, they talk about the fears that come with sobriety and the unexpected gifts that arrive when the noise of drinking is stripped away. The conversation shines a light on how retreats, community, and intentional healing practices can open space for self-discovery, deeper connection, and true emotional safety.</p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Chapters:</strong></p><p>​​00:00 Introduction to Retreats and Self-Discovery</p><p>01:35 Meet Edwina: A Journey Through Life</p><p>03:34 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability</p><p>06:44 The Impact of Injury on Identity</p><p>09:11 Finding Purpose in Adversity</p><p>11:01 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Photo Story</p><p>21:17 The Unfairness of Life and Loss</p><p>23:00 Alcohol: A Coping Mechanism</p><p>35:13 Healing and Understanding Family Dynamics</p><p>35:48 Therapeutic Journeys: Exploring EMDR and Internal Family Systems</p><p>38:02 The Alcohol-Free Awakening: A Personal Journey</p><p>42:09 Facing Fears: The Terrifying Decision to Quit Drinking</p><p>46:14 Redefining Relationships: Alcohol and Authentic Connections</p><p>50:21 Building Deeper Friendships: The Shift in Social Dynamics</p><p>55:12 The Power of Vulnerability: Authenticity in Relationships</p><p>01:01:05 Embracing Change: The Journey of Self-Discovery</p><p>01:07:52 Investing in Self: The Importance of Personal Retreats</p><p>01:12:30 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life: Community, Nourishment, and Movement</p><br><p><br></p><p>Follow and connect with Ash on:&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/%20%E2%81%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Instagram⁠</a>&nbsp;@ashbutterss</p><p>TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthesmilewithashb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@behindthesmilewithashb</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ashbutterss.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website⁠ <strong>www.ashbutterss.com</strong></a></p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>Upcoming Workshops:</strong></p><br><p><strong>Join Ash on retreat in 2026!</strong></p><br><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/the-embodied-woman-retreat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026&nbsp;</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026</a></p><br><p>Watch Ash’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TEDx Talk here</a>!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>