In this episode of the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Kerri Lewis, a powerhouse of wisdom, resilience, and authenticity. What unfolded in our conversation was more than a story of sobriety—it was a profound exploration of self-awareness, belief systems, and what it truly means to live unapologetically.

Whether you’re sober-curious, walking the path of recovery, or simply looking to live more consciously, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and empower you to examine your beliefs, redefine your boundaries, and show up in the world as your truest self.

The Messages We Choose to Believe

We kicked off the conversation by diving into Kerri’s upbringing. What immediately stood out was her powerful realization: many of the beliefs we live by aren’t necessarily given to us—they’re chosen.

Kerri shared that growing up, she internalized messages that shaped how she saw herself and the world. These messages weren’t handed down directly, but over time, she adopted them, and they began to define her decisions and behaviors.

“We choose these messages that we hold on to… We choose to believe certain things. And when we operate from those places without questioning them, we limit ourselves.”

This core idea—that we can choose what beliefs we hold onto—is one of the most liberating concepts for anyone on a recovery journey. Kerri invites us to ask ourselves if those old messages still serve us today, and if not, we can let them go.

Escaping Through Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex

Kerri bravely opened up about how she coped with the pain of those internalized messages. Like many, she turned to drugs, alcohol, and sex as a way to numb and escape. These weren’t just habits—they were tools to manage emotional pain.

Coming from a large family—one of six siblings—Kerri felt the weight of expectations early on. But instead of folding under that pressure, she began carving her own path. At 17 years old, she stepped into independence, building a career without a high school or college degree.

Despite her outward success, Kerri revealed that she was still running from emotional discomfort. Alcohol became her way to silence the noise. But as she explained, sobriety isn’t just about removing alcohol—it’s about learning to feel again.

What Do We Do With All These Feelings?

This question—“What do we do with all these feelings?”—is central to the sobriety journey. When people first get sober, they often realize they’ve never actually learned how to sit with emotions. That’s where Kerri’s wisdom shines.

Rather than suggesting we deny our feelings, she encourages curiosity.

“If you’re pouring a glass of wine after a tough day, ask yourself, ‘Why am I having this glass of wine?’ There’s no judgment—just start with the question.”

That moment of reflection opens the door to change. Maybe the wine comes after a draining phone call with a parent, or a tough day at work. Kerri doesn’t say “don’t drink”—she says ask first. Over time, those questions become more powerful than the habit itself.

And when you begin identifying the why, you can begin replacing old behaviors with new, healthier ones: go for a walk, call a friend, write in a journal. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s transformation.

More Than Just Quitting—Transforming

Kerri makes it clear that sobriety is not about white-knuckling your way through life. It’s about reimagining how we deal with discomfort. By being mindful of the “why” behind our habits, we take back the power we’ve given to substances.

This approach is gentle, compassionate, and empowering. It allows us to face our pain without being consumed by it. It’s not just quitting alcohol—it’s changing your entire relationship with yourself.

“We’re not just quitting drinking. We’re transforming how we deal with life’s challenges.”

Living Out Loud: Unapologetic Sobriety

One of the most powerful themes of this episode was living out loud. While many people struggle with whether to be open about their sobriety, Kerri has never hidden her truth—not during her using days, and not in her recovery.

She’s not loud for the sake of being loud—she’s authentically herself, and that includes being open about her journey.

“I’ve never been secretive. I wasn’t secretive about my using, and I’m not secretive about my sobriety. I live my life out loud, in all respects.”

Kerri’s message is a breath of fresh air in a world where people often feel pressure to conform or hide parts of themselves. She sets clear boundaries, holds to her core beliefs, and makes no apologies for walking away from situations—or people—who don’t honor those values.

The Power of Boundaries and Self-Respect

In one particularly compelling story, Kerri shared how she built a company from the ground up—eventually selling it for millions of dollars. Her leadership style was deeply rooted in mentorship and empowerment. She trained her team, built their confidence, and expected them to deliver.

But when a new boss stepped in with a different leadership vision—one that included “mandatory” after-hours socializing—Kerri made a bold move: she walked away.

“I’m not going to cross my own boundaries. If that’s what you want, I’m leaving.”

This wasn’t rebellion—it was self-respect. Kerri teaches us that it’s not just okay to walk away from what doesn’t align with our values—it’s necessary. Sobriety isn’t just about abstaining; it’s about choosing how we live, who we allow in, and what we stand for.

Key Takeaways from Kerri Lewis’s Sobriety Journey

Kerri’s journey is filled with lessons that resonate deeply with anyone on the path of healing and self-discovery. Here are a few powerful takeaways from our conversation:

1. We choose our beliefs—so we can choose new ones.

Start questioning the old stories you tell yourself. Are they yours? Do they still serve you? You’re allowed to change them.

2. Sobriety is about feeling—not avoiding.

Learn to sit with your emotions. Let curiosity replace judgment. Let presence replace escape.

3. Ask before you act.

That glass of wine at the end of the day? Ask “why” first. That simple pause can change everything.

4. Live your truth—out loud.

You don’t have to hide. Your story has power. Your sobriety has value. Your voice matters.

5. Protect your peace.

Set boundaries. Keep them. Walk away when necessary. You owe no one an explanation for protecting your well-being.

Final Thoughts: Choosing to Live Authentically

Kerri Lewis is a shining example of what it means to live authentically, courageously, and unapologetically. Her story is not just about recovery—it’s about reclamation. Reclaiming her voice. Her power. Her right to feel, to choose, to walk away, and to live her truth.

Whether you’re just starting your sobriety journey or years into recovery, Kerri’s wisdom reminds us that we don’t have to settle for survival. We can choose freedom, joy, and authentic connection—with ourselves and others.

“The real transformation happens when we stop asking ‘What am I supposed to be?’ and start asking ‘Who do I want to be?’”

Keep up with Kerri Here:

Email: love@kerrilewis.coach

Website: https://www.KerriLewis.Coach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrilewiscoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-lewis-coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrilewis.coach/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrilewiscoach

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kerrilewiscoaching

The post Episode 53: Living Unapologetically: Kerri Lewis on Sobriety, Self-Awareness, and Choosing a New Path | Sober Life Rocks Podcast first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.