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76 Days Sober: Breaking Habits, Building Dreams, and Becoming My Best Self.

  • Writer: Melissa Best
    Melissa Best
  • Mar 28
  • 6 min read

Seventy-six days ago, I made the life-changing decision to embrace sobriety, and the transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the beginning, I felt unsteady, unsure of who I was without the crutch I had leaned on for so long. But as the days passed, I discovered a strength within me that I never knew existed. Clarity replaced confusion, purpose replaced doubt, and each step forward revealed the limitless potential I had been holding back. Today, I want to share my journey—the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the incredible rewards that come from choosing a better path.



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The Decision to Get Sober


Choosing sobriety was a pivotal turning point in my life. It was far from a casual decision; I was determined to change. I had been stuck in a cycle of bad habits, struggling to commit to the aspirations I truly desired for myself.


Let me start by saying that I wasn’t someone who struggled with alcohol. I enjoyed a drink here and there, but I wasn’t a daily drinker—there were even weeks where I wouldn’t drink at all.

However, when I did choose to drink, there was no off switch. I went overboard, and I quickly realized that I wasn’t at my best when I was drinking, and I certainly wasn’t my best the following day.


Last year, I brought my mum to the Gold Coast to spend Christmas with my kids and me. During that time, I had a few nights of overindulgence that left me feeling awful the next day.


The night my mum left on January 10th, 2025, was the last time I consumed alcohol.


Building Daily Habits


I quickly realized that enduring change wouldn't happen overnight. I was determined to establish daily habits that anchored my sobriety and fostered a healthier lifestyle.


I made early mornings a priority, dedicating them to fitness and strength training. What started as a commitment has now become a way of life—so much so that if I go too many days without a workout, I can feel the difference in my mindset and energy. It’s no longer just about exercise; it’s about showing up for myself every day.


Journaling each evening before bed has become my time for reflection, helping me process the day and intentionally shift my mindset toward positivity. Incorporating a gratitude practice has been truly life-changing—it has taught me to appreciate the good in my life, no matter how big or small. Every night, I make it a point to write down at least three things I’m grateful for, though many days, the list grows much longer! The more I train my mind to seek out the positives, the more I notice them everywhere.


One of my goals this year was to read more. I’ve always loved getting lost in a good book, but with a busy schedule, I often found myself opting for mindless TV instead. Determined to change that, I started keeping a list of the books I’ve read, setting a personal goal to reach 50 by the end of the year.

Reading has become such a fulfilling part of my routine that I’ve even incorporated it into The Professional Housewife! Be sure to check out Mel’s Book Club for my latest reads and recommendations!


I’ve even begun learning Chinese (Mandarin). Working in logistics, I saw this as a valuable skill to enhance communication with our Chinese suppliers and vendors. Plus, it’s a huge personal achievement. Let me tell you—Mandarin is no easy language to master!

这很难 (Zhè hěn nán)


These daily habits became the foundation of my future success. Small changes evolved into powerful transformations; I felt stronger and prouder every day.


Thoughts Create Reality


As I delved deeper into my sobriety, I realized that health was more than just abstaining from alcohol. It was a holistic approach to overall well-being.


Mental wellbeing is at the core of my wellness journey, and I’ve made it a priority to nurture my mind and cultivate a positive, abundant mindset. I no longer allow negative thought patterns to control me; instead, I focus on seeing opportunities and abundance in every area of my life—whether it’s in my career, relationships, or personal growth. By shifting my perspective, I’ve unlocked a sense of peace and fulfillment that flows into everything I do.


This has freed me from wasting energy on things beyond my control.

And the only thing truly within my control is myself.


I’ve fully committed to being authentic and staying true to who I am. Every decision I make aligns with my core values, and I no longer shrink myself to fit expectations that don’t serve me. Stepping outside my comfort zone has been a game-changer—pushing me to grow, break through limitations, and discover just how much I’m capable of.

This also means giving myself compassion and grace when I fall short or don’t show up as the person I strive to be.


Equally important has been the people I surround myself with. I’ve intentionally built a circle of those who uplift, challenge, and inspire me to become my best self. With the right mindset and the right environment, I’ve found the confidence to embrace growth and transform my life in ways I never imagined.


A Path to Professional Success


As my personal life blossomed, my professional life followed suit. With newfound clarity and focus, my productivity skyrocketed.


I gained the confidence to explore opportunities that previously intimidated me. My sobriety empowered me to take calculated risks—something I had shied away from before. It was exhilarating to realize I could achieve any goal I set.


I built my website from the ground up—a challenge that once felt overwhelming. At first, the technology seemed daunting, and there were moments when I struggled to wrap my head around it all. But I trusted in my ability to learn quickly and believed in myself enough to create something amazing—something that truly reflected who I am.

When it came time to launch, doubt crept in. I worried about what people might think, whether it was good enough, whether it was perfect. But with my newfound confidence, I chose to silence the fear, take the leap, and just go for it.


I have been given the incredible opportunity to be a voice for the business I work for—sharing important insights and information with our wider network. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and one that has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

When I was asked to participate in my first public speaking event, I was terrified—but I said yes anyway. Stepping onto that stage, I proved to myself that I am capable of doing hard things. The rush of accomplishment afterward was undeniable, a powerful reminder that my growth is real, measurable, and only just beginning.


Clients can feel my renewed energy, and their response has been overwhelmingly positive. My passion and dedication have not only strengthened my professional reputation but also deepened my connections. The same is true for my colleagues and leadership team, who have embraced my enthusiasm and, in turn, presented me with opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. This momentum is proof that when you show up fully, the world takes notice.


I can feel it in my core—this is just the beginning of an incredible journey. The path ahead is limitless, and I’m only getting started.



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Healthy Habits, Healthy Life


At 76 days sober, I take immense pride in what I have accomplished. Each choice to stay sober has led to increased self-awareness and resilience. I look back at my challenges—it’s clear to me now that they were stepping stones to my transformation.


I am a better mother—more present, patient, and engaged with my children. I am a stronger businesswoman—driven, focused, and unlocking new levels of success. I am a more present and supportive friend, showing up with authenticity and care. Most importantly, I have become the happiest, healthiest, and most productive version of myself. Sobriety has given me the clarity, energy, and confidence to fully embrace life, and I am living proof that transformation is possible when you commit to becoming the best version of yourself.


The most powerful part of my growth and evolution is seeing how, with each passing day, I attract more incredible opportunities and experiences into my life. The more I align with my true self, the more the world reflects that energy back to me in ways I never expected.

This energy is real—it’s vibrant, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. When you fully step into your authenticity, you naturally draw in the people, experiences, and success that align with your purpose. I am living proof that when you embrace who you truly are and commit to growth, life opens doors you never even knew existed.


Keep Moving Forward


While my journey of sobriety is still in its early days, I’m excited for what lies ahead. These first 76 days have been eye-opening, filling my life with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of direction. I’m committed to strengthening the habits I’ve built, knowing they are shaping a future I’m truly proud of.


If you’re considering a similar path, I encourage you to take that first step. Embrace the change, invest in yourself, and trust the process. Every small decision you make in favor of growth adds up, leading to incredible transformation. You might just surprise yourself with how powerful, capable, and fulfilled you can become.


If you have any questions about my journey or would like some advice in this area, please make sure you reach out!



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