Dave, what was life like before starting coaching?

It was chaotic or it certainly felt that way whenever alcohol was in my life. I felt completely lost and detached from myself.

I would find myself thinking about drinking, how much or whether I even should and that’s just the time between drinking so, I was stuck in a loop that was taking up all of my time and thinking which isn’t a nice place to be in.

What specific struggles or challenges led you to seek help?

Repeated attempts to stop drinking and failing really started to dent my confidence in myself to quit. I had a real issue with ‘FOMO’ fear of missing out and I needed to seek an external opinion on my thinking so that I could reason with what was going on and understand that this wasn’t just me, it happens to most people that start drinking in the first place. It creeps up on you slowly and quietly.

What was it like working with Gary?

Firstly, Gary is an amazing person and now a lifelong friend. He was always on hand to encourage me however, what stood out most is that he fully understood everything.

At times, I felt like I was bipolar, one minute I was certain I wanted to stop and the next I was running to the shop to get some beers in within a flash. When it comes to times of struggle, even when I pushed back, he understood, supported me as I needed then put an arm around me, encouraged me and we went again together.

What stood out about his approach or personality?

Gary always had a plan. Sometimes, we just talked, and he understood that was all that I needed for this week. To talk, shed a few tears, and knew that he was listening and understood how I was feeling. He is a great listener, a great person, and an unbelievable coach that I will value in my life forever.

How did he support you during hard moments?

When you are in a position like I was, even though you know you aren’t the only one feeling this way, you do feel alone, lonely, and not knowing what to do or how to feel. I felt like crying most of the time due to being frustrated and a feeling of being held back from the great person I know I am, but drinking changed my opinion of myself and really lowered my self-esteem. Gary was on hand to ensure my limiting beliefs weren’t true, they weren’t factual, and that this is the trap you’ve been duped to believe. I drank when I was happy when I was sad, and even when it was sunny or when my team won or lost. His support made me realize that this isn’t because of me, I wasn’t broken and that I had a great life to look forward to.

What’s different now? (e.g., mindset, habits, emotions, relationships)

I no longer feel broken, and my mind is much more content with daily life. Rather than a busy brain and poor inner talk, I now have a much more positive mindset and talk to myself kindlier.

All my relationships have improved, and I no longer wake up with a feeling of sadness or regret. I go to bed and wake up with total clarity and inner peace.

What did you achieve that you didn’t think was possible before?

I’m truly living again, without thinking that I’m missing out if others are drinking and I’m not. I now see alcohol in a completely different light, an addictive poison that no longer serves me and has never served me in fact. I no longer feel like I’m giving anything up, I feel like I am only gaining each and every day I wake without a hangover.

Why do you feel confident going forward without coaching now?

This one is to be answered another day as all is to be confirmed in time, however, I know that Gary will always be on hand when I need him, I will be able to carry on with coaching when I need further support or reminders and I have a very supportive wife that I can talk with in times of need.

Would you recommend Gary to others? Why? Who do you think would benefit most from working with him?

I would highly recommend Gary to anyone who wishes to change their relationship with alcohol. If you want to quit drinking, need support and want to have someone to listen, there is no one more supportive and experienced than Gary.

For of the reasons listed above, he will always be a big part of my life, he has helped my children see their daddy truly happy and free from the alcohol trap. It will never get old when I go to bed feeling content and knowing I will sleep well and wake up with a spring in my step.

Finally, Gary, from me and my family, thanks for everything, this isn’t the end and we all send our love to you and your family!