Face your Fears: A Music City Experience
Handing out NA brews at the Iron Light Labs Summit
Nashville is primarily known for its country music and booze-filled events. A top spot for bachelor-/ette parties, my first visit to Nashville was for just such an occasion. I recall holding another woman’s long red hair, while she puked into a public toilet, at the end of a long night.
My recent visit to Nashville was nothing like this. I was part of a select group of about 200 people descending on “Music City” at the end of October to participate in a unique gathering of folks who shared this in common:
They had turned their pain into passion or were allies, supporting those who had confronted their trauma and transformed themselves for good. The event was hosted by Iron Light Labs Summit and titled: Face your Fears.
From pain to passion
I heard heartbreaking stories of childhood trauma that drove people into addiction and abuse. Thankfully they all had a happy ending. They were told by survivors and those in recovery who had turned their lives around. We heard from:
Cheri Garcia, who was addicted to meth and alcohol while building a second chance staffing agency that helps formerly incarcerated individuals get jobs. She tells her story on the Iron Light Labs ‘Army of Normal’ folks podcast.
Paul Young, who turned his own stories of abuse and addiction into a personal journey of faith, healing, and forgiveness, publishing it all in The Shack, a book that has sold 10 million copies. It’s since been turned into a movie.
Jessica Lamb, who was kicked out of her home at 16 and became enmeshed in human trafficking and self-harm, before launching a nonprofit that helps others like her to erase or transform body art that carries painful reminders of the past.
…and many others whose stories moved us to tears, shook us to the core, and invigorated us to live a life of purpose.
A Sober Welcome
One of my favorite parts of the event was that the kickoff reception featured a completely dry bar. It was sponsored by 1millionstrong, a movement to create sober spaces in the music industry. 1 Million Strong is an initiative of the Phoenix, a sober active community that offers fitness classes and outdoor events for the sober, the sober-curious, and their allies.
It was almost brilliant that the kickoff reception was about creating a sober support space with fun zero-proof cocktails and nonalcoholic wine. There was no need to make a better choice because all of the drinks were nonalcoholic from the start. There was no awkward ask of the barkeep: “do you have something nonalcoholic other than water?”
There was raw and unashamed beauty in meeting others for the very first time without the crutch of alcohol.
Coping with Social Anxiety
One of my drinking triggers is social anxiety, which is particularly pronounced when I encounter large groups. As I stepped into the Virgin Hotel foyer for the first time, I could feel my social anxiety flare up.
What if I didn’t recognize anyone? How would I break into a group to join their conversation without making it awkward? “Whatever you do, don’t just stand there all by yourself, surrounded by a mingling crowd, looking like a loser who has no friends,” I told myself.
In the past, all that anxiety and negative self-talk would have sent me straight toward the bar. “Just down two strong drinks, as quickly as you can, and it will all feel better,” was my mantra back then
Not this time. I faced my fears, back straight, chin up, and approached strangers with “Hi, I am Romina! What brings you to this conference?”
My positive crutch
I did use a crutch. But it wasn’t alcohol. I showed up wearing my Athletic Brewing Company Ambassador shirt. And in a bold statement that was sure to get people’s attention, donned my Run Wild cooler backpack. That quickly made me seem approachable and gave people something to ask me about.
I handed out almost two cases of nonalcoholic brews that night, introducing more than 40 people to Athletic Brewing and the joy of drinking a beer without compromise for the very first time. A few people recognized the brand and came up to me to share how Athletic Brewing had been a game changer for them, by supporting them in their sobriety.
I still struggle with social anxiety in large group settings. And I’ve also learned that having a clear purpose or passion to share with others is a great coping mechanism to overcome my fears. It just takes being more intentional upfront so I am not caught flat-footed.
And if you do find yourself at a conference reception with an alcohol-focused bar, try asking the barkeep for one of the following:
Tonic water and lime.
Cranberry juice with soda/tonic water or ginger beer.
Soda water with bitters.
