When Katrina first appeared on my screen during our podcast recording, her energy was infectious. Known online as “The Retired Party Girl,” she’s transformed her sobriety journey into a movement that’s helping thousands of women discover their worth beyond alcohol.
An Accidental Path to Sobriety
“I got sober accidentally,” Katrina shared, laughing as she recounted her story. Following a difficult breakup and a severe anxiety attack, she found herself unable to even enter a dollar store alone. Instead of turning to traditional recovery methods, she took a radical approach: deleting social media, avoiding reality TV, and spending time in complete solitude.
Breaking the Stigma of Recovery
What struck me most during our conversation was Katrina’s honesty about her relationship with alcohol. “My addiction wasn’t that I drank every day – I had my kids full time except weekends. But when I started drinking, I couldn’t stop until 5 AM. It was dangerous drinking, and I hated it.”
This raw honesty about her journey has become her superpower. Now, she’s:
- Running successful sobriety coaching programs
- Hosting events across the country
- Creating accessible recovery resources
- Building a community where vulnerability is celebrated
The Power of Self-Discovery
One of the most powerful moments in our interview was when Katrina described becoming “obsessed” with herself – not in a narcissistic way, but in a healing one. She shared how she would look at her childhood photo every day and say, “I love you and I forgive you.”
“I just really like me,” she stated with refreshing conviction. “I like what I stand for. I know my values and goals. I’m genuinely a kind person who looks for the best in everyone.”
A New Approach to Recovery
Katrina’s perspective on recovery challenged everything I thought I knew. She emphasized that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all: “Every step away from self-harm is a win.” Whether that’s:
- Ordering water instead of beer one time
- Taking a break from dating
- Making one healthy choice
She’s created a gentle approach to sobriety that meets people where they are, including a journal that guides people through their own journey of self-discovery.
The Movement She’s Building
What started as personal healing has evolved into a nationwide movement. Katrina hosts events across the country, from intimate gatherings to large conferences. She’s even been featured on PBS, sharing her message that sobriety isn’t about restriction – it’s about freedom.
The Impact on Motherhood
As a mother of two, Katrina spoke candidly about balancing her public sobriety journey with parenting. Her children, now 8 and 9, see her speaking on stages and helping others. “They think I’m so cool sometimes,” she shared with a laugh. “And I’m like, ‘Thank you, please always think that!'”
A Message of Hope
Perhaps the most impactful moment of our conversation was when Katrina addressed those still struggling: “You’re not a bad person – you’re just doing the best you can with the resources you have.” Her message isn’t about shame or judgment; it’s about understanding and growth.
Watching Katrina light up while discussing the community she’s built, I couldn’t help but be inspired. Here was someone who took her darkest moments and transformed them into light for others. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest struggles become our greatest purpose.
Connect with Katrina
If you’re curious about sobriety or need support on your journey, you can find Katrina on Instagram @TheRetiredPartyGirl. Her sobriety reset journal is available on Amazon, and she hosts events throughout the year across the country.
Whether you’re sober curious, in recovery, or just questioning your relationship with alcohol, remember: your story matters, and you’re not alone in this journey.
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