Mental Health, Sobriety, & The Heart of a Rebel with Danielle DiGrandi
Have you ever felt trapped inside a life you didn’t recognize? Living on the leash of approval, expectation and conformity only to look in the mirror and no longer recognize the reflection?
It requires an immense amount of courage to not only admit and accept, but then choose to rise fearlessly into a higher truth. That’s exactly what Sober Rebel founder, Danielle DiGrandi, so beautifully exemplifies- the power of taking personal responsibility and healing yourself into prosperity!
Danielle has collaborated with some of the world’s top mental health companies and now runs her own coaching business where she ushers women into reclaiming their strength in sobriety. Her warmth, compassion, and burn-the-rulebook attitude is enough to spark the fire inside you to want to strive for your best life possible….no matter the circumstances.
I personally had the honor to get to know Danielle and was deeply inspired by her story. There’s nothing more stunning than to see a woman go to war for the life she desires and slay her dragons to claim victory. In my opinion, that’s a modern-day fairytale ending…or rather, beginning! Her openness and vulnerability to share the dark chapters of her past and more importantly model what’s possible when you decide to reclaim the pen is an inspiration to all.
With that all being said, enjoy this powerful interview with the badass herself!
Q: Tell us a little bit about how you got started in your current business/career. What inspired you to pursue it?
A: Originally my background is in sales & finance. It was a very masuline driven career path that suited me until it didn't. The work environment and drinking culture within sales became toxic. On top of that, I always felt like I was building someone else's dream. Not to mention if I died tomorrow, would the work I had done up until that point add any tangible value or meaning to the world and people's lives ?
When I chose to give up alcohol, I had massive clarity which prompted me to examine my life up until that point and the work I was doing. I chose to pivot. I started from scratch. I took a job for $9 an hour and put myself, my sobriety and my health at the forefront. I started to dive deep into holistic mental health and wellness.
Up until that point, traditional methods of recovery and mental health hadn't worked for me. It wasn't until I educated myself and learned new modalities that I was able to see lasting transformation. I knew at my core more people needed to be empowered on their journey. To know they are not alone. To believe they have the power to completely change the course of their lives no matter what adversity they have faced up until that point. I followed my gut & my intuition and got certified as a health, life and mental wellness coach to serve at a higher level. I took the leap into entrepreneurship full time and I now run a holistic wellness business helping hundreds of people take their power back when it comes to mental, physical and financial wellness and am a mentor for women in sobriety.
Q: I truly believe emotions can be powerful creative forces, which we often see exemplified in “comeback” stories. Do you have a comeback story that you attribute to being a pivotal part of your path to success?
A: I followed the traditional path of what I thought I should do growing up. I played sports, got good grades, went to college, landed a 6-figure job after graduation and found myself miserable with a drinking problem to match. I had never taken the time to determine my values and passion and found myself feeling trapped by my life.
The disease of addiction snuck its way in slowly at first, then went rampant. It started off as a way to numb out those feelings, escape and rebel against society and the status quo. At age 26 I knew I had a problem, but was still in denial. I spent many years in and out of the rooms of recovery, trying to moderate and was unwilling to come to terms that I may have to give up alcohol and mind altering substances, for good.
My problem escalated and over the course of almost a decade I lost everything. I had so much shame and guilt for what my life had come to. I was facing legal trouble and my mental health was suffering. There were so many moments that I wanted to give up. That I thought I was broken and beyond repair. I failed so many times, I thought what the hell is the point anymore. In 2019 I hit rock bottom and it was the biggest blessing in disguise. My options had run out. It was at the point of prison or death for me. I had little hope treatment and traditional methods of recovery would stick this time ( they hadn't in the past). My sister who is also in recovery had suggested I try an Ayahuasca ceremony ~ I was willing to try anything. Even though plant medicines are sometimes considered taboo or woo, the science behind what it does for rewiring your brain and neuroplasticity is incredible for people who suffer from trauma, addiction and mental health issues.
I flew to Brazil the day after treatment, sat in a 3-day ceremony and ever since then have not had the desire or compulsion to drink. It was one, if not the most profound thing, I have done in my life and attribute much of my healing to that experience.
Q: What life advice would you give to your younger self and why?
A: Stop trying to change who you are to fit in. Your weirdness makes you unique and it’s a force to be reckoned with. What you think about yourself is more important than what other people think of you.
Q: What do you believe to be the most powerful characteristic a person can bring into the work space and why?
A: Your unique voice. The ability to go against the grain, to stand up for what you believe in no matter what. This requires massive courage, but if you come from a place of love, service and integrity it will take you a long way. Great minds think unalike and there is power in that dynamic in the workspace.
Q: What daily habits/routines do you practice in order to protect your feminine energy?
A: My energy is very much feminine, but my default mode leans to masculine. I can get caught up in the doing and it comes from a place of survival mode, something that I relied heavily on in my addiction. Embodying my feminine energy requires deep trust and the ability to receive. I spend a lot of time really focusing on regulating my nervous system, allowing myself to create the space and capacity to tap into my intuition and power. This ranges anywhere from tuning into my body through meditation, yoga, practicing self-love and compassion and co-regulating in community for support.
Q: What does self-love mean to you and how does your hustle nourish it?
A: Self love to me means meeting myself with compassion and curiosity. As you ascend to new heights you will be met with new limiting beliefs, so be gentle on yourself. Take care of your inner child, listen to her and nurture her. Learning to trust yourself takes time, but the best act of self love is staying true to yourself and your values.
Q: For someone in a position right now where they feel like giving up on their goal, what is one piece of wisdom you would share with them?
A: What is waiting on the other side is better than what you could possibly imagine, you just haven't been there-yet. Your brain will try to convince you to quit, don’t. Trust your intuition. If you have a dream and desire that keeps you up at night, it is your duty to fulfill your soul contract.
Q: What’s your favorite quote?
A: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” ― Steve Jobs
Q: Clearly you’re a strong woman! Tell us, how do you continuously build your confidence and resilience?
A: It's a daily work in progress. Sometimes I feel on top of the world, other times I question if my dreams are too audacious. I always come back to my why in those moments. For me the greatest teacher is action. Taking consistent aligned action and stepping out of my comfort zone allows me to build resilience and confidence.
Danielle’s Closing Thoughts:
You have the power to change your life no matter what adversity you have faced up until this point, it is never too late. I have found that when you set out on the journey of becoming the best version of yourself possible, some people will support you, some won't and that is ok. Find a group of people who inspire you, spend a lot of time with them and watch your life change. You got this.
Instagram: @thedanielledigrandi Website: danielledigrandi.com Facebook: Danielle DiGrandi
