What 29 Years of Sobriety Teaches About Nervous System Healing

In this episode of Confident Sober Women, Shelby sits down with recovery advocate and mindfulness teacher Lane Kennedy for an honest conversation about long-term sobriety, nervous system regulation, and what it really takes to build a stable life after alcohol.

Lane shares her journey of 29 years in recovery and reflects on the unexpected lessons that come with staying sober across decades. From early recovery to parenting, global travel, career shifts, and the challenges of navigating stress in modern life, this conversation explores how recovery continues to evolve over time.

Shelby and Lane talk openly about the role of spirituality in long-term sobriety, the reality of nervous system dysregulation, and how stress can quietly shape our habits, relationships, and health. They also explore the subtle ways addiction patterns can resurface even years into recovery and why awareness, humility, and daily practices remain essential.

Together they discuss how sobriety is not just about removing alcohol, but about building a life that feels grounded, connected, and sustainable.

If you are navigating your own sobriety journey or working on emotional healing and nervous system regulation, this episode offers both perspective and encouragement from two women who have lived the process.

In this episode you will hear:

• What long-term sobriety actually looks like after decades
 • How nervous system regulation supports emotional healing
 • Why spirituality often becomes a foundation in recovery
 • The impact of stress, parenting, and life transitions on sobriety
 • How community and connection support women in recovery

This conversation is a reminder that recovery is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong process of growth, awareness, and learning how to live with clarity and confidence.

About the Host

Shelby John is a licensed therapist and founder of Wholistic Living. Through the Confident Sober Women podcast, she explores sobriety, emotional healing, nervous system health, and personal growth for women who are building lives rooted in clarity, confidence, and true freedom.

Connect with Shelby

Website
 https://shelbyjohn.com

Podcast
 Confident Sober Women

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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. 

Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback.

And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.