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cover art for Ep. 67 Kari Schwear's Journey Out Of The Gray Area

The Beauty in the Mess

Ep. 67 Kari Schwear's Journey Out Of The Gray Area

Season 3, Ep. 67

In this heartfelt episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' host Michele welcomes Kari Schwear, a coach and author. Kari delves into the concept of gray area drinking, where individuals are neither social drinkers nor alcoholics but struggle with moderate alcohol use. Kari emphasizes the importance of individuals regulating their emotions and to make lasting changes. She also shares insights on the transformative power of breathwork and the integral role of faith in her journey.


Kari is an Executive Lifestyle Gray Area Coach specializing in the many gray areas we have in our lives, particularly with gray area drinking. Her zone of genius is in habit creation, communication, leadership development and intentional living by design.


As a former gray area drinker, Kari founded GrayTonic & the Question the Drink movement in 2018 after her own experience of “living in the gray” led her to the service of others. She offers individual and group coaching for business leaders seeking wellness, performance, and better relationships without alcohol. Kari has also co-authored two books, The Successful Mind, Tools for Living a Purposeful, Productive, and Happy Life, along with her second book, Limitless, a Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller!


02:10 Introduction and Welcome

02:18 Kari's Personal Journey

05:08 Discovering Gray Area Drinking

05:47 Understanding Gray Areas in Life

14:10 The Decide Model of Change

23:55 The Saber Method for Emotional Regulation

27:50 Radical Honesty and Inner Guidance

28:47 The Power of Choice

29:19 Planting Seeds of Change

29:49 The Journey to Sobriety

31:27 Finding Support and Guidance

32:01 The Birth of a Coaching Career

34:52 Embracing Breathwork

37:27 The Importance of Self-Relationship

39:03 Overcoming Trauma and Identity

44:16 The Role of Gratitude

46:15 Building a Coaching Business

49:21 Sharing Stories and Wisdom

52:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


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