Let’s talk about Valerie Bertinelli, a woman who has become an inspiration to many. In a recent conversation with People, Valerie opened up about her decision to give up alcohol six months ago. This change has significantly impacted her life, offering her newfound clarity and a fresh perspective on how she approaches challenges.
Life After Sobriety: Valerie’s Honest Take
Valerie, now 64, spoke candidly about how her mornings have transformed since she stopped drinking. "Even with life struggles and how life can be challenging, I find that it is easier to get myself clearer faster, about what I need to do and taking care of my life," she told People in an interview. This was published on Sunday, July 21. She added, "I feel good when I wake up in the morning. I’m not groggy. I’m not tired. I’m not thinking, 'What did I do last night?' It’s like waking up to a brand-new day, ready to tackle whatever comes my way."
Addressing Emotional Pain
Valerie admitted that, in the past, she used food and alcohol as a way to soothe and ignore her problems. "I think it’s important to really not numb emotional pain," she shared openly. "Emotions are information. When I decided to really question why I was having a certain emotion, I was able to — most of the time — walk through it and get to the other side." This shift in mindset has been a powerful tool for Valerie, allowing her to confront her feelings rather than avoid them.
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Alcohol and Sadness: A Double-Edged Sword
Valerie revealed that alcohol often amplified the sadness she felt during tough times. "I don’t think I ever really had a problem [with alcohol] and that’s why it was a bit, I don’t want to say easy, but it was an easier path for me to start with dry January," she explained. "And then go, 'Well, I’m halfway through February, now I might as well just keep going.' And now for me, I kind of make a game of it." Her journey has been empowering, proving that change doesn’t have to be daunting.
Love and Sobriety: A New Chapter
The star of Hot in Cleveland made her romance with boyfriend Mike Goodnough public in April, after hinting at it the month prior. Interestingly, Mike also revealed that he stopped drinking alcohol, commenting underneath Valerie’s Instagram post. "Funny how we both just randomly decided to stop drinking only weeks before we met each other," he wrote. It seems their shared commitment to sobriety has strengthened their bond, creating a unique connection built on mutual respect and understanding.
Valerie reflected on her decision to stop drinking, emphasizing her desire for a better future. "I say all the time, 'If I’m lucky, I have 20 more years left,' and I want them to be the best years of my life. And I don’t want to be doing what I’ve been doing the last 64 years," she said. "I want a better, cleaner, cooler, more exciting way to knock out the last 20." This mindset is a testament to her determination and forward-thinking approach to life.
The Road to Sobriety: A Personal Revelation
Valerie shared that her decision to go sober was influenced by her experiences while writing her 2022 memoir, Enough Already, during her messy divorce from her second husband, Tom Vitale. "I was still going through a lot of crap, and I knew that I wanted to be on the road of intentionally finding my core happiness," she remarked. This revelation has been transformative for Valerie, offering her a clearer path to happiness and fulfillment.
In the end, Valerie found that sobriety wasn’t as challenging as she anticipated. "I’m actually shocked at how hard it’s not," she admitted. "Because for a long time, I leaned on it. Right now, I love how I feel more than how the alcohol makes me feel." Her journey serves as a reminder that change, though daunting, can lead to incredible personal growth.
