The Power of One Step (and a Really Good Decaf)
What happened when I finally said, “I want to be free”… and took a step to end my toxic relationship with coffee... AGAIN!
Eight days. That might not sound like a big deal to most people, but to me, being eight days off coffee is one of the biggest personal wins of my life. And maybe it’ll surprise you, I bet some of you even assumed I didn’t drink coffee. But let me tell you, I’ve had a 30-year love affair with it.
Coffee has been my morning ritual, my comfort, my motivator, my get-out-of-bed reason. Over the years, it’s taken many forms: mochas with whipped cream, coffee with half-and-half and sugar, coconut milk with maple syrup, black coffee with cinnamon, and everything in between. I’ve taken breaks during cleanses, then jumped right back in once the cleanse was over. I’ve used every trick I teach in my 21-Day Reboots to taper down, roasted dandelion tea, homemade caffeine-free chai, Mud/Wtr, chaga, you name it.
But deep down, I always thought: I’ll never really give it up. I just love it too much.
That started to change like most of my biggest transformations do, with a prayer. An intention. A wish I dared to speak out loud:
"I want to be free of caffeine."
I didn’t like how much it owned me. Even when I was only drinking a splash of the real stuff, it still had to be there. My day revolved around it. And I knew the truth: caffeine induces adrenaline. It accelerates aging. It makes it harder to truly hydrate and heal, especially if you're dealing with chronic symptoms or trying to support your nervous system.
Still, I held on. Until recently.
I’d been feeling called to do a deeper liver cleanse, one I haven’t done in years, and coffee was the one thing standing in the way. So I decided: I’m going to do this. It’s time.
I played with my mindset. I visualized myself free from caffeine. I even fantasized about what I’d be like without needing it. Then I grabbed a really good decaf (and learned a bit about decaf while I was at it), and started tapering, just a splash at a time. Then one day I decided: Tomorrow is the day.
I was ready to let go completely.
I braced myself for the worst: the headaches, the fog, the irritability. But you know what? It wasn’t bad. I was a little tired, a little slower, but I felt okay. And more than that, I felt proud. I couldn’t believe I did it. And I did it my way. And the next day? I knew I could do it again.
This process reminded me of what I so deeply believe when it comes to coaching and personal change:
It’s not about pushing yourself into drastic overnight shifts. It’s about baby steps. It’s about setting yourself up for success and letting even the small wins be WINS.
Sometimes, the first step is just saying it out loud: I want this. I want to change. Even when you have no idea how.
Now, I’m still caffeine-free, one day at a time. Because honestly, if I think too far ahead and tell myself “never again,” I might panic and find myself deep in a mug of the real stuff. 😂 And I'm not saying that "I will NEVER drink some coffee/caffeine again." I just really wanted to break the habit.
Next I’m planning to swap my decaf for things that truly support my body, chaga, licorice root, roasted dandelion. I’m no longer tied to one specific habit. I’m free to choose from a whole world of healing, nourishing options. And that freedom? It’s powerful.
Like, wow, if I can do that, what else can I do?
Every time I make a shift like this, I gain more than I expect. I gain perspective. I stand in a new place, looking back at the habit with clearer eyes and deeper truth. And that’s what I’m always after, living from the truest part of me.
So I’m sharing this here to remind you, and remind myself, that change is possible.
Whatever your “coffee” is… that thing you can’t imagine letting go of… start where you are. You don’t have to leap. But maybe you’re ready for one step.
✍️ A Journaling Invitation
Take a moment. Breathe. And ask yourself…
- What do I truly want for myself?
(Forget what’s expected. What do you want, deep down, just for you?) - What’s in the way right now?
(Be honest. What thoughts, habits, fears, patterns are keeping you stuck?) - What does the most aligned version of me feel like?
(What would shift in your body, your energy, your life if you were living in that truth?) - What habits are keeping me from that version of me?
(Name them gently. This isn’t about blame, it’s about awareness.) - What’s one small step I’m actually ready for today?
(One baby step is enough to get the energy moving.)
And if you don’t know what step to take yet? Start here:
“I want to change this. Please help me.”
Speak it to God, the Universe, your angels, your ancestors, your Higher Self, whatever feels true for you. That declaration activates something.
Just one step starts the momentum. And one step leads to another.
And if you get stuck? Reach out. That’s why people hire coaches. Sometimes we just need a new perspective, a little encouragement, and someone to walk the journey with us.
You can do this. One step at a time.
☕ Curious to Try a Caffeine-Free Ritual?
Here are a few of my favorite coffee alternatives if you're thinking of giving this a whirl:
1. Chaga Mushroom Tea
A powerful adaptogen that supports your immune system and feels grounding and earthy.
👉 Try this Chaga I love
2. Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea
Supports liver detox and has a toasty flavor that’s great for weaning.
👉 Here’s my go-to
3. Caffeine-Free Herbal Chai Blend
Warming and delicious, this makes your ritual feel special without the crash.
👉 This one’s amazing
4. Chicory Herbal Coffee
If you want the richness of coffee with zero caffeine, this is a great swap.
👉 Try it here
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I truly use and love.
And hey, if this sparked something for you, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear what you're working on.
Send me a message and share your intention. It would be an honor to witness your next step.
