FINDING THE MISSING PIECE:

MY JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS AND THE BIRTH OF SOBER LIFE ROCKS

By Laura Nelson

In the heart of every seemingly perfect life often lies a hidden struggle, a missing piece that, once found, transforms everything. My story is a testament to that truth. With two decades of experience running dental offices and founding Front Office Rocks, a successful online dental training company, I thought I had it all: a 20-year marriage, two wonderful children, a loyal dog, and a thriving career. I was a regular on the dental speaker circuit, sharing my knowledge and passion. Yet, beneath this facade of success, a storm was brewing, one that would challenge everything I thought I knew about myself.

The Crash And The Realization

Then, in what seemed to be a night, my life seemed to come crashing down personally, and suddenly, I found myself alone, scared, depressed, and in disbelief. Despite my professional success, I was grappling with inner turmoil, masking my pain with a smile for the world. Like many women, I was adept at presenting a facade of composure while falling apart inside. My companions in those dark days were often a mimosa in the morning, beers at lunch, and wine in the evening. Not every day, but most.

The Grey Area Drinker

No one knew how much of a crutch alcohol had become because my life was a whirlwind of events, flights, and hotels. But during this dark time, there I was at dental

conferences, surrounded by hundreds, and I never felt so alone. One day, I stumbled upon a TED Talk about “grey area” drinkers. I learned about the spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder, a revelation that shattered my binary view of alcoholism. I had shied away from that label, but with this new view, I acknowledged to myself that I was on this spectrum, and this was the missing piece of my puzzle. In 2020, I made the pivotal decision to stop drinking.

The Pandemic And A New Beginning

Quitting drinking just before the pandemic was a blessing in disguise. As the world grappled with lockdowns and many turned to alcohol, I was building my sobriety. Returning to the world of speaking and conferences after two years sober, I faced new challenges, especially at alcohol-centric dental events. I felt proud yet isolated, struggling to fit in while staying true to my sober journey.

The Birth Of Sober Life Rocks

Everything changed in October 2023 when I was invited to speak on the mind, body & spirit panel at the DeW retreat. There, I discovered I wasn’t alone. Many in the audience were also sober, yet felt isolated. This revelation, along with a lunch conversation with Margy Schaller, sparked the idea for Sober Life Rocks. Our vision was clear: no one should feel alone at a dental meeting again, regardless of what’s in their cup.

Our Mission And Vision

Sober Life Rocks is built on a ‘big tent’ philosophy. We believe in inclusivity, valuing individuals regardless of their drinking choices. Our goal isn’t to change habits but to honor alcohol-free choices at dental meetings. We’ve created a vibrant community where networking and professional events are enriching and enjoyable without alcohol. Our events and resources reflect our ethos of embracing and empowering every member.

Changing The Dental Meeting Landscape

We’re not just a community; we’re a movement. We’re working to make dental meetings more sober-friendly and normalize sober choices. Our aim is inclusivity, ensuring no one feels alienated because of their drinking decisions. This all began with the DeW conference and a realization that sometimes, “the answer is in the ladies’ room.”

Join Us

Sober Life Rocks is more than just a group; it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place where your choices are celebrated and where you find warmth, connection, and inspiration. We welcome you to join us, to share in the joy of inclusivity and support. Together, we’re redefining what it means to be part of the dental community, one meeting at a time.

In this journey, I’ve learned that the most significant achievements often come from our deepest struggles. Finding that missing piece not only transformed my life but gave birth to a mission that extends far beyond my own experiences. In Sober Life Rocks, we’re not just changing lives; we’re changing the industry, one event at a time.

About the author laura@frontofficerocks.com

Laura Nelson, an accomplished figure in the dental industry with over two decades of experience, resides in the serene Coronado, CA. As an international speaker and the author of two books, her expertise is widely recognized. A dedicated mother of two children and a bonus parent to three, Laura leads by example in promoting sober choices at industry events. Her legacy as the founder of Front Office Rocks and co-founder of Sober Life Rocks embodies professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to positive change.