Blog 4: Finding Freedom in Sobriety with Cara Armour

September 07, 2025•3 min read

Friendship that lasts over 25 years comes with stories — and today’s is one of courage, loss, and transformation. In this episode of Wind in Her Hair, Ana sits down with her best friend, Cara Armour, to talk about her journey into sobriety.

From modeling days in New York and adventures across Europe, to becoming a wife, mom of three, and small business owner in Orlando, Cara’s story is proof that change is possible — and freedom is waiting.

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When Life Demands Change

Cara didn’t hit one dramatic “rock bottom.” Instead, she noticed a pattern: she couldn’t trust herself when she drank. Sometimes it ended fine — but too often, it didn’t.

After her father’s suicide, alcohol became a way to numb pain. Pregnancy forced her into sobriety for a time, but drinking came back afterward as a coping mechanism. Isolation, secrecy, and self-pity followed until summer 2019, when she finally chose sobriety for good.

This year, Cara celebrates five years sober.

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The Ripple Effect on Family

Sobriety doesn’t just change one person — it shifts a whole family. Cara’s daughter immediately noticed and became a mirror of accountability. Her husband, Justin, wanted to support her but carried resentment.

There was no intervention. Cara had to step in for herself — and that choice changed the dynamic of her home.

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From Secrecy to Self-Love

Addiction thrives in secrecy. Cara shared how she once poured stronger drinks for herself, hid bottles, and drank before her husband got home. Shame was constant.

Sobriety brought her back to honesty. Relationships deepened. Most importantly, she rebuilt the relationship with herself — moving from self-hate to self-love.

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More Than Just “Not Drinking”

Sobriety isn’t only about avoiding alcohol. Cara calls it whole-person recovery — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Her toolkit includes:

* Daily self-care and rituals

* Supportive women’s groups

* Meditation and prayer

* “Peace-checks” — asking, “Am I resisting something I can’t control?”

* Mocktails and alcohol-free alternatives that keep her connected socially

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Marriage, Friendships, and Sobriety

Sobriety shifts relationships. Some friendships fall away while others deepen. Cara admits her marriage faced rocky seasons — insecurities, resentment, and adjustments to a new normal.

But instead of breaking, her marriage grew stronger through honesty, rebuilding trust, and redefining connection.

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The Gift of Freedom

Today, freedom looks like:

* Waking up exactly where she left off the night before

* No shame, no resets, no hiding

* Better health and more energy

* Emotional peace and clarity

Her advice for anyone “sober curious”?

👉 Follow the breadcrumbs — experiment with alternatives and listen to how your body and spirit feel.

👉 Don’t isolate — connection is the opposite of addiction.

👉 Protect your “hula hoop” — keep your circle small and safe.

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Final Thoughts

Sobriety isn’t a polished highlight reel. It’s messy, raw, and deeply human. Cara’s story shows that freedom is possible, and every new day offers a chance to reset, breathe, and begin again.

As she puts it: “Acceptance and surrender — every day. You can always start over, even midday.”

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