Hi, I'm Margie Coltharp, a former hospitality executive and former gray area drinker.  I began drinking as a teenager, like many others. As I began building my career after college, my drinking progressed as my career and family grew. 

I drank to socialize and network at my job and to relax at the end of a busy, stressful day. Alcohol was my reward until it slowly became my nightmare. At one point, I started comparing my drinking to my work colleagues and friends, and wondered how they were able to stop after one or two, while I didn’t seem to have an ‘off button’.

When I learned the science behind alcohol addiction (a medical condition called Alcohol Use Disorder). I learned that my drinking fell into a category called Gray Area Drinking (GAD).

I’d never heard of Gray Area Drinking or Alcohol Use Disorder. I just knew that I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, but I was not an alcoholic!

I wanted to learn to moderate but I failed. I wanted to quit, but I was ashamed to go to someone or somewhere for help. I tried many resets, dry months, and promises not to drink during the week, but nothing stuck. How could I be so powerless over alcohol?  After decades of trying to moderate and trying to quit, I felt like a failure, but I kept thinking there had to be a way to cut back or quit successfully without admitting failure, weakness, or having to wear the label alcoholic.

I found my answer with This Naked Mind, a science-backed methodology that promotes self-compassion over shame, and curiosity over self-judgment.

Now as a professional certified life coach using this same methodology, I help men and women achieve the success and freedom that I have. Everyone deserves easy access to professional coaching that helps them achieve their personal and professional growth. I am passionate about providing people with a judgment-free and shame-free space where they can feel comfortable being both brave and vulnerable. Within this environment, they can realize their true personal power and make their desired change.