Lucy Hale learned to stop "avoiding things" in her second year of sobriety.
Lucy Hale has been sober for more than two years
The 35-year-old actress decided to give up alcohol for good in January 2022 and more than two-and-a-half years later has reflected that it was only recently that she decided to start going out socialising again whilst still staying off the drink.
Speaking on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' she said: "It was two years January 2nd. Something happens at the two years, at least for me anyway. I feel like the first year, I was just like 'Okay, stay safe, stay home...' Certain elements of my life fell away, and new people came into my life. But I feel like my second year, I was having fun, I gave a new definition to fun. It just looks different these days, I was going out, I was going to the dinners, and I wasn't avoiding anything."
The former 'Pretty Little Liars' star noted that she now feels "safe" within herself again and wouldn't go back to her old ways for "anything " but just wishes more people would speak out on issues that sometimes make them uncomfortable.
"She said: You can trust yourself again. For me, I just feel safe in my body again. I wouldn't give this feeling up for anything. It's amazing, it's a ripple effect. And if more people in general, but especially women, can show the dirty, gross parts that we don't wanna talk about, then I think that is beautiful and so cool."
When Lucy hit the milestone at the beginning of the year, she acknowledged the occasion with a celebratory Instagram post.
She wrote: "I remain so grateful for another year of growth, growing pains, lessons, joys, and self realizations. To be able to show up as myself and to be greeted with such warmth and acceptance is something I do not take for granted [heart emoji].
"The interactions, conversations, and moments of vulnerability from people I know, people I used to know, from people I’ve hurt, from people who’ve hurt me, from strangers and even people on the internet have given my life so much color and meaning. Those experiences have been my favorite takeaway from this last year. To every person I have connected with…thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"Lastly, if you are struggling please know you are not alone and that you do not have to trek this path alone. There is no right or wrong way to heal and it is deeply personal and unique to each of us. My only advice is to remain open hearted, curious, and to find the people who see and support you. It does get better. Take it moment by moment [star emojis]. Lucy." (sic)
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