Why In-Person Connection Still Matters: Lessons from Our NYC Meetup

There are moments in sobriety that surprise you with how much they matter. Our recent trip to New York was one of those moments. Chris and I recorded this episode from our own spaces again, no longer sharing the same mic or physical energy—but still reflecting on what that in-person experience gave us.

For me, it was my first time in New York. And while the city itself was intense (I mean, it’s loud, bright, and nonstop), what stayed with me most wasn’t the lights or the skyline—it was the people. The conversations. The hugs. The meals. The shared moments that just don’t translate through a screen.

This trip was only possible because I let people help me. And I want to be honest about that. Accepting help is still hard for me. I want to need help just long enough to not need it anymore—but life doesn’t work that way. This trip reminded me that receiving help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of connection. And the people who helped me get there were genuinely happy to do it.

It made the experience that much more meaningful.

Another big takeaway? The power of doing the thing that scares you. I had never been to New York. I didn’t know what to expect, but I said yes anyway. And that’s been one of the biggest gifts of sobriety—learning to show up for new things, even if they scare me.

And maybe the biggest lesson: you can’t replace in-person community. We could have spent two days in Zoom meetings and never touched the depth of what it felt like to share space, break bread, and be in the presence of people we care about.

Chris reflected on that, too. As someone who usually only goes to online recovery meetings, he was reminded just how nourishing it is to sit at a table with people who get you. To feel their energy. To be reminded that you’re not alone.

We also talked about what it means to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Watching friends see Times Square for the first time? That joy was contagious. It reminded us both why staying close to beginners matters. Their wonder and curiosity can reawaken something in us.

For both of us, New York was a place of movement, stimulation, and vibrancy—but most of all, it was a reminder of what love and support really look like.

We left that trip full. Tired, sure. But full.

And if you’re on this journey—whether it’s sobriety, identity, or just navigating change—don’t underestimate the power of presence. Of doing something scary. Of letting people show up for you.

This is what Clean Play Coaching is about: helping you create a life filled with moments that matter. The kind you don’t forget.