Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Garrett.
Hi Rachael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my relationship with alcohol started long before it ever became a problem. As a teenager, drinking felt like connection, like belonging—like a way to quiet the noise inside me. What began as something casual slowly tightened its grip, and by the time I got to college, everything escalated.
At Penn State, the party culture was everywhere. Drinking wasn’t just normalized—it was expected. And I leaned into it. Around that same time, I was introduced to Adderall, which only intensified the cycle. What felt like control was actually the beginning of losing it.
There was one night that changed everything. I had a moment of clarity that I can only describe as God intervening. I realized that if I didn’t stop drinking, I could seriously hurt myself—or worse, I might not survive it. That thought shook me to my core. On my 22nd birthday, I made the decision to stop drinking. I didn’t know exactly what life would look like without alcohol, but I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was.
That decision marked the beginning of a new life. Over the past seven years, my journey has become one of healing, growth, and ultimately, faith. I began seeking a relationship with Jesus, and over time, that relationship became the foundation of everything in my life. In 2024, I was baptized—a moment that felt like a true surrender and transformation. Since then, I’ve experienced a peace I never thought was possible. The anxiety and depression that once felt overwhelming began to loosen their grip as my faith deepened.
But sobriety in your 20s can feel incredibly isolating. So much of social life revolves around drinking—bars, parties, happy hours. I found myself longing for connection, for community, for friendships that weren’t centered around alcohol. And that’s where the vision for ConsistentlyMindful was born.
I felt a calling on my heart to create something different—a space where people could gather, connect, and have fun without alcohol even being part of the equation. Not because you have to be sober to belong, but because you deserve options that don’t revolve around drinking.
In October, I hosted my first event at Agape, the first nonalcoholic bar in Harrisburg. We made crafts, shared conversations, and enjoyed alcohol-free cocktails. It was simple, but it was meaningful. Since then, I’ve hosted multiple events—from crafting nights to Pilates and yoga classes—and each one has reinforced the same truth: people are craving genuine connection.
One of the most special events to date was our Galentine’s gathering, where local vendors and women from the community came together in such a beautiful, supportive way. It was a glimpse of what’s possible when we create spaces rooted in intention rather than escape.
Now, with upcoming events like our outdoor picnic, my vision continues to grow. ConsistentlyMindful is more than just events—it’s a movement toward connection, presence, and purpose. It’s about redefining what community looks like, especially in a culture where alcohol is often at the center.
My story isn’t just about giving something up. It’s about everything I’ve gained—faith, clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to others and to God.
And if there’s one thing I hope people take away, it’s this: you are not alone, and there is another way to live.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t been linear. There were seasons of deep isolation, nights filled with FOMO, and moments where I questioned if I was missing out on what everyone else seemed to be experiencing. Living in such a digital world only intensified that feeling—constantly seeing what others were doing, where they were going, and how they were celebrating. When COVID hit, that isolation became even more real. While I was alone, I watched so many people continue to party, and it stirred something difficult inside of me.
Even though I wasn’t drinking, I wasn’t fully free. I still found myself caught in some of the same patterns that surrounded that lifestyle—staying out too late, seeking validation in the wrong places, spending time with people who didn’t align with who I was becoming, and not putting my faith first. Just because I had removed alcohol didn’t mean I had fully stepped out of the culture that came with it.
Looking back, I truly believe it was by the grace of God that I never picked up a drink again during that time. But it was also in those moments of tension and discomfort that I began to realize something deeper needed to change.
When I fully invited God into my life, everything began to shift. It wasn’t overnight, but it was real. I started to let go of the habits, environments, and relationships that were pulling me away from who I was called to be. Instead of trying to fit into spaces that no longer felt right, I began building something new—something rooted in faith, intention, and purpose.
That’s where true transformation began—not just in what I walked away from, but in what I chose to step into.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If there’s one thing I’m known for, it’s the way I care about people. I’ve always been someone who notices who might feel left out, who goes the extra step to make sure everyone feels seen, included, and welcomed. For a long time, I might have called that being a people pleaser—but I’ve come to see it differently. It’s a gift.
At every event I host, my heart is the same: I want every person who walks in to feel like they belong. I want them to leave having made a new friend, having created something meaningful, or simply feeling a little less alone. Whether it’s through crafting, conversation, movement, or shared experiences, my goal is to create spaces where connection happens naturally and intentionally.
I believe that’s a big part of why God placed this calling on my life. He trusted me with the responsibility of creating environments that reflect His love—spaces that are welcoming, uplifting, and centered in something deeper than the world has to offer. And I don’t take that lightly.
This isn’t just about events. It’s about people feeling seen, valued, and connected—and creating that, over and over again, is what I feel most called to do.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
At the core of everything, what brings me the most joy is my faith, my family, and being in environments that are positive, uplifting, and aligned with who I’m becoming. There’s a deep sense of peace that comes from living in a way where I don’t have to look back on conversations or moments with regret—where I can feel proud of how I showed up and who I was around.
I’ve become very intentional about protecting that peace. I try to stay drama-free, grounded, and surrounded by people and spaces that motivate and inspire me. When all the parts of my life feel aligned—my faith, my relationships, and my purpose—it’s the most fulfilling feeling.
I also genuinely love meeting new people and exploring new places. A big part of the joy in what I’m building comes from discovering hidden gems—whether it’s a local coffee shop, a nonalcoholic bar, or a small business I may have never found otherwise. Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, I’ve been able to connect with incredible vendors and bring them together in a shared space.
Creating those connections—between people, places, and purpose—is what lights me up. It’s more than just planning events; it’s about building something meaningful, something joyful, and something that reflects the kind of life I’m so grateful to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://consistentlymindful.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consistentlymindful/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B4RUB1h6r/?mibextid=wwXIfr
