Elle Macpherson admits she quit booze 20 years ago to be more ‘present’
Opening up about her two decades of sobriety, Elle Macpherson has said she stopped drinking as it was blocking her from being “fully present” in life.
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Elle Macpherson stopped drinking as it was blocking her from being “fully present” in life.
The supermodel – dubbed ‘The Body’ by Time in 1989 – is set to turn 60 in March and says she feels better than ever as she approaches the landmark, thanks partly to quitting booze in 2003.
She told Body and Soul magazine: “I stopped drinking in 2003 because I felt I couldn’t be fully present in my life and it was a wonderful springboard of getting to know myself on a deeper level.
“Everybody has their own journey and I’m not interested in telling other people what to do but I know that this was a decision that I’ve never regretted
“Although it required discipline and persistence the bottom line is you can’t be well and present in your life if you’re not present and well, and alcohol doesn’t really support that.
“It’s very difficult to get to know yourself if you’re numbing yourself.”
Mum-of-two Elle recently posted an image on Instagram of her Alcoholics Anonymous tri-plate token marking 20 years of sobriety.
The model-turned wellness guru, who is dating US musician Doyle Bramhall, 54, added about ageing: “I feel incredible. I think that’s the most important thing. You say I look incredible but I feel that way.
“I just love that sense of vitality and I’m grateful for my life, I’m grateful for my journey and I am loving turning 60.”
Elle, who has sons Flynn, 25, and Cy, 20, has endured the ending of two marriages, the breakdown of her relationship with the dad of her two children, the French financier Arpad Busson, 60, as well as public battles with former business associates, issues with alcohol, and a period in a rehab facility in 2003.
She said about taking care of her health as she ages: “I spent many years tending to my outer appearance as ‘The Body’ and really living up to other people’s expectations of me.
“Today I find my life way more fulfilling and enriching as I focus on my inner wellbeing and balance because that delivers peace and joy and love.
“I don’t focus on ageing. I think it’s more important to focus on the quality of the life that you’re living and how you’re living life to the fullest.
“They always say it’s not the years in your life it’s the life in your years. That’s what I like to help people with, which is how they can live their life to their fullest.”
