The journey to this point involved a lot of ups and downs. Underage drinking, college binges, an overdose, blackouts, many mornings filled with regret wondering if I said something I shouldn’t have, “moms night outs” that made overindulging in wine trendy and somehow acceptable.
When I decided to quit drinking, I declared I’d do it for nine months. I was quiet about it, struggling secretly with fear of public failure. Then I hit that goal date, and I thought, why not do it for a year?!? That’s definitely more impressive to brag about! Then that date came, and I found myself in the AA rooms. I heard other stories like mine. And that’s when I knew I’d never drink again. I accepted that I was an alcoholic and began my sobriety journey.
On August 14th, I woke up early and went to one of my old groups, the 6:45 am GBSC and was reminded of how lucky and grateful I am to be here today, ten years sober. I will forever be an addict. I can over-obsess about anything from running my business to working out. And some may look at that and say, “well, that’s healthier.” But I know, and any addict will tell you, that our extremes are our addiction showing up first. That’s when we need to get out our sobriety toolbox and work our program, whether coming back to your meditation practice, going to meetings, or working on the steps again.
I’m honored to be here still, alive and healthy, and to inspire and support others as they choose to live with their eyes wide open too. I do not take this year for granted. I know the daily work that it has taken to get here, and I truly am grateful for each day that I live a sober life.
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