1. What prompted you to start your sober journey?
I started this sober journey because I found myself in a whole lot of legal trouble because of my drinking. It had finally caught up to me and there was no where to turn. I found solace in others who had been successful at living a sober life, knew firsthand the pain that I had been in all those years and could call me on my BS. I was desperate and my new found fellows had the solution. I wanted to be happy, joyous & free, too.
For the record, legal trouble isn’t what qualifies me as an alcoholic. I’m an alcoholic because I have a mental obsession & compulsion to drink beyond my control. Once, I start I cannot stop, no matter how many promises I make to just have one.
2. How long has it been?
My sobriety date is 11.02.2015. I would have never thought I could go one day without alcohol let alone 4.5 years. Now, it is hard for me to imagine that I ever drank at all. It is amazing how time and the next right action make such a huge impact.
3. What has been your biggest challenge/lesson during your sober journey?
For a long time my biggest challenge was isolation. I was so used to dealing with feelings on my own & bottling up emotions then drinking over them. It was hard for me to open up and share some of my innermost secrets. I was ashamed of where alcohol had taken me and wanted to maintain this picture perfect image, but that was taken away from me so, I had to get used to being vulnerable and most importantly, honest.
My biggest lesson has been that I have the disease of alcoholism that has to be treated each day with action. Prayer, meditation, gratitude, affirmations & working a program with my sponsor have saved my life. Thank God I don’t have to do this alone.
4. What is you greatest motivation to remain sober?
My greatest motivation to remain sober is gratitude for my current life & the power of believing that no matter what comes my way, I don't have to drink or drug over it. Life still happens & alcohol will not make it better.
5. What insight can you give to anyone contemplating beginning their journey to a sober and wellness focused life?
From my experience, surrounding myself with sober people made sober living easier. Relying on a Higher Power, remaining teachable, accepting help & trusting other alcoholics who are doing the work is key. In the beginning, I went to outpatient treatment, attended meetings, worked with a sponsor, fellowshipped with other alcoholics & stayed away from people, places & things that were triggering.
6. How do you incorporate what you’ve learned on your journey into your daily life?
I incorporate what I’ve learned about recovery through daily rituals. Every morning I pray, meditate, create a gratitude list & write down several affirmations. I write down fears and resentments that pop up throughout the day and talk them over with my sponsor in the evenings. I make an effort to give myself and others space to be who we are & focus on doing the next right thing. Progress not Perfection.
