One Year!

11.8.25

It’s almost surreal that I’ve been sober for one year. Some days have felt painfully long, others have flown by. I still don’t know a lot, but I do know one thing. I’m living now. Before, I was barely existing, hanging on by a thread.

This new way of life has taught me that I’m on the right path. Learning, growing, and finding new ways to cope with my emotions. My program gives me faith and hope, two things I never had before.

I had lunch with my sponsor and sponsee sisters today, then met up with friends to paint clay. I love that place! Hundreds of pieces to choose from, easy conversation with friends, and a little creativity therapy. The best part is you don’t have to clean up a huge mess at home after. My soup bowl probably won’t look anything like the photos that inspired it, but that’s the best part. It’s unique to me.

Later, my best friend and I picked up our favorite five-year-old for dinner at a Mexican restaurant, then spent the night playing “keepy uppy” with a balloon, “bad guys” with finger pistols, and introducing him to Men in Black because he’s obsessed with aliens.

My beautiful, amazing daughter worked all day but still called twice to make sure I was enjoying my day with everyone else. I spent some time on the phone with family who wanted to congratulate me, and it hit me how much love surrounds me now. I heard something once that still makes me laugh. “Are you glad you quit drinking?” “No, but I bet everyone I know is.” Hahaha. It’s true though. I am so incredibly blessed…for the people in my life, near and far, and for this chance to truly live.