12yrs today
Today I celebrate 12yrs in recovery from a substance use disorder. Today in my life I am a father, husband, educator, researcher, mentor, and, other roles I hold dear to my heart. Today in my life I am an integral part of the community I live and work in. Today in my life I get to participate in life in ways I could never have imagined not so long ago. All of it is because of my journey as a person in long term recovery from a substance use disorder.
My path to where I am today has not been linear. Much like many living this life, my road has had ups and downs along the way. A life well lived is not without trials and tribulations along the way. As a person in recovery I bring to life a unique set of experiences in all I do. This last year gave me months where I and others cared for my mother during her last months on this earth. It was by far some of the hardest days of my entire life. There is nothing that prepares you for caring for a loved one in hospice care. There is nothing that prepares you to lose a parent. My life as a person in recovery gave me the strength and ability to be there every step of the way for my mother.
I walked through it all with support from others, and, a strength within me that comes from my unique life experiences. They say there is a heaven and hell. I can say that I have likely been as close to a depiction of hell as you might be able to imagine. Having been in the depths of addiction to levels I would never wish upon anyone is something that gives me great pause. It gives me pause because of the life I have today.
I live in a dream world. I used to live a life where I would say "someday I will..." It was always tomorrow, or next month, or, even next year. I was never able to accomplish goals. I would have them in my mind, or maybe even write them down once in awhile. Yet, they would never be accomplished. In active addiction goals and dreams are brushed aside. Day after day, week after week, month after month, they get shoved further away.
Not anymore. Due to a life in recovery I live in a dream world. I live in a world where I have accomplished goal after goal. An amazing relationship with my wife of 7 years. A powerful bond between my son and I that both of us work to ensure it stays that way. Friendships that keep me on a positive footing, and, help lift me up when I am down. A career that I love participating in on a regular basis.
I am an integral part of the community I live in. I get to work with other leaders in our community to help develop pathways to recovery for others. I get invited to meetings, to serve on committees, to use my education and experience to make positive change. I have professional connections on a local, state, and federal level to be a strong voice for change and finding new ways to recovery for those that need it.
I get to be alive today. Alive in ways that I only dreamed of in years past. All of it, is because of recovery support. Support through access to multiple community based entities. Doctors, counselors, job/career opportunities, and many others. It IS my life mission to help find ways for others to experience what I am experiencing.
Recovery works, lives change.
My path to where I am today has not been linear. Much like many living this life, my road has had ups and downs along the way. A life well lived is not without trials and tribulations along the way. As a person in recovery I bring to life a unique set of experiences in all I do. This last year gave me months where I and others cared for my mother during her last months on this earth. It was by far some of the hardest days of my entire life. There is nothing that prepares you for caring for a loved one in hospice care. There is nothing that prepares you to lose a parent. My life as a person in recovery gave me the strength and ability to be there every step of the way for my mother.
I walked through it all with support from others, and, a strength within me that comes from my unique life experiences. They say there is a heaven and hell. I can say that I have likely been as close to a depiction of hell as you might be able to imagine. Having been in the depths of addiction to levels I would never wish upon anyone is something that gives me great pause. It gives me pause because of the life I have today.
I live in a dream world. I used to live a life where I would say "someday I will..." It was always tomorrow, or next month, or, even next year. I was never able to accomplish goals. I would have them in my mind, or maybe even write them down once in awhile. Yet, they would never be accomplished. In active addiction goals and dreams are brushed aside. Day after day, week after week, month after month, they get shoved further away.
Not anymore. Due to a life in recovery I live in a dream world. I live in a world where I have accomplished goal after goal. An amazing relationship with my wife of 7 years. A powerful bond between my son and I that both of us work to ensure it stays that way. Friendships that keep me on a positive footing, and, help lift me up when I am down. A career that I love participating in on a regular basis.
I am an integral part of the community I live in. I get to work with other leaders in our community to help develop pathways to recovery for others. I get invited to meetings, to serve on committees, to use my education and experience to make positive change. I have professional connections on a local, state, and federal level to be a strong voice for change and finding new ways to recovery for those that need it.
I get to be alive today. Alive in ways that I only dreamed of in years past. All of it, is because of recovery support. Support through access to multiple community based entities. Doctors, counselors, job/career opportunities, and many others. It IS my life mission to help find ways for others to experience what I am experiencing.
Recovery works, lives change.
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