Fifteen years ago on January 9th 2009, I embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of my life. My father packed me into his car, and we started on a 6.5-hour drive to Statesboro, Georgia, where I was delivered to the doorstep of a drug addiction treatment center. It’s safe to say that in many respects, it was the darkest day of my life, yet I’ve come to cherish it more than any other.
In those initial days of my journey, every day was a battle. I was tenaciously resistant to the notion of giving up my addiction and committing to sobriety. Paradoxically, I was utterly miserable in my addiction, but I couldn’t fathom an existence without it. I resisted every facet of the treatment program, refusing to relent. I was young, isolated, miles away from home, devoid of a phone or financial means of escape, and, even though it shouldn’t have been, I was shocked to find that no one was willing to come to my rescue – believe me, I asked.
Around the four-month mark, a subtle shift began to occur. One of my counselors dared to challenge my steadfast resistance. They proposed the radical idea that perhaps I didn’t fully comprehend what I was resisting. Could it be that the vision of sobriety in my mind was entirely different from the reality that awaited me? It was a notion I hadn’t entertained, and I wasn’t immediately sold on its truth.
I made a decision at that moment, not out of conviction, but fueled by my stubborn determination to prove them all wrong. I resolved to follow their counsel to the letter, all with the intention of demonstrating that their recommended path was futile for someone like me. I severed ties with my toxic social circle and sought out new companions. I wholeheartedly engaged in the therapeutic sessions and approached the 12-step meetings with an open and curious mind. I did all this with a defiant spirit, determined to show that I was a unique case, immune to their prescription.
As we all know now, the story unfolds quite differently. Here I stand, 15 years later, reflecting on the remarkable life I’ve built, all thanks to the very actions I took to prove everyone wrong.
So, why am I sharing this with you today? Because we each have our own version of a sobriety-like narrative. We’ve all been confronted with tough decisions, uncertain of their outcome, at some point in our lives. These turning point moments may have been made with optimism and hope, or perhaps, like mine, with an air of defiance. Whether it’s leaping into a new career, exiting a toxic relationship, or finally choosing to treat our bodies with respect, these pivotal moments shake the very foundations of our beliefs, shaping us into the individuals we are today.
Here’s my request, as I celebrate my 15th sobriety anniversary: Take a moment to revisit your own sobriety-like decision. What insights did it give you? What outdated beliefs did you need to shed in order to advance? Reflect on the impact that choice had on your life – your identity, your courage, your faith, your authenticity. Now, without overthinking it, consider this: What is one life-altering decision that you know, deep within, you need to make today, but haven’t? Armed with the strength, courage, growth, and faith earned from your previous sobriety-like decision, don’t you think you deserve to make this one, too?
One Response
Thank you for sharing your story. Your such an amazing energy/soul and I’m grateful our paths crossed. This message hit home for me today, so thank you 🙏🏼 and congratulations on 15 years sober.