Reflecting on life before sobriety, the grip of alcohol was the only constant while awaiting looming disaster. Responsibilities became unmanageable, bills remained unopened, and relationships strained under the weight of internal chaos. The haze of alcohol blurred reality, offering a temporary escape that transformed into an indefinite hiatus from genuine connection.

A Sober Awakening

Sobriety wasn’t just about not picking up a drink; it was a journey of self-discovery. Peeling back layers revealed a deeper understanding of myself as an active alcoholic. Selfishness, untrustworthiness, and an erosion of innocence masked who I really was. Rediscovering that youthful joy within, I began seeing life more clearly, appreciating nature’s beauty, and embracing genuine emotions for what they were and the purpose they served.

Transitioning Through Change

The transition from life before to after sobriety mirrors that of entering full-time recovery from chronic pain after my stroke. Both transitions weren’t linear but rather filled with uncertainties, setbacks, and resilience. Accepting my disability and prioritizing stroke recovery demanded an entirely new approach to life—uncharted territory.

Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Leaning into vulnerability became pivotal—breaking anonymity as an alcoholic, reshaping goals in the face of neurological vision impairment, and dismantling old routines to reconstruct my life’s path. Commitment to self-care and willingness to embrace vulnerability were fundamental in both transformations.

Recovery is about meeting myself where I am, being vulnerable, and consistently evolving towards becoming the best version of myself—one day at a time.