Pride can hinder personal growth and blind us, inhibiting our ability to see our authentic selves, much less show it to others. For me, acknowledging that I can’t change people, places, or things and that I need to be open to changing myself became a crucial realization in recovery. Each day of sobriety I make the decision to not drink. This decision is driven by the understanding that one slip could lead to irreversible consequences. I need to remain humble to recognize my character defects and the areas in my life that require growth and change. Gratitude became a helpful tool for breaking away from self-absorption and embracing humility.
Recently, I posted a quote on our Recovery Daily Podcast Facebook page: “Courage isn’t having strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. This resonates deeply in my life post-stroke. Many aspects of who I was have shifted, yet my determination remains steadfast. Listening to stroke survivors Debra Meyerson and Steve Zuckerman reinforced this realization—I’m evolving into “sober stroke survivor Rachel version 3.0.” I’ve recognized qualities that ground me in my identity: sensitivity, empathy, and an unyielding determination.
The vulnerability of sharing my story challenged the identity I’ve projected to the world versus the hidden, bruised identity shaped by mental health struggles, alcoholism, and the aftermath of my stroke. Shedding false pride to embrace authenticity has become my mission. I’ve seen too many friends succumb to addiction, reminding me of the stakes of staying silent. Embracing imperfection is just being grateful to be human.
Pride often isolates me and hampers my presence for others. By shedding it, I redirect my energy toward connecting with other survivors. My healing lies in aligning with my sobriety program’s principles, adapting them seamlessly to my stroke recovery. Turning off my ‘wanter’ and focusing on the next right thing, whether it’s taking naps or sharing experiences, frees me and strengthens my emotional sobriety. My stroke recovery is focused on connecting, healing, and fostering a ripple effect of positive change.