The Gift of Sobriety
Who I am today is the truest, bravest, happiest version of me, and I owe it all to my sobriety. I no longer have even the tiniest desire to drink alcohol. I have walked through dark days, but they helped me discover my own strength. My joy is felt soul-deep. Below is a list of lessons I’ve learned, but the most important thing is this - I have a God who has broken the chains I placed around myself. He has never given up on me. He is the reason I found the strength to quit. Without Him, none of this would have been possible. If I had the opportunity to start over and never deal with this problem, I wouldn’t. It has made me who I am today and I really love who I’ve become. This has been an amazing year of growth and blessings. I am so thankful God chose this path for me. I am so thankful He knew I would have the strength to rise up from it and turn my mess into a message. I am so thankful.
What used to be a struggle and what I’ve learned…
It’s okay if people don’t like you. Not everyone is supposed to. It’s okay if people don’t agree with you. We’re all entitled to our opinions. So instead of having anxiety over it and drinking to relax and fit in, find the people that are meant to be in your life. They will accept you as you are and you won’t have to stress or pretend. Your soul will be at ease and you will know that you are right where you belong. No alcohol, no facades, no conforming - just being.
There is a benefit to every single emotion. Feel them. Get to know and understand them. Sitting through the sadness and pain, the frustration and grief will help you learn how to truly heal. Your heart knows the way. Trust it.
Surround yourself with people who have walked this path before you and people who are walking it with you. There is comfort in connecting with people who know exactly the kind of pain you carry. Burdens become lighter. Hope starts blooming.
Speak up. When there are words left unsaid, you start to carry with you a festering resentment. If you choose not to be open and honest, you have no one to blame but yourself. Speak up. Release the words. Those who love you will listen, even when the words are difficult to hear.
Routine is necessary. In the beginning it might feel pointless and overwhelming, but if you keep at it, it will become a source of comfort and healing. Build a routine that feeds your soul the love and light it needs.
Embrace simplicity. A morning cup of coffee with a good book. Writing with soft music in the background. Sitting on the deck and chatting with a good friend. Taking a walk with the family. Hugging those you love more often.
There is joy everywhere. Open your eyes. Take it all in. Learn to live with gratitude for each moment.
Follow your dreams. You are capable of so much more than you ever gave yourself credit for. All those things you hoped for…they are becoming a reality because you decided to show up for yourself every single day. You decided you are worth it.
Remember to pause. You do not need to fix things out of panic. Take your time and think it through. Reacting out of fear never ends well. Be thoughtful and patient in dealing with the tough lessons life is teaching.
You are loved beyond measure. The love and support you have been given this past year is almost beyond comprehension. Believe it. Let it into your heart. Then turn around and share it with others.
What an amazing year it’s been! You can see the joy in the pictures below! I am so excited to see what pursuing my dreams will lead to in year 2! I’ll meet you back here - same time, next year. I’m already looking forward to reflecting with you on all of the joy, lessons, and growth that year 2 will provide!
Thank you for loving me so well, friends. 💕
Until next time, just be.
xo,
Lindy
