FIVE YEARS ago, I woke up to a broken ugly mess. I was unsure about a lot of things, except for the fact that I knew this was not who I wanted to be and I knew exactly where to go. Riddled with guilt & shame, I walked back into the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I made no promises to my family of how long I was going to stay sober – a week, a month, I did not know. By the grace of God, here I am 5 years later reaping the benefits of recovery.

Today my daughter had the honor of giving me my 5-year chip at my home group with my husband, son in law, brother in law and my sober tribe. My son was unable to be there since he lives out of state, but he was there in spirit and I know he’s very proud of me. I am grateful for the unconditional love & support of my family & friends. I do not take this for granted. I truly am humbled.

After all of the hard work I’ve put in to my recovery and our family has put in as a whole, I take my recovery much more seriously this time. After 17 years of sobriety, I accomplished a lot of “yets” during my 3-year relapse, and I’m aware there are many more “yets” waiting for me. I pray I never experience the pain of another relapse and having to rebuild the trust with my loved ones again. The chaos & unmanageability is paralyzing.

I’ve learned these past 5 years how to navigate through the joys & sorrows of life sober with the 12 steps and fellowship of AA. I embrace it, I feel it, I walk through it. Do I resist it at times? YES. Is it hard at times? YES. Is it worth it? YES, YES, YES!!!

Life will hand me many more challenging times ahead that may seem overwhelming. The difference between then and now, is that I don’t have to drink over it and I now have the tools to get me through it.

There’s so much peace & serenity in waking up with a clear head & being present for the ones that I love and living an honest life. I am truly blessed.

One day at a time, I’m going to keep coming back.

Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might

Life with Lisa 💕