Another Year Sober
We asked these three clean and sober individuals what it is like for them to recently be celebrating another year of sobriety.
Navigate My Life
“Drugs and alcohol gave me wings, but took away the sky. Celebrating three years is a miracle. I’m still in the process of cleaning up the wreckage of my past. I have learned in sobriety to respond instead of react. I’m definitely not perfect at it, however I use the basics of the program to navigate my life. I say the serenity prayer daily. I have a relationship with my family that is better than I could have ever imagined. I’m a son, brother, uncle, and a partner. I have an amazing sponsor who I have zero secrets from, and I have sober brothers and sisters who keep me accountable. I try to have honesty, integrity, and love in all of my actions. I’m a completely different person today. A person I can look at in the mirror and be okay with.”
—Paulo Anthony Grayson, sober since October 7, 2015.
Repaired And Deepened
“Before I got sober, the light in my soul was dim. I felt lonely, afraid and ashamed. I would try to get sober on my own, and would end up drinking and using again. I eventually asked for help and was introduced to a variety of tools to help me live a sober life. Asking for help was the most courageous thing I could have done. It helped save my life.
Today, I have repaired and deepened my relationships with my family and friends by being accountable and showing up. They trust me and love me unconditionally. Things in life that used to baffle me, no longer do. I’ve learned that drugs and alcohol are no longer a solution for when I am in fear or feel inadequate. I have a sober network and community I can go to when I need to. Most days, I feel happy, joyous and free as I always try to find the gratitude and love in the simplest things. Life is in session and I am proud to show up for it. The light in my soul I once lost is shining as bright as ever!”
—Phillip Aleman, sober since October 10, 2011.
My Own Skin
“It feels great to turn six years. The longest I had before was 22 months. Three years ago, I had a spiritual awakening. It only lasted a few hours, but it was enough to convince me that this program works and that my Higher Power is looking out for me. It was a rainy night. I was walking under the rain and I had an incredible feeling that I cannot describe. I felt joy and peace and happiness. That feeling kept me going to meetings and being of service and working with others. Today, I have a sense of accomplishment. I don’t have the cash and prizes that people get, but the promises have come true for me. I have serenity, I have peace of mind. I’m not afraid of anybody. I feel good in my own skin.”
—Cesar Garcia, sober since October 20, 2012.
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