My recovery is not a secret. I decided I wouldn’t hide or be embarrassed about my addiction after I gave up and decided to go to inpatient rehab for a month. I lied so much in active use that it’s refreshing to be completely honest and open on everything from my recovery to how I really feel about a difficult situation unfolding at home. I can’t lie anymore. It’s exhausting.
I haven’t, however, been walking into rooms with a scarlet letter protruding from my chest loudly proclaiming the virtues of sobriety. People who wantonly eschew their beliefs upon others who have no interest or skin in the game deserve a special place in hell. I can’t and don’t want to force anyone to believe anything. Who am I to preach the virtues of abstaining from alcohol? I obviously enjoyed it and drank to excess for a long, long time. Unlike me, some are content in moderation. And even if I wanted to, I can’t control others. I can only control myself and how I react to what’s happening around me.
That said, I can be a resource for those who want help. It’s why I decided to share my recovery story publicly this week. I created a before (active use) and after (in recovery) image of myself and shared it along with some copy about my recovery journey in posts on my personal Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram profiles. I also shared links to my website, my Recovery Elevator podcast interview and my Substack channel.
The response has been absolutely overwhelming.
Hundreds of people from the entirety of my personal and professional life have shared supportive comments, offered kudos and given positive reactions. It’s a snapshot of literally ever community I’ve been a part of from childhood through the past year – schools, workplaces, cities, friends, family members, colleagues and various organizations.
I’ve heard from people I thought no longer cared – even perhaps actively disliked me – due to hurtful actions (and nonaction), in use or otherwise. I don’t cry much, but I’ve been breaking down at random moments the past few days. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much. I’m overwhelmed with emotion. If there was any ever question about whether I am traveling down the right path, the reactions eliminate any doubt.
It feels good to be free.
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