Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

Two Years of Sobriety. 730 Days of Embracing Change and Growth in My Addiction Recovery & Mental Health Management Journey.

Wow, it’s been quite the journey for me, I must say.

Today marks a significant milestone for me: two full years of sobriety. Two years ago today, I entered rehab for the first time, went away from my children, family, and all who knew me for 104 days, and my life has never been the same since. Reflecting on my journey, I realize the immense GROWTH and COURAGE it took to make that decision, do the work in rehab, and face an often unforgiving world afterward.

This post is for anyone struggling with addiction, contemplating asking for help, and for those who love someone battling addiction, and everyone dedicated to understanding the complexities of change and growth.

The Stages of Change and Denial

Understanding the stages of change is crucial in addiction recovery. These stages include:

1. Precontemplation: Not recognizing there is a problem.

2. Contemplation: Acknowledging the problem but not ready to change.

3. Preparation: Getting ready to change.

4. Action: Actively making changes.

5. Maintenance: Sustaining the change over time.

6. Relapse: Falling back into old patterns, often part of the process.

Denial can be a powerful barrier. Functional addicts often convince themselves and others that they are in control, masking the true extent of their struggle. Recognizing these stages is vital to providing appropriate support without pushing too hard, which can often lead to resistance.

Encouraging Growth: When to Push and When to Step Back

For those who love and care for someone with an addiction, understanding the delicate balance of pushing for change and stepping back is essential. Here are some guidelines:

Educate Yourself: Learn about addiction and the recovery process to offer informed support.

Be Supportive, Not Enabling: Encourage positive behaviors and healthy choices without enabling the addiction.

Respect Their Journey: Recognize that change is a personal journey and must come from within.

Intervene When Necessary: If someone is a danger to themselves or others, intervention is crucial.

The Courage to Seek Help

Deciding to go to rehab was one of the biggest decisions of my life. It took tremendous courage to talk to a psychologist daily, answer deep questions, and open up to strangers. This journey has taught me that sharing my story is both therapeutic and a service to others who may not have the same opportunities for recovery.

Lessons Learned in Two Years

The past two years have been about taking control of my post-rehab aftercare. Courageously and consistently attending Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Christian Faith teachings support groups, regularly going to church, and being part of a small Christian community have been pillars of my recovery. Offering acts of service has helped me find my voice and value in the community.

The biggest lesson, however, was accepting that those closest to me may never see beyond the consequences of my actions during active addiction. Humans naturally seek love and positive regard, making it hard to accept when a few family members and close friends can’t see past my past addiction. Forgiveness by others is absolute by few, conditional by most, and impossible by some. I am not defined by those who won’t forgive me or those who punish me. I am defined by how well I manage my recovery and mental health every single day.

Quotes on Change and Growth

1. “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” — Robin Sharma

2. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Recommended Resources

Books:

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté

Podcasts:

The Recovery Show: Discusses the steps and traditions of recovery.

The Bubble Hour: Real people sharing their addiction and recovery stories.

Final Thoughts

As I celebrate two years of sobriety, I am reminded of the strength it took to get here and the continuous effort required to maintain this path. You want forgiveness and encouragement from those closest to you, some will, some will not. For anyone struggling or supporting someone in their struggle, remember that change is a journey, and growth is a process. It’s not about how many times you fall, but about rising each time with renewed strength and determination.

Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made. Cheer yourself forward for the incredible work you are doing, rebuilding your life in this unforgiving world.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Here’s to embracing change, fostering growth, and supporting whoever knocks on your door for a helping hand on their journey.

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