22 Years Strong: Reflections on My Sobriety Path
Download MP3Welcome to another episode of God's path to sobriety. My name is Betty and I'm your host. First, a quick disclaimer. This is a story based on my own experiences and interpretations. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Host:If you're experiencing any medical issues, please seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay or forego seeking professional help because of anything you hear here on this platform. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the show. Today I'm going through something a little different.
Host:I'm going to share a personal story, one that's been twenty two years in the making. That's right, twenty two years of sobriety. It feels surreal to even say that, but it's a milestone I am incredibly proud of. And I hope that my sharing my story, I can offer some hope and maybe even a little inspiration to anyone who's struggling or thinking about making a change. So let's go back and rewind a little bit.
Host:For those twenty two years there was a different story, a story of a lot of chaos. I think for me it started in my teenage years. I was very rebellious. I wanted to do what I wanted, didn't want to listen to anybody. I felt like I knew what I was doing and wanted for my life.
Host:So because of that, I made choices that put me in situations that were sometimes dangerous, but that didn't stop me. I just kept on doing things that were unhealthy even though I was a mother. So from that point on, it started the cycle of internalizing, keeping feelings in, keeping emotions, not knowing how to cope or deal with situations that happen, especially motherhood. So there was a lot of chaos. It was the beginning of the chaos in my life.
Host:So now, few years later, in my early twenties, I now have four children and single still. So I didn't know how to deal with that. I didn't know how to deal with life. So whenever I was introduced to cocaine and meth casually, that helped numb everything that I was feeling inside, I didn't want to deal with. This was my escape.
Host:This is what I used to not deal with life. And it started innocently enough, like it does for so many, but it did quickly escalate. Before I realized that I found myself relying on it more and more, and it started to affect every aspect of my life. My relationships, my children, my work, my health, just about everything. I I remember moments of desiring to get high instead of being at home and helping my children with their homework or just being there to hug them and kiss them and tell them that I love them.
Host:But it also wasn't just about the physical effects. It was the emotional toll that it took on me as well. The guilt, the shame, the feeling of being trapped. I think a lot of people can definitely relate to that feeling of being stuck in a cycle. You know that you wanna change or you need to change, but you don't know how or you're afraid to afraid of dealing with reality.
Host:So what changed for me? What was the turning point? Honestly, it wasn't one big dramatic moment. It was a series of small, almost imperceptible shifts. First, there was a moment of clarity, a realization that I couldn't keep living like this.
Host:I had four children that didn't have their mother in their life. Not to mention a single mother. There was no father figure either. But I also knew that I couldn't take care of them when I was in my addiction because the hive was more important. So what was I gonna do?
Host:Then the fear fear kicks in. Fear of losing what little I had, fear of failing, fear of change, but mostly the fear of never being able to break free from this addiction. But there was also a tiny flicker of hope, a belief that maybe, just maybe, things could be different. And that flicker of hope was God. Because believe it or not, I did not reach out for help.
Host:Help reached out to me. And when I say help, I mean God putting a single person in my path who just happened to sponsor individuals in recovery, then me making a choice to try and get clean. The choice was terrifying, but it was also the most important one. The early years of sobriety were hard, extremely hard. I had cravings.
Host:There were setbacks, many moments of doubt. But in the process of recovery, I learned to lean on God and my sponsor. I also learned to take it one day at a time. I know that we say that all the time, but it's so true. Take it taking it one day at a time, and that sometimes you need to take it one hour at a time.
Host:Twenty two years is a very long time, but, of course, it hasn't been perfect. The journey is never perfect. I had ups and downs. I had many challenges and many triumphs. In future episodes, I will go more into detail with those challenges and triumphs.
Host:But one of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of maintaining a relationship with God. Without building that relationship, I could see myself falling and going backwards because God repaired so many things in those twenty two years. But let me reiterate, it was not perfect. I still made many mistakes in those twenty two years, but moment. I've also learned the power of connection, building and rebuilding healthy relationships, being honest and vulnerable.
Host:This has been crucial to my recovery in sobriety. So because I built that relationship with God, I was able to build and rebuild healthy relationships, especially with my children, with my mother, with my siblings. Another important factor in the twenty two years of being sober was finding what my purpose is. For me, it's giving back to my community, what was given to me, and that is letting everyone know that you can have a life free from addiction. You can rebuild relationships.
Host:You can get through the hard times without getting high. It's very important to let people know there is a way out, that there is that flicker of hope, and that you do not have to spend the rest of your life in a cycle of addiction. So having something to focus on, something bigger than myself, has given me a sense of direction. I've learned to be kind to myself, to forgive myself for past mistakes, and to celebrate my progress along the way. So for the one who feels like they'll never recover, they'll never be sober, For the ones who feel there's no way out, I wanna emphasize that recovery and sobriety is possible.
Host:I am living proof. It's not easy, but it's definitely worth it. And I know it's different for everyone. There's no one size fits all approach. Find what works for you and never ever give up.
Host:Well, everyone, that's my story or at least a small part of it. I hope that by sharing my experience, I've offered some encouragement to anyone who's struggling. If you're thinking about making a change or if you're already on the path to recovery, know that you're not alone in this. Remember sobriety is a journey, not a destination. There will be challenges, but there will also be moments of joy, growth, and transformation.
Host:That concludes this episode of God's path to sobriety. Stay informed with daily inspirations and community support by following us on Instagram and TikTok at god's path pod. You can also subscribe for future updates at prosperandsharellc.com. We have many more stories and helpful information coming your way. When you subscribe, you'll get a free 10 page sobriety coloring book for free.
Host:Are you looking for sobriety merchandise? Visit our pop up store at prosper dash and dash share dash ent dot printify dot me and get your curated sobriety gear and other items that can help you on your journey. We are adding new items weekly, so be sure to visit. And lastly, do you have a story you would like to share? I would love to hear it.
Host:If you're comfortable, please send me your sobriety journey or any related story to my email at godspathpod@gmail.com. We may even feature your story in a future episode. Well, thank you for listening. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you and for every single day of my sobriety. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
Host:Visit our website and send in your stories. Until next time, take care. Bye bye.
