Recovery

This morning, I awoke with no intention of sharing my personal journey with the outside world through social media. However, as I engaged in my daily routine of prayer and meditation, a powerful inner voice urged me to do so. It wasn't a fleeting thought; it carried profound significance. "Share your journey," it insisted.

On October 13, 2020, I had reached a rock bottom in my life. My reckless behavior, which included drinking and driving, had put numerous lives at risk. It was just another weekend in the life of someone battling alcoholism. But that particular day marked a turning point. I felt deep within my being that I could no longer continue down that destructive path. My life was in disarray, and I had pushed away everything and everyone. I had become a selfish, self-centered, and deeply troubled individual. Ironically, others may not have seen it or perhaps chose to turn a blind eye. However, those closest to me knew the truth. I was a deceiver, a cheat, a source of embarrassment to my family. It was then that I took the courageous step of attending Alcoholics Anonymous and collecting my first sobriety chip. This was my second attempt at becoming sober but in my heart, I knew it would be my last.

Fast forward to October 13, 2023, when I proudly picked up my three-year sobriety chip, an undeniable miracle. Today, 1,118 days later, my journey continues. I wake up each day with a commitment to self-improvement and service to others. My wife, the most significant person in my life, has been my unwavering support. She has stood by my side, offering encouragement, and trust, and witnessing my transformation into the person she always believed I could be—a man of integrity and character. Without her faith in me and my capacity for change, my story could have taken a very different and tragic turn.

Mental health and addiction are formidable adversaries, described as "cunning, baffling, and powerful" in the recovery community. Today, I no longer fear or feel ashamed to share my journey. If my story can assist even one person, that individual may, in turn, extend their hand to help another, creating a ripple effect. Over time, this has the potential to impact hundreds, thousands, and eventually millions of lives.

Don't be afraid to share your struggles; you'll be amazed at the opportunities it unlocks and the support that will follow. Today I live life one day at a time and practice the principles of AA in all my affairs.

I am here if you need me.

Carl Sasyn

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)