Change, Growth, Perseverance, Courage, Acceptance, Self Love, Hope

​Reflecting on ten years ago today that I walked away from a life of darkness and dying, addiction and pain. So much happens and changes in 10 years, it’s truly mind blowing.

I still struggle with addictions in various ways today, as I know the majority of society does in one way or another. Today though, I’m facing my feelings and working through emotions instead of trying to escape or distract away from them, so I can share my strength and courage with others needing a boost for their own journeys and remember that no one is perfect.

To try and hold ourselves to 100% perfection is unrealistic in any aspect of our lives. We do what we can when we can. And we be gentle with ourselves. We give ourselves love and kindness as a gift, and acknowledge how far we’ve come and how strong we truly are.

Thoughts from this anniversary today have been playing on me the last couple months as I’ve been faced with challenges around drugs that I haven’t been around for quite some time. I’ve come out stronger for it, reflective, grateful and proud of myself. 10 years since I last did crystal meth and oxy contin that ruled my life. It seems surreal, a completely different lifetime.

I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had along the way. I’m so fortunate to have lived when by all rights live shouldn’t have. There’s a bigger purpose to everything. I share with courage so I may help give others hope. No situation is permanent. You deserve to love yourself. We all do.