25 Years – One Day at a Time
10/9/93 my life changed forever. Of course, at the time, I had no idea how monumental that moment would be. It felt different, but believe me there had been other attempts. My life had spiraled of kilter and was heading for a crash.
I had rallied just enough to make a move to San Diego to finish college. My small hometown was no longer a safe place for me. But within a month of arriving in my new town, my old demons found me and once again I was heading for the wall.
Twenty-five years is a long time to do anything especially something you thought was impossible. The only way I can describe it is Divine intervention. God did for me what I could not do for myself. You see, I am a drug addict and alcoholic and I have not had a drink or drug in 9125 days.
In 25 years, so much life happens whether you want it to or not. I have stayed sober through it all. It hasn’t always been pretty. I have had to come to terms with my depression and anxiety including one especially rough row when my mother died five years ago. I practice progress not perfection. But, every day I chose not to drink is a miracle and I am grateful for it.
I have lived my life in anonymity for 25 years. I chose to write this because when I started StyleDahlia, I promised myself I would share my life with you all, in a true and authentic way. I could not just share the decorations of my life without sharing the parts of my foundation. I have shared my story individually with others who suffer and helped them when I can. My hope is that in sharing my story on a larger scale, I can help someone if I can. In 2015, over 20 million people met the criteria for substance abuse disorder.* That is more than all the people suffering with all type of cancer combined. I am sure all of you know someone affected by drug and alcohol addiction. But there is hope. From the first day I made the choice to not drink way back in 1993 to right now, I have not had the desire, nor have I picked up a drink or drug. I am not special in any way. My sobriety is a result of working a program and being graced by God. I have been given the gift of sobriety. I am grateful in this moment and I practice living my life one day at a time.
If you want to know more about me. Check out my about me page. If you want to know more about addiction and recovery please check out Alcoholics Anonymous.
*From Facing Addiction in America – The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health
