Chapter 1: The Journey to Sobriety

Are you on the path of sobriety? If so, you understand that this journey is far from simple. Yet, you've managed to break free from the grip of alcohol. While willpower plays a role, it’s merely one part of the equation.

Overcoming addiction requires harnessing your inner strength and utilizing every resource available to you. I’ve walked this path, as have countless others.

Some individuals sought help through rehabilitation centers, where they received support for withdrawal symptoms and counseling to bolster their resolve. Others found solace in Alcoholics Anonymous, while many balanced outpatient programs with their daily responsibilities, attending meetings after work or family commitments.

Some took the bold step of eliminating all alcohol from their homes, going cold turkey without ever looking back. Others, like myself, opted for a self-directed approach, immersing ourselves in numerous books about quitting that continue to guide me even three years later.

Regardless of the method chosen, it required immense strength, courage, determination, perseverance, and willpower—qualities that can only be described as a superpower. Have you taken a moment to acknowledge the effort you exerted to achieve sobriety?

In the early stages, we might have celebrated our newfound strength, basking in the pride of our accomplishments. But it’s easy to forget the difficulties we faced along the way.

Let’s pause and recognize our achievements.

You possess powerful affirmations, and it’s essential to reflect on who we are and who we aspire to be: - I venture beyond my comfort zone to pursue my inspirations. - I embody strength, gentleness, optimism, creativity, and wisdom. - I choose to harness my power for positive purposes, just as I did to achieve sobriety. - I believe in a bright future where I take full control of my life. - I cherish the many blessings in my life, with sobriety being one of them. - Creative ideas flow effortlessly to me. - I honor my physical body and nurture it. - I deserve to live authentically, on my own terms. - I now allow myself to receive the goodness I previously withheld. - I am a being of POWER, PASSION, and PURPOSE.

These empowering statements were inspired by Rev. Edwene Gaines of Unity Church, a minister for over 30 years who has dedicated her life to encouraging individuals to reach their fullest potential. She is truly one of my role models.

It’s vital to acknowledge who we have become and who we continue to strive to be. As I navigate the later stages of my life, I remain filled with ambitions and dreams for the future. Age should never deter us, nor should past mistakes. What matters is that we are present and ready to move forward.

These affirmations are not mere bravado; they are a proud acknowledgment of our accomplishments and the choices we continue to make.

You have earned your sobriety—regardless of your past and the journey that led you here, that chapter is behind you.

You hold remarkable power. The future is yours to shape.