I’ve Been Sober for 5 Years. Here’s What I’ve Learned So Far
TW: Mention of drug use and a handful of cuss words.
February 18th, 2016 was a day like any other day. I worked in the morning and had the following day off, so I was going to celebrate my mini weekend with a night out. I got my hair done, got my lashes done, got my nails done, and I was prepared to celebrate — but the truth is, I didn’t have much to be proud of. The life I had created for myself then, at 28 years old, was one full of running, hiding, lying, cheating, half-assing, and blaming everyone for my circumstances but me. I had big dreams but no sense of responsibility. I had big ideas but only after a night of drinking and cocaine. I was a slave to what you thought of me, lacking the ability to connect with my own identity because I was so consumed by wanting to be liked.
And I had no idea what the next days would bring.
February 18th, 2016 was the last time I got drunk. It may not be the last forever, I might start up again at any moment. But as of today, I have been sober for 5 years and three days, 24 hours at a time.
Sometimes when I tell people I don’t drink they tell me I have incredible will power, or that I’m brave…some make fun of me and say things like “I don’t trust someone who can’t handle their liquor.” Some even get defensive of their own…
