I’m not going to lie. This past year was probably one of the most challenging years of my sobriety journey. At one point, Terri told me that nothing was worth my sobriety. She was right.
As I consider taking steps forward, it is necessary to consider my wellbeing—particularly my sobriety.
Last week, I shared with you that I celebrated my 30th sobriety birthday.
Sobriety Isn’t Just About Not Drinking or Doing Drugs
For me, sobriety has really been about learning how to live life on life’s terms without numbing myself or trying to escape. Let’s be honest: life’s a bitch sometimes.
When I first started on this journey, I thought sobriety simply meant putting down the bottle and walking away from drugs. That, in itself, seemed impossible. But over the years, I’ve discovered sobriety is so much more.
Sobriety is about healing, growing, and becoming the person God intended me to be.
Sobriety = Clarity
It’s waking up in the morning with a clear head, being grateful for the ability to remember what I said and did, and no longer carrying the weight of shame from the night, or even days, before.
Sobriety = Freedom
The chains that once bound me no longer hold me. I’m no longer controlled by my cravings or substances. I have discovered the power to make choices that lead to life, not death.
Sobriety = Restoration
In these years, I’ve seen relationships repaired, trust rebuilt, and hope reignited. Sobriety has given me the chance to be present for others in ways I never could have been before.
Sobriety = Growth
It’s not always easy. Some days still feel heavy, and life hasn’t stopped being hard. In fact, the past 12-18 months have been super difficult. But, through the years, I’ve discovered new ways to celebrate, to grieve, and to dream. I’ve found a purpose beyond anything I could have imagined back when I was lost in addiction.
Sunday, I discussed the importance of what’s part of our spiritual diet. Sobriety is a necessary component of spiritual growth. Numbing our mind, tunes out God.
After 30 years of continuous sobriety, I can honestly say it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. Sobriety isn’t about saying no to one thing. It’s about saying yes to everything that truly matters: life, love, faith, and freedom.
P.S. Terri says “THANK YOU” for your birthday well wishes!
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
The Devotional Guy™ 
Thanks, Dana!
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Well said!
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My pleasure friend – thank you! And thank you Terri, for … “be”ing.
I’m finding out a little late in life that the simple things … those are the hardest to learn … for me.
Have a beautiful day my friends!
—Jodi
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Thanks for this well-thought out comment, Jodi. I like your perspective on keeping our bodies clean so we keep our minds clear. Terri shared she had a fun birthday that allowed her to relax and “be”. Thanks for reading!
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Rainer, I love how you framed sobriety as a “yes” rather than a “no.”
That really resonates.
To me, sobriety is also a state of mind … choosing to keep the systems within our bodies clean so that clarity can rise to the surface.
When our minds are clear, our decisions align more with life, love, faith, and freedom … just like you said.
Great post!
Good morning my friends – glad to know you aren’t nursing a hangover Terri! I hope your birthday was wonderful!
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