Celebrations of a joyous but quiet type

Published

Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Happy to share with you all here that I am celebrating sixteen years of continuous clean time today!

Sixteen years ago today I got the monkey off my back and made the tentative steps forward to a new life. One day at a time I did it, with the help of people around the tables, online and in person. Today I am doing the same things that I did back then, while not doing other things that led me to the horrible place I found myself in.

Honesty, open mindedness, and willingness are how I started. Sometimes this has been grudging and I haven't always felt like doing it. But I did it for that moment or for that day. I found that a simple and doable philosophy.

Staying clean isn't a linear process, at least not in my case. I have joy, I have sublime, I have laughter, and I have tears on occasion. They are part of the mosaic of being human. I didn't ride off into the sunset or win the lottery, but I no longer live with the darkness and fear of impending doom that I did before I got clean. My life isn't circling the drain.

I'm in the process of regaining full licensure and returning to practice. I still have a contract to complete (next month) and a few other hoops to jump through, but it's really happening. If you'd have asked me that sixteen years ago, I'd have looked at you quizzically and said No Way.

Here's to No Way, becoming a resounding HELL YES!

Thank you all for sharing my day, my quiet and grateful celebration, and my journey :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are awesome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.
You are awesome!

So are you! You have helped me so much, more than you know *hug*

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

Congratulations, SororAKS! That's an amazing accomplishment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.
Congratulations, SororAKS! That's an amazing accomplishment.

Thank you :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Congratulations!! Happy happy day for you, hope you got to celebrate. That is an immense accomplishment and seriously admirable. I can only imagine! í ½í¸Š

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are my mentor Soror. Deep gratitude for you and congratulations to you... Paid

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion