Day 365: Independence Day
525,600 minutes525,600 moments so dear525,600 minutesHow do you measure, measure a year?- Jonathan LarsonI am one year alcohol-free. My life is forever changed. My body is forever changed. My brain is forever changed.I am no longer beholden to a shame-swollen habit that once felt inescapable. This year has been an incredible journey -From gray to technicolorFrom isolation to connectionFrom guilt to graceFrom self-loathing to self-loveFrom vicious cycle to virtuous cycleFrom powerless to empowered.This year of my life cannot be measured in hangovers or wine bottles or shame spirals. How do I measure this year? I measure in strength, in connection, and, yes, in love.What comes next? I have spent this year recording, reflecting, and receiving. Now it’s time to take action. I’m going to start working on my book. I am ready to assume the title of writer/sober supermom.Yeah, I think AF life is my jam. So I’m sticking with it. Life is just too darn awesome without booze and I am simply not interested in drinking anymore. It is simple now, not drinking - but starting this journey was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Difficult evolved into easy evolved into simple. I wasn’t sure it would be possible for me, but here I am.I’ve got pride to spare today, and I offer some to you. Wherever you are in your journey - whether you have decades of sobriety under your belt or are sober curious or anywhere in between - please know that by reading my posts, and commenting with your feedback and support, you have had a direct and profound impact on me. You have helped me believe in myself. You have taught me the power of vulnerability and connection.I still can’t quite believe I’m here. I used to envision Day 365 as the act of tying a big red bow around a box containing the gift that this year has been. But now that I’m here, on Independence Day (a delightful double connotation for me!), I realize that this year is not the kind of gift that can be contained in a box tied with a bow. Because I am not the kind of person who settles for boxed life anymore.Alcohol kept me contained. Isolated. Alcohol kept my life small, my movement limited, my vision dark. Alcohol fed my shame and self-doubt as it starved me of confidence and self-worth.This year blew the lid off my life.Today is Independence Day, and I am truly free.