Day One – Pivot Point
Your story so far
Think about your life so far. What’s been a pivot point in your story? Describe the before and after.
My pivot point definitely came on August 10, 2002. I at that point realized that I am an alcoholic. My wife of twenty-two years had left and caused me to examine what about my life I needed to change.
I at this point was totally lost, not knowing where to turn. Reoccurring feelings of fear had led me to seek a chemical solution before this time and that was no longer an option. My erroneous thinking had led me to a point where the most important things in my life were no longer there. Something had to change.
Soon after that day, I reached out for help for a problem I knew I couldn’t solve on my own. I started seeing a therapist and started my outpatient rehab journey. My wife was never to return, but I saw that I needed to love myself enough to continue to get the help I needed.
It was through this admission of my addiction and my continued work with a twelve-step program that I had a deep spiritual awakening that continues to this day. I realized that there is a God that loves me and watches over me, in both good times and bad. God had done for me what I could not do for myself.
Even though my life today is far from perfect, I am still able to march forward despite the fears and misgivings I might have. A lot has happened over these past several months that have put my faith to the test, but I stand firm in my resolve to stay focused on the positive parts of my life, which are many.
I’ve adopted a mantra that’s helped me through the most difficult of days:
“Keep the faith and trust the journey.”
*Note – I, by the grace of God, will be able to celebrate twenty years of sobriety on August 10th of this year.
David Lee 