On June 7, 2014, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life, to quit drinking.
I was sick, exhausted, sad and hopeless. I was bloated, but basically skin and bones from the years of abuse I had subjected my body to. A series of events occurred that got my attention and I saw many signs that made me realize that I had to make a change. So I bought my 2 bottles of wine (as I had every day for many years) after already having had many drinks that afternoon. I sat on my patio and told the bottles that our relationship was over, it had become too dysfunctional and I could no longer go on like this, I knew I couldn't survive the pace much longer, I could feel it.I reflected on all of my bad decisions related to the drinking...and I ugly cried, hard! The next day I woke up feeling miserable but have not taken a drink since. To say my life became easier after that would be a lie. I've lost loved ones, been through a divorce, lost a very well-paying job, have been through serious illness, not to mention a seizure that came pretty close to taking my life in 2018...the list of obstacles is too extensive to post. However, I've also experienced some of my greatest joys. I reconnected with my biological daughter, who had my beautiful, amazing grandson. Continued with some beautiful friendships and have made some amazing new loving ones and have been blessed with my parents moving close to me (just to name a few).... this list is also extensive! So I feel it is important to share this for those who may feel lost, lonely, abandoned and hopeless. You must continue to have faith. Push yourself to get up every day, be thankful for what you have, help others unselfishly and learn from the challenges. Just please don't give up. Had I given up, not paid attention to the signs, not relied on loved ones and had blind faith, I know I would not be here today. I wish everyone peace, love and happiness...even those who have been a part of the great pains in my life (they ended up being my greatest teachers). I stumbled across this story about the Fern and the Bamboo which compelled me to write this. I hope that my story and this one helps someone out there. Thank you to those who saw and still see me for who I truly am and stood by me through it all. Love and light to all!