Today

Today, I celebrate life, as it was meant to be.
Today, marks another milestone that I have not
had a drink in a year and ten months.
I rarely think about it anymore.
I have gotten on with the business of life,
of living.
Today, I can hold my head up high,
I live an authentic life.
I cannot believe that I ever lived
any other way.
Some things I notice are that I am able
to think more logically.
I have learned to tweak and think, and solve
my way out of problems and challenges better.
I am on a moving path, instead of a downward spiral
or stagnant existence.
While I always cared about my loved ones,
I notice that it is even more so now.
Maybe they were always struggling from time
to time, but I notice and it affects me
more deeply now, and I want to do whatever
I can to help. Even if that means being
a constant presence and source of stability
and strength.
It also makes me realize how I must have
caused the same worry of unsettling for them
when I was unhappy or a mess.
It's a good path I have chosen.
It seems to also have chosen me.
The best way I can help those still struggling
with addiction and alcoholism,
is to serve as a quiet example,
that life goes on, that progress is made
that happiness is found in nooks and crannies,
that we can overcome our challenges,
and that begins with recognition
that there is a problem,
and the decision that we want that to change
and are willing to do whatever is within
our power to change that,
and the rest is placed faithfully
and gently in God's hands.

~Jenny