10/11/2026
Twelve years of choosing a different path. (Part 2)
Recovery didn’t just save my life; it gently and beautifully rebuilt it from the ground up.To honor these 12 years, I wanted to share 12 truths, lessons, and gifts that this journey has so kindly given me:
7. Rebuilt broken trust: I learned that true healing takes time, and that apologies find their real meaning when they are backed up by consistent, changed behavior over the years.
8. Discovered true presence: I am actually, truly here for my life. I get to fully show up for the big milestones, the quiet mornings, and every single messy, beautiful moment without a fog hanging over me.
9. Learning to let go: As a natural Type A personality, giving up control is still a daily work in progress for me. But over the years, I’ve learned the peace of stepping back and simply letting Jesus take the wheel when things are out of my hands.
10. Deep gratitude for my past self: Instead of carrying around the heavy weight of shame, I look back at the person I was 12 years ago with so much thankfulness. She was just trying to survive, and she made the incredibly brave choice to give me the beautiful life I have today.
11. Leaned on my circle: I learned that true strength doesn’t mean doing it all alone. I committed to therapy, leaned heavily on the open arms of my husband, my brother, and my mom, and intentionally surrounded myself with a circle of people who love me exactly as I am.
12. Built a life beyond my wildest dreams: Because I chose recovery, I was blessed with the ability to be a mother to not just one beautiful, sassy girl, but to two. I found the focus to create my very own business. And hand-in-hand with my best friend, I created an incredible life and built our forever home. Twelve years ago, I gave up one thing to get everything back.
If you are out there scrolling today and you’re currently on Day 1, Day 12, or just wondering if a change is possible: please don’t give up. Your story isn’t over, and it is worth every single hard day. One day at a time. I promise you it’ll be the best decision you make for you!