From Rock Bottom to Hope: A Journey of Recovery

There she was—heartbroken, exhausted, and convinced she had no hope left.

Her boyfriend had gone back to his ex-wife, leaving her crushed and feeling abandoned. The pain was so heavy it kept her on the floor for weeks. Classes were skipped, books stayed unopened, and the possibility of flunking out of college loomed closer each day.

Parties became the priority. Work became an afterthought. Her boss and coworkers saw what she couldn’t admit: she was drinking too much, showing up high, and spiraling fast. Eventually, she lost her job. “No big deal,” she told herself, “I’ll just get another one.”

But when the noise of denial faded, the silence was deafening. In the private, dark, and lonely moments, she asked herself: “What’s wrong with me? My life is falling apart. Do I even want to keep going?”

That young woman was me at 23.

I had hit rock bottom—body aching from grief, mind overwhelmed by chaos, and soul weighed down by emptiness. And yet, somewhere deep inside, a tiny seed of hope remained. I longed for something better, for people who were safe, strong, and encouraging. I didn’t know it then, but my family was preparing an intervention that would change everything.

With the help of an interventionist, they guided me toward treatment. That was over 40 years ago.

Today, by God’s grace and the support of countless people who loved me through it, I’ve been clean and sober for more than 14,965 days—one day at a time.

I feel alive. Connected. Purposeful. I laugh more, I love more deeply, and I know joy like I never thought possible.

But let’s be honest—life is still messy. Recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about learning to feel instead of numbing out, about facing fears instead of running, and about discovering that freedom is possible.

Here’s what I want you to know: THERE IS HOPE.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, mental health, or destructive patterns—please don’t give up. Help exists, and healing is possible.

Here are three truths that carried me through:

1. Don’t do it alone

Secrets keep us stuck, but honesty opens the door to freedom. Shame whispers, “You’re defective,” but community says, “You’re not alone.”

• Find a therapist who understands your struggle.

• Join a support group—12-step meetings, therapy groups, or faith-based groups.

• Share your story, even when it feels impossible. Miraculously, that’s when healing begins.

2. Do the hard work

Recovery isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. With support, you’ll build new habits, repair broken relationships, and rediscover who you truly are.

• Work the 12 steps or other recovery programs.

• Stick with therapy and stay open to learning.

• Remember: challenges won’t disappear, but you’ll become stronger, steadier, and more resilient.

3. Don’t give up

There will be moments you want to quit. Times when progress feels invisible and old temptations come calling. When that happens—reach out. Pick up the phone. Go to a meeting. Pray. Lean on your Higher Power. Just don’t give up.

Because if I can recover, so can you.

Recovery is not just about surviving—it’s about living fully, freely, and joyfully. And no matter where you are today, hope is waiting for you.