I’ve found that people are generally shocked when I tell them that getting sober was, surprisingly, not the hardest thing I’ve done. Because let me tell you, choosing between dessert or another cocktail? Now, that was hard!
You see, life basically boils down to a series of choices. Choices that sometimes involve two seemingly impossible options. Staying stuck? That’s hard. Moving forward? That’s hard, too. But a choice has to be made. And hiding your head in the sand isn’t going to help; choosing not to act is a choice in itself.
Before I chose an alcohol-free life, I would hide behind a glass of alcohol and pray that somehow my troubles would resolve themselves. You’ve probably heard those voices in your head, too – the ones that tell you it’s okay to take the easy way out, the ones that validate your not-so-healthy coping mechanisms for a momentary bit of relief.
But the hangovers, the shame, the morning-after embarrassment that would follow? They were reminders that not only would I have to face challenges in my life, but that I would be doing it feeling far less than my best.
So I had a difficult choice to make. The thought of giving up alcohol seemed impossible, but it was equally if not more impossible for me to waste my one life continuing to live this way. Either path was going to be difficult, but the decision was solely in my hands.
And let me be clear, I’m not saying that getting sober was a cakewalk. It was rough and scary, but it was a different kind of hard. It was the kind that came with a payoff. Suddenly, there was a rush of freedom I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had control again. I was no longer passive in my fight against depression and alcohol. My self-esteem, dignity, my actual taste buds, and hey, even my liver recovered.
So, to everyone who’s reading this—whether you’re on the path to sobriety or merely trying to understand the journey, I’m going to leave you with this: what ‘hard’ will you choose? Is it embracing the fear and quitting a job that’s sucking the life out of you? Being vulnerable and asking for that raise you’ve deserved since, oh I don’t know, 2006? Standing up to a family member who, bless their heart, just can’t seem to keep their nose out of your business? Or maybe, just possibly, pouring out that drink and choosing the future version of you?
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s a different kind of freedom. You’ve chosen. You’ve taken control. Suddenly, that impossible choice carries you toward a stronger, more empowered version of yourself.
So, love the difficulty. Embrace your hard. I guarantee you: No matter what hard you choose, each step you take (and yes, even the steps backward count) is a step forward on your journey to self-discovery.
And know that you’re not alone. Countless others have walked a similar road, and I’m one of them. So take a deep breath, gather your courage, and confidently step toward the action that best serves you. Because in the end, you’re choosing growth, strength, and the full, vibrant life you truly deserve.
Remember, it’s not about choosing the easy path—
it’s about choosing the right one.