Activated

07.03.2023 – Recovery Activated on the Island Reflecting on the last two years, I can't help but feel immense gratitude for the initial 18 months of hard work, dedication, and a loving God that led me to discover the healing power of a simpler life. My recovery journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, but through it all, I have witnessed my own resilience and strength. I have rekindled the flames of my spirituality and my relationship with God. I am eternally grateful for a program that has provided a framework for living and has revealed to me riches that I could not even imagine when I was lost at the bottom of a bottle. For a year and a half, I navigated the challenging path of recovery. It was a time filled with ups and downs, moments of triumph and moments of doubt. I sought help, engaged in therapy, and surrounded myself with a supportive network of beloved friends, my amazing wife, and a family who never stopped believing in me. During this transformative period, I faced my demons, confronted the underlying issues that fueled my disease, and learned healthy coping mechanisms for those moments in life that require a mindful response rather than some sort of temporary relief. It was a time of self-discovery, self-compassion, and learning to love again as I unraveled the layers of pain and embraced the process of healing. It was after those initial 18 months, when I had healed enough to think clearly and make sound decisions, that God presented the opportunity to move. It felt like a calling—a chance to immerse myself in a new environment, one that would provide the perfect backdrop for further growth, renewal, and transformation. At the same time, it was terrifying. I would be leaving the comfort of the known and be distanced from my treasured friends and the fellowship that was so important to my recovery. It was the next exciting milestone for my wife and I as we took our daughter and move to an island in the pacific. Upon arriving, a sense of serenity washed over me. The air was crisp, the scent of saltwater carried on the breeze, and the island embraced me and my family with open arms. It was as if the very essence of the place whispered, "Welcome home. Here, you will find the peace and solace you have been seeking." The island's magnificent beaches have become an integral part of my recovery journey. Being constantly drawn there by my higher power. Each day that I walk their shores, the sand beneath my feet grounds me in the present moment. My higher power using the rhythmic sound of crashing waves as a symphony for my contemplation, soothing my soul and reminding me of the vastness of the world beyond my own struggles. The beaches, with their pristine beauty, have become my sanctuary—a place where I can continue to release the weight of the past and embrace the limitless possibilities of the present. Sitting upon the sands, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, and allowing Jesus to use the healing energy of the island to wash over me. The gentle lapping of the waves and the caress of the ocean breeze carrying away the daily challenges of life, the remnants of pain and doubt, and replacing them with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. It feels like life prepared me to come full circle and has welcomed me back into the familiar waters of my youth in southern California. I look up at the sky every day. I marvel at the clouds that dance above the island and provide cover for the mountain tops. They take on various shapes and forms, each beautiful and unique, transforming the canvas of the sky into a tapestry of inspiration. Sometimes I sit on the beach, my eyes fixed on the ever-changing patterns, finding solace and encouragement in their fleeting beauty. Those clouds become a reflection of my journey—sometimes stormy, sometimes gentle, but always evolving and reminding me that change and transformation are natural parts of my journey. I must continue to activate my recovery daily – the hard work is still required to keep myself on the path. The island provides the perfect environment for my continued journey. Its lush greenery and vibrant flora mirroring the fresh awakening within me. Each step I take feels like a step towards a deeper understanding of myself, a closer connection to God and the mysteries of a better future. If you find yourself on a similar journey, embrace it, seek support, and celebrate along the way. And when you discover your own version of the island—be it in nature, in art, or in the love and support of others—allow the spirit to guide you, to inspire you, and to remind you that a life free from the chains of the past is both possible and worth fighting for. May your sands ground you, your waves inspire you, your clouds remind you of the ever-changing nature of life and may the beauty around you ignite your spirit. With love and unwavering belief in the journey.