Today is 2 years without a drink!

Today is also the first day of not smoking.

I had quit smoking for 10 years, but when I quit drinking, I started smoking. So now it is time to give up the smokes.

Overall, I have been doing a lot to take care of myself over the past couple years. I have lost 40 lbs by improving my diet. I am now at my ideal body weight.

I am in regular therapy and making excellent progress.

I am starting to reach out to others a little more. During the last phase of my drinking and the first year of my recovery, I almost never left my house and had very little online support. Not only did I not leave my house—I spent most of my time hiding in my bedroom. The world just seemed too overwhelming. Now, I am making it to the grocery store, pharmacy, work and a few social activities. Going down to the mail box is still a little stressful, but I do it.

It has been 6 years and 10 months since I have had crack—another miracle in my life.

My depression and anxiety are under control with meds.

Today, I am extremely grateful for all the good things happening to me. I know giving up the cigarettes is going to be a battle, but I think I am ready to take it on and conquer it. I feel like I have a second lease on life and I want to make as much of it as I possibly can…

Sartre, “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”

Sartre, “Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.”