Two nights ago, I sashayed right down the middle of that same aisle, feeling a powerful thrill in the knowledge that I would not be pausing there again. For so long, I worried certain parts of me would have to die when I became sober—the unbridled, edgy and cool parts. Today, I know otherwise. I call upon my inner rebel every day. I need her strength as I sit bravely with my emotions and fears. I depend upon her as I straighten my spine and head out into a world that still buys into the myths about women and alcohol. Today, I do not rely on liquid courage or work tirelessly to uphold some curated image that insists I am bold and free. I simply am. I am a pioneer. I am a revolutionary. Because to be proudly sober in today's world is a true act of rebellion. Addiction kept me small for so long. My pride today is not simply because of my marriage or my kids or my accomplishments—I have pride in simply being me. I have become fluent in the language of truth and vulnerability. I show up as the same person no matter what room I walk into. I live in a house where the truth is told. I have lost invitations and some people, but I have found real friendships and spaces in which I am genuinely wanted. Recovery has reunited me with my inner wild child, and she is everything I ever longed to be. Today, I finally know what it means to be a trailblazer because the bravest thing I have ever done is to stand up with my head high, sword drawn, sequins on and declare, " Not today, lady. Not today."
HOLA SOBER | MADRID
HOLA SOBER | MADRID
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