Standing on the Smith Street Bridge (high bridge) on a cold March night, looking down at the Mississippi River, I was ready to take my own life. By the grace of god, creator, spirit -- whatever you believe someone drove by and stopped to ask what I was doing….
At that moment, I decided to cross the bridge (literally) and enter a new chapter of life. As a recovering opioid addict, the next few days were hell. Detoxing by myself, not knowing if I would make it, was a powerful decision I had made for myself. Fortunately, I did one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I picked up the phone and reached out for help! At that moment, I realized I was perfectly broken; it was up to me to determine how to piece myself back together. As cliche as it sounds, I had to do it one day, one piece at a time.
On March 7th, 2014 I entered treatment 3 days clean - still struggling and very sick. I took a new approach at 29 years old, completely defeated and full of self-pity. I embraced what was all around me: people, recovery, healing, and most of all, HOPE. I quickly realized that if I didn't embrace what was around me, I would end up back in the same spot I once was. Each day I decided to enjoy the ride and be part of my healing process. It wasn't easy or pleasant at times, but everyone around me kept telling me that it would get better. They weren't wrong!
I am grateful that in 2024, I’ve been blessed to maintain consistency in my recovery. The life I choose to live now is one that I never thought possible….my only regret is not starting this journey earlier in my life. But at the end of the day, I’m right where I need to be!