I have 7 years sober from alcohol. I have a sponsor and I am reworking the steps. This time its harder than the first 3 times. I am going through the first 86 pages of the Narcotics Anonymous book. I am highlighting the parts of the book that I relate to in the lens of myself now. This process is humbling. It’s like realizing that I was never truly “abstinent.” I always had this “thing” I could fall back on. I am working on a section of myself that I have held on to as a clutch. In order to avoid the step-work, and avoid sharing in meetings I rely on Recovery podcasts with inspirational stories.
I found a podcast named She Recovers. While I was scrolling through the titles, I saw a familiar author listed as a guest speaker back in 2020. Holly Whitaker wrote Quit like a Woman. The book explores the radical choices to not drink in a culture obsessed with alcohol. I went on a rabbit whole and found her articles on the sub stack site. Ironically, she had posted a new article that day. It was November 5th, 2025. The article was called “We got sober, Then we got our ADHD Diagnosis. This is what happened next.” I read her book in 2023. She ignited this responsive joy in me. This joy motivated me to create my recovery for myself through routine and what I love doing. At the time she inspired me so much, I created a woman’s yoga/mediation NA group that met every Saturday in a park. Well. Now she has inspired me again after her latest article, not only because the title is literally speaking to me, but because even though she wrote a book that was so controversial for its time and is still writing and doing podcasts. She didn’t let the opinions of others dim her light and its so inspiring.
I think the best part of recovery, is there is always this adventure of self-discovery around resilience and growth. Where the change is, is in the consistency and knowing our purpose is to help others no matter what.
The people who inspire me the most dedicate their lives to service work. They still have time to take care of themselves with patience and grace. I’m still learning that balance. I know part of that learning is honesty on personal limitations. My sponsor calls it self-integrity. One day I want to lead others through empowerment, organizational development, and leadership. I also want to be led by inspiration and humility.
“I am both the sacred breath that moves through me, and the bones that hold me up.” 
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