08/31/2025
I got my year chip yesterday at Basin and incase yall missed it I actually spoke, I am not a mute. Ha. So if you care to read this is my speech. Ariella. Alcoholic
08.02.2024
I did it by taking that lil bit of hope I held onto in what i considered my final rock bottom and i turned it into something greater. It didnt come easy or overnight, I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and fast because I knew i was running out of time - Diagnosed with pancreatitus at 28 in may of 2020 and even that didn't stop me, at times it made me pause but I continued to find my way back to the bottle. My final straw was 4 years later when I was diagnosed with cirrhosis and kidney failure at 32...
August 1st 2024 I refused discharge from the hospital till I got confirmation a bed was available for me and on August 2nd 2024 is where my journey began. I walked into turning points doors weak, frail, in pain, bloated and jaundiced... fearful and nevertheless shy as ever but optimistic about getting, being, and doing better. I was stepping into the unknown and I wasn't physically or mentally ready but I had to be. I even opted for a 2 week extension because of the type of Alcoholic I knew myself to be.
September 24th 2024 I began another journey with Straightline and I believe with everything in me that both turning point and Straightline were two of the best decisions I could have made for myself in my recovery. Looking at me today, you'd never guess i was a full blown functioning alcoholic getting ready to ding d**g ditch deaths door just a year ago. I'm not ashamed to admit that i am an alcoholic because it's something I remind myself of everyday... I learned that it's okay to revisit the past but not to stay stuck there, and so I do go back and I remember all the self inflicted pain I was enduring... while in turning point I heard a quote and it stuck with me ever since... "Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional." and with daily determination, dedication and perseverance i make it another day sober because everyday I wake up I make a conscious decision not to let suffering be an option. We are only ever one thought away from transforming our lives and letting go of our suffering and I am so proud of myself for allowing myself to do just that.
I am grateful for the program of Alcoholics Anonymous because as it continues to repair what was broken within myself, its helped begin to restore what I broke with my family back in New Mexico.
When I began my journey here in Texas in 2021 I didnt expect to end up in the predicament I was in when my sobriety journey started but I started it on my own. I didn't have blood relations here and my daughter was the only family I had... but its not blood what makes you family... and needless to say Ive made my own family along the way. I am no longer alone.
Looking back on where I was a year ago, I can now give myself credit, grace and love because even tho im not where I want to be, im definitely not where I was... and I worked for it.
I've been employed at the same company for 9 months, I was at a Dr's appointment recently and got news that my organs are functioning accordingly and my levels are in normal range, my kids and blood relations in New Mexico love me,
I am engaged to my best friend, I live in a house full of strong determined women who i now consider my family... I found my tribe and they clap so loud for me that I dont notice those who don't.
At a point in time, I use to count my days but now I make the days count. It wasnt easy but every step of the way has been worth it. ✨️
