Yes, this is my first blog and yes, I am nervous.
I have never written a blog before and going into writing this I have no idea what to say. What topic do I cover first? How can I reach people in the best way? And the always dreaded question – will people enjoy what I have to say? All of these thoughts and more have been running through my mind ever since I decided to jump into the deep end of the blogging pool.
Originally, I was going to write about what it was like to first get sober and all of the feelings that I had behind that. As I continued to write, I hit a wall and felt that something was missing.
My family has always been supportive of me, especially in times of need and this was no different. I called my Dad to get some perspective and he came up with the most novel idea – why don’t I introduce myself and explain what the driving force is behind this website and this blog. Clearly, this was the most obvious and simple choice. So many times in my life, in all different areas, I get so wrapped up in something that I can’t see a solution and I immediately start thinking negatively about….everything.
Before I get into that, let me tell you about why I was so excited and wrapped up in writing this first blog. First off, as you might have noticed from the website, my name is AJ. Being sober is not something that defines me but it is a part of who I am.
About two years ago, I was asked to speak at my old high school about addiction to a group of seniors who were going to be on their way to college. My first reaction was a firm no. There was no way I was going to go back to where my parents still lived to talk about some of the most personal things in my life. With a little bit of prodding, I said yes and I haven’t looked back.
That’s what brings me to this first blog. I want to do two things: end the stigma of what addiction, sobriety and mental health recovery mean and offer a space where people can talk openly about it and anything related. Besides food, shelter and water, I think communication is the most important thing for humans. We are all looking to connect to something or someone.
I want this blog to turn into a community. One that is free of judgement and where we can talk about what is going on for us individually. Whether you in recovery for substance use or mental health reasons we still have to tackle life’s problems, yea they still happen. Break ups, stuff with family, things going on at work or maybe you think a friend needs some help or if you think you need some help, I want this to be the place you can go to and where we can help each other.
Ask questions, give advice, tell everyone how you were able to overcome something and what you did to do it.
So, welcome to all. Come be nervous with me and maybe we can all help each other.
I am so excited to have you all here and to share this journey with you.