On Thursday, I celebrated 23 years of sobriety. My son Paul, presented me with my medallion. It was a very special and magical night filled with fellowship, friendship, and love.
This is the gift of sobriety. And while it’s important to celebrate these milestones for our own recovery, it is equally important to share it so others can see that it works. Long term sobriety is possible. And it can be beautiful. Life can be wonderful without drinking. Life is wonderful because I’m not drinking.
This past year, my journey took me deeper into my recovery. And what I found there is nothing short of a miracle.
I have written and spoken of my gratitude, my growth, my spirituality and my faith. I have shared the incredible gifts that come because I am sober. Gifts that I needed. Gifts that gave me back myself. Gifts that were lessons and blessings.
And I have experienced the promises. I am no longer afraid of the darkness or of feeling what needs to be felt. I embrace it all. I feel and experience it all. I cherish it all. Because I know now, no matter what crosses my path, it will be ok. I will be ok. It doesn’t stay dark forever. Light and love always shine through.
23 years.
One day at a time.
Wanderlust 
Congratulations and wishing you many more gifts and blessings. 🙂
Thank you Carolyn!! All the best to you as well!!
Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you!!!
I like the medallion and the lovely butterfly image, too. Congratulations for a long time of being sober, I am excited to see you reach this great landmark in sobriety, Tracy!! Hugs, Robin
Thank you Robin! The card is from a friend who has witnessed my transformation…that is what it feels like:-)
Expressed so eloquently and beautifully!! Congratuations!!
Thank you Bob:-) Now go to a meeting!!!!
That was lovely. I wish I could have been there, But am so glad Paul was able to present you with the medal. We never cease to be proud of your sobriety, among all the other things you have accomplished !
Thank you Mom! I love you❤️
Tracy, I have a serious question: did you get sober when you turned TWO?!?!? You look like you could BE 23!!!!!
The most sincere congratulations to you, I am so grateful you continue to share your experience, strength, and hope with us 🙂
You are funny Josie!!!!! But thank you!!! More like 53:-) it’s all those years of not drinking!!!! And I’m so grateful that you share your story as well my friend! This online fellowship is the best❤️
You are an inspiration!
Thank you:-) We inspire eachother!!
Congratulations on your milestone. Your line about not being afraid of the darkness or the feeling that needs to be felt…..perfect!<3
Thank you April!!!! 🙂
Wow. Beautiful photos and beautiful sobriety. You are so inspiring!!!
Congrats congrats congrats!
Thank you!! I am looking forward to checking out your blog!!
Congratulations! Gosh, 23 years! What an inspiration to those of us just starting out. Thank you for that!
~Jami
Thank you Jami! One day at a time is all we really need:-)
Congrats, Tracy! You’re such an inspiration to so many of us. Blessings!
Reblogged this on Life Corked and commented:
A beautiful post by a fellow sober blogger and friend.
Congrats Tracy! You’re a true inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing gift with us. It does work and life is good. Sober we can indeed get through anything. And thank you for your beautiful photos! Hugs!
Than k you Maggie! And, yes…we can get through anything with gratitude and grace❤️
Congrats on your journey. A dear friend of mine collected her 29 year chip at a meeting I was at last week. I remember being new about and just not comprehending someone being a year or two let only decades sober. Now I’m in my second decade and comprehend it better but still consider myself a newcomer with much to learn still…
I think we all feel that way…life is a journey!!! Thanks for reading!!:-)
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Beautiful. Important. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
Congratulations! Beautiful words and beautiful pics.
Thank you!!