Solo episode celebrating 6 years of sobriety!

Six years ago today, I woke up after drinking once again—only this time was different. I knew I was done. I still had alcohol in my system, so I decided the next day, March 21, 2019, would be my first fully sober day. But today, March 20, was the day of my awakening.Last night in the She Walks Canada coaching group, we talked about what it means to be sober and stay sober. For me, it has meant that every single day is hard work. Every day, I have to look deep within myself—not just to see what I can do better, but to do better. And every day, I wake up knowing that my life is a gift. That should be the way everyone feels, whether you’re recovering from addiction or not—because nothing in this life is guaranteed.Things look different now. I don’t think about drinking much, but every so often, I glance at a wine glass and think, Wouldn’t it be nice?—and then reality slaps me back. I remember the depths of despair while I was in my heaviest drinking days, barely hanging on, drowning in trauma, and navigating what I now know was perimenopause. I was so hollow inside. I was contemplating suicide daily, convinced my family would be better off without me.I’m so grateful for the people in my life who never stopped hoping I’d wake up one day and realize that my life did matter. That I mattered.I still carry regrets. I still have days when shame and guilt creep in. But I have come so far. And if you’re struggling, please know that you can, too. Keep going. You are worth it.Follow me @heathermdanby on InstagramVisit www.shewalkscanada.com for weekly coaching calls (women only)Follow @thedeliberateone on Instagram for sober help and motivation. Chelsea is a certified sober and life coach, specializing in breathwork. She has over 5 years of sobriety and offers private coaching as well as leading the She Walks Canada Platform.