sobriety
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Challenge Accepted
Dear Mom, Have you ever felt like there was something you couldn’t do? Have you ever stopped yourself out of a fear of failure or assumption that it wasn’t achievable? Have you ever done it anyway and surprised yourself? Accomplished… Continue reading
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Taking Control
Dear Mom, Something unexpected happened to me this week. It might be due to some podcast episodes I’ve been listening to about habits and happiness, but I had a moment where everything changed for me. It’s as if suddenly I… Continue reading
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Flipping the Script
Dear Mom, “It’s exhausting taking care of me.” You wrote that in a journal entry titled A Day in the Life dated 3/21/13. I understand. Maybe not in the same way, but I get it. Your exhaustion was due to… Continue reading
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Beyond The Thread
Dear Mom, Each week when I write these letters to you, I inevitably type numerous sentences that don’t make it to the final draft. The nature of this style of writing, where I pick myself apart, leads to me going… Continue reading
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Searching for Authenticity
Dear Mom, I have always preferred running alone. On my own quiet trail. I’ve turned down running buddies. Said no to run clubs. I say it’s because it’s my time to be by myself and clear my head. And there… Continue reading
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Finding My Sober Identity
Dear Mom, Today I am starting my letter to you with a story. Stop me if you’ve heard it before. Once upon a time, there was a teenager who had a bit of a drinking problem. On the eve of… Continue reading
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The Duality of Vulnerability
Dear Mom, When I first started writing these letters to you, I opened myself up to criticism that made me deeply uncomfortable. Similar to the themes of last week, getting criticism, especially criticism about my writing and ultimately my feelings,… Continue reading
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Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Substance Abuse
Dear Mom, For much of my life, I have been truly successful at being mediocre without taking full responsibility. If you could respond right now, you’d probably say I’m not mediocre. I’m wonderful. But really, I could have been much… Continue reading
Sober Letters to Mom 