Kari L – The First Steps

Eight years ago, I decided to make the life-changing decision to begin my recovery journey from a substance use disorder.  At the time, I was broken, overwhelmed, unsure, and extremely disconnected from myself and others around me.  The early days of my recovery were some of the hardest I have ever faced and required me to become fully honest, humble, and willing to sit with the discomfort I had always tried to avoid.  I took those first steps at Mountainside, and they gave me a firm foundation to start this wonderful journey.  With the support of others, a growing belief in myself and my recovery, and a commitment to change, I began to start to rebuild my life, one day at a time.

Today, as I reflect on eight years in recovery, I am filled with the utmost gratitude for where I started and how far I have come.  Recovery has not only given me freedom from my active addiction, but it has also allowed me to discover who I am and what I enjoy.  The promises have come true and are continuing to amaze me as the days progress, and through this journey, I made the decision to go back to school, got married, bought a house, found a purpose in my career working in the treatment field, and built a network of lifelong friends.  I have learned to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience, self-awareness, and compassion, both for myself and others. While this journey is ongoing, I now move forward with strength, purpose, and hope, proud of the woman I have become, and forever grateful to what Mountainside has given me.