The Winning Essay:
"How has being part of a recovery community impacted and influenced me?"
I would have to first off praise our risen savior every day when I wake up. I would then give thanks to him as well as my community, especially my recovery community. They have been so patient and kind to me in all they do for us. I suffered through my addiction battle many days alone and not realizing there was a whole world outside with many people who would, yes, even in addiction, still befriend me. In a recovery part of my community, they have special people that specifically want and desire to inspire and encourage any addict to be a part of their own recovery. With this, I had AA/VA meetings, spiritual growth, friendships, 3 positive relationships in which would be there for you as you try to find yourself and your place among society again.
"What is something that has changed in me since choosing recovery?"
I can look at myself in the mirror again. I can speak calmly to my family and my friends. I was almost a soulless person. I knew myself was there, needing to surface. With a recovery community it can. Actually, a whole lot comes to the surface and can at times overwhelm you, yet with them there was not too much they hadn't seen or expected. It's just enough to let you know that you are not alone. You are somebody, you are a good somebody. Somebody worth watching out the window for. Somebody worth seeing. What you have to say matters. Your truth matters, yet so do others' that know an old you, still fighting to make sure you never give up in search of a better you.
"What does being active in recovery mean to you?"
I believe this means I must apply myself to bettering myself. I must be willing to dust myself off and get back up when I fall down. With my recovery community, I know in my heart and my mind, that somebody has an understanding of my recovery I need support. The smile on their face and their encouragement may be all that helps me that day. What an answer to it all. Maybe, I didn't get it right before, but with your help and my "own" faith in a better me, we can come up with a plan that best fits me on my bad days. Maybe it's not a bad day, just a really "needed-you" day. Thank you to all who has served all over the U.S. in recovery, never giving up on me even once time. May you be blessed as you have blessed me and countless others all your days. May we have many more.
Thank you.