The Courage to Change
Today I’m sharing a wildly inspirational story from a personal hero of mine. Her name is Kendra — a genuine, enthusiastic, and empathetic soul whose sense of humor and zest for life shine through literally everything she does. She’s an incredible mother to three smart and spunky kiddos (fur mama too!), ultra-marathoner and CrossFitter (insane, I know), with an amazing story about overcoming addiction over these past five years.
Without further ado, here’s the story, in her words:
I need to share something that I don’t often discuss publicly (though I should). Today, I am proudly five years sober.
I had drank far too much for far too long. I made a painful mistake that became my personal wake-up call. I found rehab and committed to sobriety; it changed me.
The first two years were hard and I wasn’t managing it very well, but I was sober. By 2017, I had gained 25 pounds. Why? I had substituted sweets for alcohol and it caught up with me. I was full of inflammation and pain from a body living on sugar and junk. I had traded one unhealthy addiction for another. I began to change my unhealthy diet; it changed me.
One year ago, I gave up the comfort of a gym, a trainer and members that I love because I needed something new. I joined CrossFit even though I was intimidated; it changed me.
Change is scary as hell. Most things that are worth it are. I am stronger and happier now because I face change with open arms. According to Einstein, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Change takes time and commitment.
Remember, all of this took me five years. And while the first two years were rough, the past three have been good and this last one, despite Covid, has been the best. Alcohol no longer controls me. I barely think about it anymore.
Why am I sharing all of this? It’s not to brag... it’s not to get attention or praise... I am so proud of myself and so are my children and that’s all I need... but I know that when people recover loudly, we keep others from dying quietly. And we die quietly because there is shame in addiction.
That’s stupid and that’s why I’m sharing all of this. I’m not ashamed. I hate feeling vulnerable but if I can help ONE person, it was worth it.
Those of us that have been in the dark will always come back for the others because we know the way out.
Whatever is holding you back, life will get better but you actually have to change.
If you need help, have the courage to change. You can’t and shouldn’t do this alone though. I built a tribe of family and friends who had and still have my back. For each one of you who got me to today, you know I love you and I am grateful for you. And if you need me in your tribe, I’m in!
Thank you for reading!
