Stepping into a new character, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery after spending my first 18 months of sobriety in Atlanta. Venturing to Singapore for a year, followed by 3.5 years in Bali, Indonesia, I found myself immersed in a new sense of freedom and purpose.
As I basked in the beauty of my surroundings, questions lingered. Was I fleeing from my past? What exactly was I liberated from? Perhaps it was the opportunity to confront those I had wronged in the past and the chance to nurture my sobriety in an environment of tranquility and love.
In the midst of this newfound clarity, inspiration struck. Fueled by my passion for fitness and the serenity of the beach, I conceived a versatile beach fitness bag that could be filled with sand and water, aptly named “The Earth is Our Gym Bag.”
Setting up shop in Bali, I encountered my fair share of challenges in manufacturing. Despite the setbacks, I found solace in the supportive community and the comfort of my villa. However, life had other plans for me.
Following the tragic loss of my brother to suicide and the tug of homesickness for my parents, I made the difficult decision to return to the U.S. with intentions of sorting out manufacturing issues and promptly returning to Bali.
But fate had a different agenda. Despite my reluctance, the only viable manufacturing option for my bag was in Los Angeles, California — the last place I wanted to be. Reluctantly, I found myself back where it all began, facing the ghosts of my past and navigating through unforeseen obstacles.
As I grappled with homelessness, grief, and the overwhelming desire to escape, I realized that the path to healing required confronting my pain head-on, without the crutch of substances. Despite the turmoil, my commitment to sobriety remained unwavering.
However, the journey ahead was far from easy. The unexpected passing of my father shattered my resolve, leaving me adrift and uncertain of my next steps. Yet, amidst the darkness, I found strength in the foundational principles of sobriety — fellowship, service, prayer, and meditation.
As the five-year mark of my sobriety journey loomed, I understood the importance of staying grounded and connected to the practices that had sustained me thus far. Despite feeling disconnected and adrift in the U.S., I remained steadfast in my commitment to self-improvement and growth.
Reflecting on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I realized that true fulfillment lay in self-actualization — a journey that required discipline, openness, and a willingness to embrace change. Seeking guidance from mentors and like-minded individuals, I embarked on the next phase of my journey, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.
In sobriety, I found not only freedom from addiction but a renewed sense of purpose and possibility — a testament to the transformative power of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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