Independence: So Much More Than a Day
Fireworks will ignite across America today as celebratory symbols of freedom.
Flags will fly, hot dogs will grill, parks and pools will overflow with folks grateful for a Monday off work.
I’m a gal from Independence, MO so I’ve always been proud of my connection to independence as a word. In my 20 years of sobriety, I’ve learned to use independence and the word freedom in tandem.
Freedom from addiction: now that is something to celebrate, as is independence from the mental twists and turns that led me to the disease of addiction. And the coolest part of being free and independent of active addiction to substances?
I’m grateful that I used them in the first place. Every time I abused my body, mind and spirit with alcohol or came out of a blackout or suffered through the world’s worst hangover, I traveled closer to this day.
This magnificent, awe-inspiring, God-filled Independence Day is the day of freedom I so longed for when I was drinking. Little did I know that I had to consume every drink and had to wrap my arms around each porcelian bowl in order to arrive here.
God, what a place this is today, what a peaceful, yet thrilling place of grace. Thank you not only for the grand gift of sobriety, but for the laser-sharp awareness of what it took to get to this day of independence.
Please share your thoughts of the glory of independence on this Mindful Monday. Love to all!
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About Beth Wilson
In July of 2009, I had an epiphany. For about a month prior, I was emotionally distraught, increasingly depressed and having serious thoughts of drinking again (after 18 years of sobriety).
I struggled to wrap my arms around what could possibly be wrong with me. I had all the trappings of a good life, one others would love to emulate--great job, dream house, traveling for a living, a life mate . . . the list goes on. Read more >>B Connected to B Here
Venture In the Wild!
Beautiful post, Beth. Independence Day can have so many different meanings for each of us. I too, feel that coming out of a bad situation, being able to let go and find the freedom from being addicted to my children’s issues has changed my life in so many ways. I think everyone who has come through a bad situation, which is most of us in some form or another, appreciates where we’ve been and where we are now. It takes such a special person to embrace sobriety and find their joy again. Thanks!
You are so right, Cathy. Whenver we move away from a destructive situation, we honor the God creations that we are. Thank you for reading, and for the work you do in setting yourself free from addictive behavior. I appreciate you so! Blessings to you.